ASEAN leaders convene in Kuala Lumpur today for the 46th summit, where they are set to sign a declaration outlining the region’s future direction.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Southeast Asian leaders gather in Malaysia’s capital today for a pivotal summit and a series of high-level meetings focused on pressing regional issues.

The agenda kicks off with the 46th ASEAN Summit (Plenary), followed by the 46th ASEAN Summit (Retreat), where leaders will address key challenges, set strategic priorities, and strengthen regional cohesion.

Also lined up are engagement sessions between ASEAN leaders and representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Youth, and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).

The highlight of the day will be the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future — a landmark agreement charting the path for the region’s long-term community-building efforts.

The day concludes with a Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, where leaders will enjoy local cuisine and cultural performances.

The 46th ASEAN Summit takes place under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” marking the country’s fifth time at the helm following terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

In conjunction with the summit, two key high-level meetings — the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit — will also be held to further strengthen regional and cross-regional collaboration. — Bernama