ASEAN Future Forum 2026 opens in Hanoi

The event marks the third consecutive year that Vietnam has hosted the forum. Taking place on June 9-10, it is a major multilateral foreign affairs event that continues to demonstrate the country’s proactive and responsible role in promoting regional cooperation.

Politburo member and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attended the opening session and delivered a keynote address.

Those also in attendance were PMs from Laos , Cambodia and, Timor-Leste, alongside Politburo member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

At the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Vietnam announced the ASEAN Future Forum initiative as a multilateral, multi-layered and multidimensional platform designed to complement existing ASEAN mechanisms and support policymakers in shaping practical and effective long-term pathways for the ASEAN Community.

In his welcoming remarks, Politburo member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said Vietnam hosts the forum with the aim of working with partners within and beyond ASEAN to create an open, substantive and forward-looking space for dialogue.

The forum brings together policymakers, scholars, the business community, ASEAN citizens and international partners to share ideas, visions and initiatives in support of a strong ASEAN Community.

The 2024 and 2025 editions of the forum were successfully held and received broad support from ASEAN member states and international partners. Many bold, innovative and practical proposals were discussed, with a number of ideas subsequently developed further and contributing to ASEAN policy discussions and future directions.

In the context of profound changes in the world and the region, as well as growing competition, distrust and even military confrontation, Vietnam hopes the forum will create more opportunities for diplomacy, dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation, the FM stressed.

He also expressed hope that the forum will serve as a truly ASEAN forum and an effective complementary channel for ASEAN Community-building.

According to the Vietnamese diplomat, this year’s theme reflects a focus on key and pressing issues affecting both ASEAN’s present and future. Participants will exchange views with officials and experts on long-term priorities, ranging from strengthening unity, resilience and strategic autonomy to conflict prevention, as well as emerging issues such as growth model transformation, energy security, artificial intelligence and financial technology.

This year’s forum includes not only discussions among government leaders but also, for the first time, meetings involving political parties from Southeast Asian countries, localities from ASEAN member states, and representatives from the business and academic communities. The discussions are expected to generate new ideas and breakthrough solutions, thereby contributing to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and helping the bloc adapt more effectively to emerging challenges.

“A united, resilient, dynamic, innovative and people-centred ASEAN will grow stronger through the efforts of each member state. That is also the common aspiration of ASEAN leaders and people. Today’s forum is being held in that spirit,” Minister Le Hoai Trung said.

Following the opening remarks, delegates heard a keynote address by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, speeches by leaders of ASEAN member states, and recorded messages from foreign ministers.

AFF 2026 focuses on building a peaceful, prosperous and people-centred ASEAN

VOV.VN - The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (AFF 2026) will take place in Hanoi on June 9-10 under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered”, highlighting efforts by Vietnam and ASEAN member states to build a resilient, connected and people-centred community.