Manila Strategy Forum 2026

The Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies is pleased to announce that the 2026 Manila Strategy Forum will be hosted from September 9-10, 2026. The Forum is the centerpiece of CSIS’s U.S.-Philippines Initiative, which aims to deepen the partnership between the two countries.

This annual conference brings together top strategic and economic thinkers from the United States and the Philippines to discuss the most important events of the day. In 2025, we successfully conducted the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum, which was attended by over 700 guests and featured keynote remarks from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. 

This year, senior officials will provide remarks and high-level panels will discuss navigating global economic shocks, the evolving international order, and U.S.-Philippine cooperation on defense, infrastructure, and emerging technology. ​Additional information on keynote speakers, panelists, and registration will be sent out in the coming weeks.

This event is made possible with support from the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and the Lockheed Martin Corporation.