ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations










}} (ASEAN) . Merriam-Webster has , and the Voice of America recommends .}} is a regional grouping of all 11 states in Southeast Asia, which aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its members. Together, its member states represent a population of more than 600 million people and a land area of over . The bloc generated a purchasing power parity (PPP) gross domestic product (GDP) of around trillion in 2022, constituting approximately 6.5% of global GDP (PPP). ASEAN member states include some of the fastest growing economies in the world, and the institution plays an integral role in East Asian regionalism.

The primary objectives of ASEAN, as stated by the association, are "to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region", and "to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter." In recent years, the bloc has broadened its objectives beyond economic and social spheres. The current Secretary-General is Kao Kim Hourn, while the chairmanship for this year is held by Malaysia, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The ASEAN chairmanship was handed over formally to the Philippines for 2026 on 28 October 2025. Full chairmanship will be assumed on 1 January 2026.

ASEAN engages with other international entities in the Asia-Pacific region and other parts of the world. It is a major partner of the , , , , Mercosur, , and . It also hosts diplomatic missions throughout the world, maintaining a global network of relationships that is widely regarded as the central forum for cooperation in the region. Its success has become the driving force of some of the largest trade blocs in history, including and . Provided by Wikipedia