20 August 2025, Vienna - The vibrant and rich cultures of ASEAN states were on full display during the commemoration of the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Vienna International Center. The event brought together Ambassadors of the ASEAN Vienna Committee (ACV) and Permanent Representatives of Missions in Vienna, representatives of the Vienna-based international organizations, Austrian officials, diplomats, and members of communities of ASEAN Member States.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas led the Philippine Embassy’s participation in ASEAN Day. Senior officials of the Vienna-based international organizations, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), recognized the significant contribution of ASEAN and its Member States in upholding multilateralism and the rules-based international order.  

Director-General of Political Affairs of the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs Hannah Liko underlined the growing cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union as well as bilateral ties between Austria and ASEAN Member States. She announced that Austria is now  preparing its application to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

The program also included a fashion show which featured traditional attire of ASEAN Member States. The parade of the diverse and colorful national costumes demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. The event ended with a buffet of gastronomic flavors from ASEAN.

ASEAN Day was organized by the ASEAN Embassies in Vienna including Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Messages from Myanmar as this period’s AVC Chair and from Malaysia as this year’s ASEAN Chair were welcomed by all guests. END.