Media Release
26 June 2026
ASEAN and Australia marked the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the inaugural ASEAN-Australia Track 1.5 Dialogue and the 2026 Aus4ASEAN Alumni Dialogue in Jakarta this week.
The ASEAN-Australia Track 1.5 Dialogue brought together thought-leaders, diplomats, and civil society to exchange views on the future trajectory of ASEAN-Australia cooperation. Indonesia’s former Foreign Minister and United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi provided the keynote address.
“By bringing together influential voices, we have invested in generating ideas to support practical cooperation in our region,” said Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Tiffany McDonald. “Through the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we are working together to shape rules, norms and relationships that contribute to our collective resilience, now and into the future.”
The 2026 Aus4ASEAN Alumni Dialogue brought together over 75 ASEAN-Australia alumni. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered the keynote address. Participants exchanged perspectives on bringing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific to life. Alumni also participated in the Track 1.5 Dialogue, ensuring the views of the next generation were reflected in discussions about the future direction of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“The Aus4ASEAN Alumni Dialogue showcased the value of education, relationships, and collaboration in shaping the future of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It’s inspiring to be stepping forward to create lasting regional impacts as part of the next generation,” said Elnaya Mahadevi Pillian, an Indonesian alumna of the ASEAN-Australia Centre Short Course program.
Together, the dialogues demonstrated ASEAN and Australia’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in a partnership for the future.
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