The Canadian Defence Academy hosted the 28th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, Institutions Meeting in Victoria, British Columbia, from October 20 to 23.

As a founding member of the ASEAN Regional Forum, Canada demonstrated its commitment to strengthening relationships with regional partners and supporting a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific by serving as host nation for the first time. The conference was co-hosted with the Philippines, reflecting the collaborative spirit that underpins the forum.

The annual meeting brought together senior leaders from professional military education institutions and defence organizations across the ASEAN Regional Forum to exchange perspectives, build relationships, and advance cooperation.

Delegations from ASEAN member states and other Regional Forum participating countries discussed professional military education, regional security challenges, leadership development, and opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Hosting the meeting advanced Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and defence diplomacy objectives by supporting sustained engagement in the region, recognizing ASEAN’s central role in regional security, and building relationships with key partners.

Quotes

"The Canadian Defence Academy was honoured to host the 28th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, Institutions Meeting in Victoria, British Columbia. The open and constructive discussions throughout the forum highlighted the value of professional military education in building relationships, trust, and regional stability."

Major-General Jeannot Boucher, Commander, Canadian Defence Academy

Quick Facts

• Canada is a founding member of the ASEAN Regional Forum and has participated in Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, Institutions Meeting for many years. Canada co-hosted the 2025 edition of the meeting in Cambodia in preparation for hosting in 2026.

• Canada welcomed the Philippines as co-host for the 2026 forum, ahead of its role as host nation in 2027.

• The ASEAN Regional Forum provides an important opportunity for defence universities, colleges, and institutes to exchange perspectives on emerging security challenges and share best practices in professional military education.