The PNLG General Assembly opened on the afternoon of September 17 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This gathering served as a cornerstone event of the broader 2025 PNLG Annual Forum, which brought together around 200 participants, including delegates of PNLG members, representatives of international organizations, as well as leading experts and scholars in the marine field, coming from nine countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam. Delegates gathered in Jakarta to exchange insights and best practices in marine development from across the region.

Chaired by Mr. LIN Huaiyuan, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the PNLG Secretariat, the General Assembly opened with remarks from Mrs. Suharini Eliawati, Undersecretary for Economy and Finance of Jakarta Provincial Government, and Ms. Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director of the PEMSEA Resource Facility.

Key milestones underscored the session. Dr. Ma. Lucille Nava, Governor of Guimaras Province, Philippines, was formally endorsed and sworn in as PNLG President. Central Java Province, Indonesia, was inducted as the newest PNLG member, expanding the network to 55 regular and 5 associate members. The Assembly also recognized the Jakarta Provincial Government for its leadership in hosting the 2025 PNLG Forum and advancing the Network’s coastal resilience initiatives. Lastly, delegates witnessed the official handover of the PNLG flag to Busan City, Republic of Korea, which will host the 2026 PNLG Forum.

Agenda items included the review and approval of the 2026 PNLG Work Plan, strategies to enhance delivery of the Strategic Action Plan, and a presentation on the dual economic and ecological benefits of PEMSEA’s blue carbon program.

Coinciding with PNLG’s 20th anniversary, this year’s Forum—hosted by Jakarta Province under the theme "Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy: Linking Climate, Nature and Energy"—also featured a PNLG-PNLC Joint Learning Forum where representatives from both networks shared practical experiences on strengthening the science-policy-action interface, as well as field visits to demonstrate Jakarta's successful practices in port management and sustainable island development, offering participants firsthand insights into effective local approaches.

Building on the legacy of 19 prior annual gatherings, the 2025 PNLG Forum reinforced PNLG's pivotal role as a regional platform for collaboration and action, advancing sustainable coastal development through shared innovation and commitment.