JAKARTA, 7 August 2025 – ASEAN is set to commemorate its 58th Anniversary on 8 August with a significant celebration highlighting the theme, “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future.” The commemoration, which will feature a morning ceremonial programme and an open-house format in the afternoon, will take place at the ASEAN Secretariat/ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, bringing together the diplomatic corps of Jakarta, cultural talents, and various stakeholders to highlight ASEAN’s enduring commitment to its people and the planet.
The morning ceremony will feature remarks from Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and a pre-recorded message delivered by the Honourable Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of ASEAN this year. Attendees can also look forward to captivating performances showcasing the rich tapestry of ASEAN cultures, with a special focus on talents from inclusive societies, including individuals with disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.
As part of the ASEAN Day celebration, Secretary-General Dr. Kao will also officiate the commencement of the official operation electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations, funded by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF). The initiative is part of an AKCF-funded project aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat/Headquarters by adopting energy-efficiency technologies.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the 58th Anniversary will offer a vibrant afternoon of activities, including the ASEAN Food Festival, which will display a diverse array of the region’s culinary heritage, and an Exhibition on Inclusive & Sustainable Products/Practices, demonstrating innovative approaches to a greener future. Complementing this, a Panel Discussion and Workshop on Sustainability Products will explore “Living a Sustainable Life,” featuring practical sessions with sustainable businesses from the region. These include Setali, Demi Bumi, DuAnyam, Sirsak.co, and Maybank Foundation.
At the same time, the 58th ASEAN Day will also be celebrated and observed at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, led by the Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, with expected attendance of representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), Timor-Leste, Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Entities and Centres of Excellences (COEs). One notable highlight of the day is the marching parade, which comprises, among others, pavilion representatives from all AMSs, Timor-Leste, the ASEAN Secretariat, and other ASEAN organs. This is also the first time that ASEAN Day has been commemorated in the history of the World Expo.
One much-anticipated feature in Osaka on August 8, 2025, is the cultural music performance by C asean Consonant, a traditional ensemble composed of ten members playing one national musical instrument from each ASEAN Member State. The C asean Consonant has, over the years, collaborated with the Jakarta-based ASEAN Secretariat/ASEAN Headquarters to enhance regional diplomacy and cultural exchange on numerous notable occasions, including during ASEAN’s golden jubilee in 2017 and the then-new ASEAN Secretariat building inauguration in 2019. In addition to the scheduled ASEAN Day performance on 8 August 2025 in Osaka, the C asean Consonant would also be playing at the various ASEAN Member States’ national pavilions.
The commemoration of the 58th ASEAN Day this year, held concurrently in Osaka and Jakarta, underscores ASEAN’s commitment to peace and cooperation beyond the region, particularly through its collaboration with Japan, a valued dialogue partner. This is also part of the ASEAN Secretariat’s outreach and advocacy in bringing ASEAN closer to the people in the community.
