Angelina Jolie brings message of empowerment, inclusive growth to Philippine summit

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 12, 2026

Photo courtesy: Hollywood Life

MANILA, Philippines — Hollywood actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie brought her advocacy for vulnerable communities and sustainable development to the Philippines, joining regional leaders and prominent personalities at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit.

The Academy Award-winning actress arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on November 10, ahead of her participation in the summit on November 11, organized by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

Jolie joined Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh for a discussion exploring Cambodia’s history, resilience and the importance of creating lasting opportunities for communities affected by conflict and poverty.

Their conversation, titled “Cambodia, Courage, and the Power of Staying,” was moderated by Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

During the discussion, Jolie reflected on her longstanding connection with Cambodia, where she first traveled in 2000 while filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

Her experiences in the country helped shape her humanitarian work and deepened her appreciation for Southeast Asian culture.

Jolie also spoke about motherhood and her connection to the region through her children, including her eldest son, Maddox, who was born in Cambodia.

Beyond her personal experiences, she emphasized the importance of empowering communities through education, livelihoods and fair economic opportunities rather than relying solely on short-term humanitarian assistance.

“I really want to find a way where it goes from aid relief to really just investment,” Jolie said, stressing the importance of helping people become self-sufficient.

The actress also highlighted the value of preserving local culture and supporting artists and entrepreneurs, particularly in communities whose economic potential often goes unrecognized.

Her advocacy has included work with refugees and displaced populations, as well as initiatives supporting women, children and vulnerable communities.

Jolie previously served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from 2001 to 2012 before becoming its Special Envoy, a position she held until 2022.

Her appearance was part of a broader summit focused on making economic development more inclusive across Southeast Asia.

The gathering brought together representatives from government, business, philanthropy and civil society to discuss entrepreneurship, technology, financial inclusion and opportunities for underserved communities.

Among the other featured speakers were Filipino theater icon Lea Salonga, entrepreneur and former beauty queen Kylie Verzosa, fashion designer Rajo Laurel and Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

Jolie also reflected on the role of technology in shaping future opportunities, including its potential effects on creative industries and younger generations.

She expressed hope that greater connectivity would allow people from different countries to share their voices, talents and cultural contributions more widely.

Her participation connected her decades of humanitarian work with the summit’s broader discussion of how economic progress can create meaningful opportunities for people across Southeast Asia.