By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In response to the worsening effects of climate change worldwide, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to champion sustainability in the various initiatives of the 11-country bloc.
This, as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) took the Philippines’ chairship of the 2026 summit to advance the sustainable infrastructure agenda at the ASEAN Committee on Sustainable Infrastructure (ACSI) meeting on March 12.
Anchored in resilience and regional development, the meeting focused on the Sustainable Infrastructure Action Plan (SIAP) 2026-2030, which is part of the long-term vision of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
DEPDev Undersecretary and ACSI Chairperson Joseph Capuno expressed support for the proposed Multi-Year Programme on Enhancing Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Cooperation in ASEAN.
This vision aims to boost economic competitiveness, strengthen regional integration, promote resilience, and improve people’s lives. Covering six strategic measures, the SIAP will anchor regional collaborations and partnerships to successfully achieve the goal of responding to current and emerging trends in infrastructure.
SIAP is aligned with the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP). Adopted in 2025, the ACSP outlines the region’s long-term vision to strengthen physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity in support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The summit concluded with the premise that through close collaboration with like-minded member states, ASEAN countries can break new ground and make meaningful change that would resonate with their respective constituencies.
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