Angelina Jolie to Speak at ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit

Key points

Hollywood actor and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie, who has been involved in humanitarian activities for over 20 years, will speak at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on November 11, 2026, in Manila, Philippines. Jolie will hold a dialogue with Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh to discuss the importance of long-term support for local communities. The summit features 30 sessions and 51 speakers and is hosted by the Mastercard Inclusive Growth Center. [1] [3] [4]

Angelina Jolie's Participation in the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit

Angelina Jolie will speak at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit held on November 11, 2026, in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. According to the official announcement by the organizers, the summit will feature 30 sessions focused on Southeast Asia's economic growth and social development, with 51 speakers scheduled to participate. Jolie's participation was officially announced by the Mastercard Inclusive Growth Center. The event will be held in the Philippines, the ASEAN chair country for 2026. [1] [2] [3] [4]

The summit will also feature speakers such as Broadway star Lea Salonga, actress and entrepreneur Kylie Verzosa, and fashion designer Rahul Laurel, bringing together leaders from diverse fields. The event is positioned as a platform for businesses, governments, and civil society to collaborate and deepen discussions to turn economic uncertainties into opportunities. Jolie's participation plays an important role in adding the perspective of local communities. [3]

Jolie's Humanitarian Work and Role as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

Angelina Jolie was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2001 and has been engaged in humanitarian activities such as refugee support for over 20 years. She has visited conflict areas including Cambodia, focusing on the protection and assistance of refugees and displaced persons. In 2005, she was granted honorary citizenship of Cambodia, reflecting her deep connection with the country. She also served as a UNHCR Special Envoy until 2022. These activities demonstrate Jolie's long-standing dedication to humanitarian aid. [1] [3] [4]

In 2003, Jolie established the Maddox Jolie Foundation and has been advancing community support activities in Cambodia's Samlot district, including conservation, education, healthcare, and agriculture, together with local residents. These efforts contribute to sustainable development and improving residents' livelihoods. Her humanitarian work is linked with her filmmaking, playing a role in deepening understanding of social issues. [3]

Dialogue with Rithy Panh and Efforts on Cambodia's History and Social Transformation

At the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, Angelina Jolie will hold a dialogue with Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh. The theme of their discussion is "From Memory to Possibility: Cambodia, Courage, and the Power of Continued Solidarity," focusing on the importance of long-term support for local communities. The dialogue will be moderated by Shamina Singh of the Mastercard Inclusive Growth Center. Jolie and Panh co-produced the 2017 film "First They Killed My Father," deeply engaging with Cambodia's history and social transformation. [1] [3] [4]

Rithy Panh is known for documentary films depicting Cambodia's history under the Khmer Rouge regime, and Jolie collaborated with him as a director. Their dialogue represents an important opportunity to connect Cambodia's historical memory with sustainable community development. Jolie also conducts community support activities in Cambodia's Samlot district, linking her filmmaking with humanitarian work. Her participation in this summit is positioned as a continuation of her long-term activities. [3] [4]