Manila, Nov. 12 -- The Philippines will host at least 19 world and global institution leaders in the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits this week.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the attendance underscores ASEAN's "unique convening power and continued role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation" with the wider international community.

The high-level engagements will commence on Nov. 15 with the summit opening ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), followed by the Plenary and Retreat Sessions, where ASEAN leaders will take stock of the Philippines' chairship achievements.

The ASEAN leaders will then discuss ways to strengthen A...