Shaping the Future:
ACW Plus Three Strengthens Gender Equality Commitments
ACW Chair, ASEAN Member States, and DSG of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), together with the Head of Delegation of Japan, during the 17th ACW+3 Meeting
Women have shaped the destiny of nations across East and Southeast Asia. From leaders and innovators to peacemakers and economic agents, they have guided communities through change. This enduring legacy set the tone for the 17th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Women Plus Three (ACW+3), held on November 11, 2025, in Bohol, Philippines.
The meeting brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to exchange experiences, review progress, and identify next steps to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across the region.
H.E. Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women and AMMW Representative of the Philippines, delivered the welcome remarks as Chair of the ACW
“Today, we honor that unbroken legacy and chart its course into our shared future,” said H.E. Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women and the Philippine Representative to the AMMW, in her opening remarks. She emphasized the importance of partnership, dialogue, and translating aspirations into measurable action.
Delegates reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to empower women and girls, ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly marginalized groups. Japan highlighted the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment as essential for building inclusive, diverse, and sustainable societies, and expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration with ASEAN and Plus Three countries to advance these shared goals. The Republic of Korea shared its ongoing efforts to enhance women’s participation and representation across sectors, including politics and the economy, highlighting the finalization and implementation of national frameworks and policies as concrete steps toward stronger gender equality. Both countries also reported progress in increasing women’s participation at decision-making levels.
Delegates and representatives during the 17th ACW+3 Meeting
Guided by shared priorities, the meeting reviewed the implementation of the ACW Work Plan 2021–2025 and discussed key initiatives for 2026, including operationalizing the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy, advancing the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework Implementation Plan, and preparing for the 2026 Women Leaders’ Summit.
The 17th ACW+3 meeting showcased the power of collaboration. ACW Plus Three partners exchanged ideas, reaffirmed commitments, and identified actionable steps to ensure that gender equality is not just a goal, but a tangible outcome impacting the lives of women and girls across Asia.
ACW Chair, ASEAN Member States, and DSG of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) with the Head of Delegation of Japan, together with ASEAN Secretariat and PCW TWG during the 17th ACW+3 Meeting
“Let this meeting be remembered not only for what we agree to do, but for the transformative changes in the lives of women and girls that we will achieve together,” H.E. Valdeavilla said, highlighting the collective dedication to turning commitments into action.