ASEAN and Australia
Australia's partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is central to our engagement with the diverse and vibrant Southeast Asia region. Australia and ASEAN Member States are deeply connected through our economies; our shared interest in a region that is stable, peaceful and prosperous; and our deep people-to people connections. ASEAN provides the fabric that binds our shared region together - Australia is a steadfast supporter of ASEAN centrality and the regional architecture it leads.
The 2024 Summit was an opportunity to enhance cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2021. It brought leaders together to look ahead to the next 50 years of ASEAN-Australia cooperation. The Special Summit also brought together emerging leaders and experts to foster economic, climate and clean energy, and maritime cooperation efforts.
Summit activities
In addition to a Leaders’ plenary and retreat, the three-day Summit provided an opportunity to further strengthen our partnerships through events centred around key focus areas – Business, Emerging Leaders, Climate and Clean Energy, and Maritime Cooperation.
Events focused on key sectors and themes of Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 (the Moore Report), including a particular focus on greater trade and investment between Australia and Southeast Asia and our collective Green energy transition. Activities included:
- A CEO Business Forum bringing together Australian and Southeast Asian business leaders, industry stakeholders and government agencies to discuss ways to strengthen two-way trade and investment.
- An SME Conference, accompanied by an SME Marketplace featuring trade and investment experts providing advice to Australian SMEs interested in doing business with Southeast Asia.
- The next generation of Australian and ASEAN leaders participated in an Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue, which sought to foster a common understanding of the key long-term challenges that ASEAN and Australia jointly face, and identify areas for further cooperation.
- A Climate and Clean Energy Forum brought together ASEAN and Australian representatives from governments, academia, think tanks, civil society and the private sector to promote the exchange of ideas and consider opportunities to further the energy transition across the region.
- The Blue Economy and maritime security issues were considered in new academic research at the Maritime Cooperation Conference. Perspectives on regional maritime challenges and opportunities will be shared at the Maritime Cooperation Track 1.5 Dialogue.
Browse the Special Summit fact sheets and case studies.
Summit location
The 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit took place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
Visit the MCEC website to learn more about its history and role as a central venue in Melbourne’s arts and entertainment precinct.
About Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Known as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne is also famous for its many laneways and street art, its vibrant arts scene and cultural diversity, international sporting events such as Formula 1 and the Australian Open, and its trams. It is also incredibly culturally diverse, with over 140 cultures from around the world represented. Learn more about Melbourne on the City of Melbourne website.
Visit Victoria provides up-to-date information on events and experiences in and around Melbourne, suggested itineraries and recommendations for a range of activities.
Melbourne’s Indigenous heritage
The Traditional Custodians of the city of Melbourne are the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation. The MCEC is built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River). Narrm is the traditional Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung name for the Melbourne region.
Learn more about places of Aboriginal historical and cultural significance within the City of Melbourne using this interactive digital map.
Special Summit logo
The 2024 Special Summit logo draws inspiration from the official ASEAN emblem, emphasising the significance of 50 years since Australia became ASEAN's first formal Dialogue Partner.
The logo forms part of the official branding for the 2024 Special Summit and is subject to copyright. It must not be used without prior authorisation from the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit Taskforce.