From June 30 to July 4, 2025, Kuala Lumpur will host the 19th Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development (SOMHD), convening health leaders and partners from across Southeast Asia and beyond. This year’s SOMHD is especially significant for the United Kingdom, marking its deepening engagement with the ASEAN Secretariat and member states through new, forward-looking partnerships. The health security partnership program team will be on hand to facilitate side meetings, participate in the open session, and support the formal launch of the health security partnership program on the last day of the weeklong conference.

Strengthening Ties: The ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership

The UK’s participation comes on the heels of its formal recognition as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 2021—a milestone that has paved the way for expanded cooperation across all pillars of ASEAN’s work. Guided by the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership (2022-2026), the UK and ASEAN are committed to advancing a vision of a politically cohesive, economically integrated, and socially responsible region. This partnership is grounded in shared principles of openness, inclusivity, resilience, and respect for international law.

Collaboration in Action at SOMHD and Beyond

At SOMHD, the UK delegation will join discussions on regional health priorities, pandemic preparedness, and health system resilience, working closely with ASEAN counterparts and the Secretariat. The UK will contribute expertise, share best practices, and explore new avenues for collaboration, including public-private partnerships and research initiatives. Although the highlight of the UK’s agenda this year is the formal launch of HSP, delegates from the UK Mission to ASEAN and FCDO will also be discussing other elements of the UK’s contribution to health security in the region including commitments through the UK Health Security Agency (IHR) and the Fleming Fund (AMR). Collectively, these programmes demonstrate and highlight the UK’s contribution to strengthening preparedness and response and understanding to a broad number of security risks in Southeast Asia.

This collaborative approach means that engaging in ASEAN’s convening spaces—such as SOMHD and other regional forums—is a critical part of the UK’s strategy for sustainable development in Southeast Asia. By working hand-in-hand with ASEAN institutions, the UK is committed to supporting locally-driven solutions and strengthening the region’s health resilience. HSP’s Robert Rosenthal recently participated in the 6th Annual ASEAN Health Cluster 3 Meeting in Brunei Darassalam. The experience reaffirmed the spirit of collaboration and consensus that defines the health sector within ASEAN, and highlighted the importance of these gatherings for fostering mutual understanding and driving collective progress.

Looking Ahead

The UK’s strengthened partnership with ASEAN reflects a shared commitment to addressing global health challenges and supporting the ASEAN Vision 2025. By working together, the UK and ASEAN aim to build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous region—demonstrating the value of international cooperation in an interconnected world. As the 19th SOMHD convenes in Kuala Lumpur, the UK looks forward to deepening its collaboration with ASEAN, supporting regional health security, and contributing to a sustainable future for all.

If you are planning to attend SOMHD, please let us know. We’d be delighted to get to know you better in person.