Canada and the Philippines Step into Global Spotlight as New Co-Chairs of OECD Southeast Asia Programme

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a pivotal moment that underscores Southeast Asia’s rising influence in the global economy, Canada and the Philippines have assumed leadership as the new co-chairs of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP), ushering in a new era of international cooperation and regional integration.

With ministers and global policymakers gathered at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, the formal announcement marked a dramatic turning point for the OECD’s strategic engagement with Southeast Asia—a region whose economic firepower now exceeds USD 3 trillion in combined GDP and continues to shape the contours of global growth and supply chains.

Passing the Torch, Shaping the Future

The transition of SEARP leadership from Australia and Viet Nam to Canada and the Philippines is far more than a ceremonial baton pass. It signals a sharpened international focus on Southeast Asia’s transformation from an emerging growth hub into a region poised to help set global standards.

Over the last decade since SEARP’s inception in 2014, ASEAN member countries have more than doubled their participation in OECD bodies and completed 67 legal adherences to OECD instruments. This dynamic partnership has evolved from knowledge-sharing to policy-shaping, as Southeast Asia continues to embrace reforms aligned with OECD best practices.

“The economic dynamism of Southeast Asia makes the region a centre for global growth and supply chains,” said OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. “We are building on the OECD Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific to deepen our engagement. Accession discussions for Indonesia and Thailand will catalyze reforms and bring new perspectives into global policy-making.”

Canada and the Philippines: A Powerful Partnership

For Canada, co-chairing SEARP represents a continuation of its strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific, strengthening its engagement in economic diplomacy and multilateral collaboration. But it is the Philippines’ ascent to this prestigious position that is drawing attention—and pride—across Southeast Asia.

As a regional champion of reforms, sustainable development, and democratic governance, the Philippines’ co-chairmanship is a recognition of its growing leadership on the world stage. Earlier this year, the Philippines signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an action plan with the OECD to deepen cooperation on macroeconomic policy, sustainable infrastructure, corporate governance, and the green transition.

This marks the Philippines not just as a partner, but as a driving force behind policy alignment and institutional strengthening across the region. Its joint participation with Singapore in the OECD’s Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA) also reaffirms its commitment to tackling climate change on a global scale.

From Vision to Action: A New Phase of Engagement

Viet Nam, the outgoing co-chair, exits its leadership role with a strong legacy. It hosted two SEARP Ministerial conferences in Hanoi on supply chain resilience and quality investment, and inked its own MoU and action plan focusing on competition, investment, tax policy, and the green transition.

With the Philippines now taking the reins, the momentum continues. As co-chair, it will play a vital role in steering discussions around the OECD’s tailored support for reforms in ASEAN, particularly as Indonesia and Thailand begin their accession journeys. These processes involve rigorous technical reviews and policy alignments—milestones that will shape domestic reforms, boost investor confidence, and ultimately elevate both nations toward high-income status.

A Platform for Regional Transformation

The OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme has evolved into more than a platform; it is now a critical engine for regional transformation. With over 100 countries participating in the OECD’s broader work, SEARP acts as a vital conduit connecting Southeast Asia to global networks, knowledge, and norms.

Canada and the Philippines’ leadership comes at a moment when the region—and the world—faces intersecting challenges, from economic inequality to climate change. Under their stewardship, SEARP is expected to play a defining role in building resilient economies, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring that Southeast Asia’s voice resonates more clearly in the corridors of global power.

A New Chapter Begins

As the Paris meeting concluded with handshakes and high hopes, one message rang clear: Southeast Asia is not just being engaged—it is helping lead.

And with Canada and the Philippines now guiding the course, the SEARP enters a new chapter—one marked by renewed ambition, regional solidarity, and the promise of a more interconnected, equitable, and sustainable world.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.