As the Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, Southeast Asia finds itself at a defining juncture. Intensifying great-power competition, shifting economic alignments, and evolving security risks are reshaping the region’s strategic landscape. Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Philippines will advance an agenda grounded in ASEAN’s core principles while focused on three priorities: strengthening peace and security, expanding pathways to economic growth, and empowering communities across the region.
At this pivotal moment, how will Manila position ASEAN amid global uncertainty? What role will the bloc play in balancing relations with major powers while sustaining regional stability and prosperity?
Join the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York City for a timely discussion with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. She will outline the Philippines’ vision for its ASEAN Chairmanship and will join Ambassador (ret.) Philip S. Goldberg for a fireside conversation on the strategic outlook for the country and the broader foreign policy direction guiding its engagement with the United States, China, India, and other key partners.
Speakers
H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro has taken up her position as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines since 1 July 2025. Prior to that, she was Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs (June 2021-June 2025); Assistant Secretary, Office of Consular Affairs (January 2021- May 2021); Assistant Secretary, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (2011- 2014); Executive Director, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (2002-2005); and Director, Southeast Asia Division, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (1993-1996). H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro is a distinguished career diplomat, having served in the Philippines’ mission in Paris, Berne, Sydney, New York, Madrid, Geneva and Bangkok. She was awarded Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kamanong, and Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Maryknoll College, and Juris Doctor, College of Law from the University of the Philippines.
Ambassador (ret) Philip S. Goldberg is the inaugural Distinguished Ambassador-in-Residence at New York University's Center for Global Affairs and a member of the NYU president's Global Council. Amb. Goldberg retired in January 2025 after more than 35 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. Between 2022-2025, he served as United States Ambassador to South Korea. He served previously as Ambassador to the Philippines, (2013-2016), Colombia (2019-2022), Bolivia (2006-2008) and chief of the U.S. mission in UN-administered Kosovo (2004-2006). He served in Washington as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (2010-2013). Amb. Goldberg holds the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the U.S. Foreign Service. From June 2009 until June 2010, he was the coordinator for the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1874 (Sanctions) on North Korea. He has also been charge d'affaires, a.i. at the U.S. embassies in Chile and Cuba. His other overseas tours include Bogota, Colombia, where he served as Coordinator of Plan Colombia, and as political-economic officer in Pretoria, South Africa in the years leading up to that country's first democratic elections.
Amb. Goldberg was a senior member of the State Department team handling the transition from the Clinton to Bush administrations, and served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs (2000-2001) and Special Assistant and Executive Assistant to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott (1996-2000). As the Bosnia Desk Officer and Special Assistant to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke (1994-1996), Amb. Goldberg was a member of the American negotiating team in the lead-up to the Dayton Peace Conference and Chief of Staff for the American delegation at Dayton. Amb. Goldberg has received numerous awards, including Presidential Distinguished and Meritorious Service Awards; the Department’s Distinguished Honor Award and the Silver Seal Medallion for Meritorious Service in the U.S. Intelligence Community.
A Conversation with the Hon. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Philippines
Host
Thu, Mar 05, 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM (EST)
To be shared on approval (New York)
30 attendees
As the Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, Southeast Asia finds itself at a defining juncture. Intensifying great-power competition, shifting economic alignments, and evolving security risks are reshaping the region’s strategic landscape. Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Philippines will advance an agenda grounded in ASEAN’s core principles while focused on three priorities: strengthening peace and security, expanding pathways to economic growth, and empowering communities across the region.
At this pivotal moment, how will Manila position ASEAN amid global uncertainty? What role will the bloc play in balancing relations with major powers while sustaining regional stability and prosperity?
Join the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York City for a timely discussion with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. She will outline the Philippines’ vision for its ASEAN Chairmanship and will join Ambassador (ret.) Philip S. Goldberg for a fireside conversation on the strategic outlook for the country and the broader foreign policy direction guiding its engagement with the United States, China, India, and other key partners.
Speakers
H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro has taken up her position as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines since 1 July 2025. Prior to that, she was Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs (June 2021-June 2025); Assistant Secretary, Office of Consular Affairs (January 2021- May 2021); Assistant Secretary, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (2011- 2014); Executive Director, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (2002-2005); and Director, Southeast Asia Division, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (1993-1996). H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro is a distinguished career diplomat, having served in the Philippines’ mission in Paris, Berne, Sydney, New York, Madrid, Geneva and Bangkok. She was awarded Gawad Mabini, Dakilang Kamanong, and Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Maryknoll College, and Juris Doctor, College of Law from the University of the Philippines.
Ambassador (ret) Philip S. Goldberg is the inaugural Distinguished Ambassador-in-Residence at New York University's Center for Global Affairs and a member of the NYU president's Global Council. Amb. Goldberg retired in January 2025 after more than 35 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. Between 2022-2025, he served as United States Ambassador to South Korea. He served previously as Ambassador to the Philippines, (2013-2016), Colombia (2019-2022), Bolivia (2006-2008) and chief of the U.S. mission in UN-administered Kosovo (2004-2006). He served in Washington as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (2010-2013). Amb. Goldberg holds the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the U.S. Foreign Service. From June 2009 until June 2010, he was the coordinator for the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1874 (Sanctions) on North Korea. He has also been charge d'affaires, a.i. at the U.S. embassies in Chile and Cuba. His other overseas tours include Bogota, Colombia, where he served as Coordinator of Plan Colombia, and as political-economic officer in Pretoria, South Africa in the years leading up to that country's first democratic elections.
Amb. Goldberg was a senior member of the State Department team handling the transition from the Clinton to Bush administrations, and served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs (2000-2001) and Special Assistant and Executive Assistant to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott (1996-2000). As the Bosnia Desk Officer and Special Assistant to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke (1994-1996), Amb. Goldberg was a member of the American negotiating team in the lead-up to the Dayton Peace Conference and Chief of Staff for the American delegation at Dayton. Amb. Goldberg has received numerous awards, including Presidential Distinguished and Meritorious Service Awards; the Department’s Distinguished Honor Award and the Silver Seal Medallion for Meritorious Service in the U.S. Intelligence Community.