19 DECEMBER 2025, VIENNA - The Embassy of the Philippines in Vienna assumed the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Vienna Committee (AVC) during the 64th Ambassadors Meeting of the Committee and Hand-over Ceremony held at the Myanmar Ambassador’s residence in Vienna. The Philippines will lead the Committee from January to June 2026.

Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas noted the timely AVC chairmanship of the Philippines as the country also begins its chairmanship of ASEAN in January 2026. She highlighted the theme for the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN, “Navigating Our Future, Together” which embodies the country’s strategic intent to guide ASEAN through future challenges, championing innovation, resilience, and inclusivity as well as strengthening ASEAN’s three pillars to build a rules-based, stable, innovative, meaningful, and people-centered region.

“Our chairmanship on the AVC will be guided by these priorities focusing on the three ASEAN Community Pillars. We will also build on the excellent work of my predecessors in increasing the visibility of ASEAN in Vienna, enhancing the cooperation with our Austrian partners and promoting ASEAN’s interest and priorities,” Ambassador Bernas said.

Under its chairmanship, the Philippines aims to undertake initiatives that will enhance political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN and Austrian partners. These activities include engagements with Austrian officials, UN officials, Chambers of Commerce, academe as well as visits to Austrian companies.

The ASEAN Vienna Committee is composed of the Heads of Mission of ASEAN Members States accredited to Austria and the United Nations international organizations in Vienna, namely, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,  Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.  The AVC conducts activities which aim to promote ASEAN and its interests in Austria as well as enhance cooperation with Austrian stakeholders. END.