Hollywood actress and humanitarian advocate Angelina Jolie has called for greater investment in poor and vulnerable communities across Southeast Asia, emphasizing the need to help people achieve independence through sustainable opportunities.
Speaking at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Taguig City on Wednesday, November 11, Jolie stressed that humanitarian assistance should go beyond providing immediate relief and focus on creating long-term opportunities in education, livelihood, and economic development.
Jolie said Southeast Asian countries are rich not only in natural resources but also in the talent and capabilities of their people.
“These are not poor cultures. These are not poor countries. These are rich countries, strong people, brilliant people, rich resources, nature, capacity,” she said.
The actress also underscored the importance of investing in communities so they can become self-sufficient rather than remain dependent on external assistance.
“I want to find a way where it goes from aid relief to really just investment so people are taking care of themselves and don't need you and we're investing in their independence,” she added.
Jolie joined Cambodian filmmaker and Academy Award-nominated director Rithy Panh in a discussion about their more than two-decade connection to Cambodia and the importance of providing sustained support to communities affected by poverty and conflict.
She also shared how her experiences in Cambodia shaped her perspective on life and its people. Cambodia is also where her eldest son, Maddox, was born and adopted.
When asked about the life she hopes to have in the next 10 years, Jolie said she wants a simpler and more peaceful life while continuing to help others.
She also described helping people not as a sacrifice but as something that brings happiness.
