Message from Secretary General
Integrity as Our Guiding Axis
— Fairness Is Not an Ideal, but a Principle for Action —
In 2026, we find ourselves amid an unprecedented convergence of change and expectation. As uncertainty continues to deepen across the international community, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, representing the ASEAN Member States (with the exception of Timor-Leste) and Japan, has consistently sought to bridge ideals and practice—continually asking how cooperation can truly stand alongside people and communities.
As the world becomes increasingly divided and complex, we recognise the need to remain firmly anchored to an unwavering core of conscience: to act at all times in the best interests of the people of ASEAN and Japan. Guided by this principle, we commit ourselves to making judgments based on people’s present and future livelihoods and possibilities, and to responsibly pursue fair and sustainable choices—step by step, with clarity and resolve. This is the practical expression of the spirit of people-centred co-creation that we advocate.
Across economic cooperation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, human resource development and local partnerships, and entrepreneurship support, all our efforts place people’s hopes and dignity at the centre. The front lines of society—where people live, work, and pursue their aspirations—are the starting point of value creation for the ASEAN-Japan Centre.
In 2026, we will place emphasis on the following priorities:
- Supporting the initiatives of women, youth, local entrepreneurs, and local governments, and translating inclusive growth into tangible outcomes on the ground.
- Advancing digital transformation and the green transition as forms of people-centred innovation.
- Connecting the hearts and wisdom of ASEAN and Japan to co-create a shared future.
In times of difficulty, the value of being guided by conscience and acting with fairness resonates more deeply in society and in people’s hearts.
With this conviction, and together with all those who share this commitment, we will continue to move forward in 2026.
January 2026
Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary General