The Philippine Model ASEAN Meeting (PHMAM) 2026 officially launches as the country’s flagship youth-led initiative aligned with the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. Supported by the ASEAN Foundation, PHMAM 2026 brings together outstanding young leaders from across the Philippines for a national simulation of ASEAN’s decision-making processes — reflecting the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural pillars that define regional cooperation.
The conference will take place from January 8 to 11, 2026, in the National Capital Region (venue to be announced), under the theme “Ascend ASEAN: Navigating Cohesion for a Future-Ready Region.” This marks the first-ever nationwide Model ASEAN Meeting to be hosted in the Philippines endorsed by the ASEAN Foundation, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to nurturing youth diplomacy, inclusivity, and regional understanding.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN once again, PHMAM 2026 stands as a meaningful opportunity for young Filipinos to take part in the region’s historic journey. This is most especially as Timor-Leste is formally welcomed as ASEAN’s newest member state. The conference will culminate in the adoption of a Youth Chairman’s Statement, a policy document that mirrors the Philippines’ official priorities during 2026.
“PHMAM 2026 is more than a simulation. We envision for it to be a nation-building platform that empowers young Filipinos to be active contributors to ASEAN’s future. As we take on this historic moment, we aim to show that the Filipino youth not only learns diplomacy, but lives it,” said Sean Matthew Parra (University of Santo Tomas), Zarah Ysabel Tortocion (De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde), and Rhea Docena Balaysoche (University of the Philippines), the three youth leaders spearheading PHMAM 2026.
“We envision PHMAM 2026 as a space where ideas meet purpose. Where the next generation of ASEAN leaders can rise together in unity, integrity, and collaboration.”
From their experience as the official Philippine delegates to the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting – East Asia Summit (AFMAM EAS) 2025 in Jakarta, the organizing team now brings that regional experience home through PHMAM 2026. The initiative symbolizes the passing of the ASEAN torch to the next generation of Filipino leaders, aligning directly with the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair.
Beyond academic learning, PHMAM 2026 serves as a call for collective participation. PHMAM 2026 invites universities, government agencies, youth organizations, NGOs, and private institutions across the country to join the initiative as partners in nation-building. Institutions and youth organizations interested in partnership opportunities may reach the organizing committee at [email protected].
Meanwhile, delegate applications for PHMAM 2026 are now open. Filipino youth passionate about diplomacy, governance, and regional affairs are encouraged to apply through the official PHMAM social media pages at facebook.com/phmam.official and instagram.com/phmam.official for complete details, announcements, and registration links.
About PHMAM 2026
The Philippine Model ASEAN Meeting (PHMAM) is a national conference that simulates
ASEAN’s decision-making process, empowering Filipino youth to engage with issues of regional
significance through diplomacy, collaboration, and leadership.
