ASEAN Future Forum 2026 reflects Vietnam’s proactive, responsible role

According to the professor, it also demonstrates Vietnam’s leadership and actions in promoting ASEAN integration and contributing to the bloc’s development.

Vietnam has consistently played a constructive, coordinating and balancing role within ASEAN by maintaining ASEAN centrality and promoting the bloc’s unity and resilience, actively participating in ASEAN cooperation in security, economic and socio-cultural fields, advancing equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between ASEAN and its external partners, and safeguarding ASEAN’s common interests.

The continued hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum has further enhanced the country’s considerable influence within ASEAN, providing a future-oriented platform for dialogue, helping build consensus, shape future directions and strengthen ASEAN’s international voice. This deserves recognition and high appreciation, he said.

The Huaqiao University professor stressed that, from its initial proposal to three consecutive successful editions, Vietnam has developed the ASEAN Future Forum into a high-level dialogue mechanism focused on long-term goals, consensus-building and cooperation orientation.

The forum’s agenda closely aligns with ASEAN integration trends and global development, effectively bringing together insights from political, business and academic circles to provide theoretical support for the regional group’s strategic autonomy and sustainable development.

Drawing on its geographical advantages, development potential and diplomatic capacity, Vietnam has actively coordinated positions, narrowed differences and built collective strength within ASEAN. In external relations, Vietnam has consistently upheld independence, self-reliance and a balanced approach, playing an important role in maintaining ASEAN centrality and expanding ASEAN’s international space.

According to Professor Huang, the continued hosting of the forum is not only an important contribution to ASEAN Community-building but also reflects Vietnam’s solid progress from participation to leadership in regional governance. Vietnam’s experience and commitment deserve recognition and could serve as a reference for other countries in the region.

Commenting on key topics discussed at this year’s forum, including unity and resilience, conflict prevention and the application of artificial intelligence (AI), Professor Huang said the discussions are closely aligned with the trends of the times, reflecting ASEAN’s current stage of development and future challenges while carrying both practical significance and long-term vision.

ASEAN’s unity and resilience enable the bloc to operate effectively in a complex international environment. Adherence to the principles of centrality, independent choice and consensus is key to helping ASEAN respond to external pressures and safeguard its own interests, thereby enhancing its influence and overall cohesion.

Regarding the conflict prevention initiative, ASEAN has a long-standing tradition of non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The initiative helps build regional security resilience, reduce the risk of miscalculation and maintain regional peace and stability, while also serving as an important avenue for multilateral security cooperation.

On AI applications, he said the technology is having a profound impact on economic, social and security sectors. ASEAN discussions on AI governance, digital cooperation and technological applications will help narrow the digital divide, promote the development of the digital economy, strengthen regional connectivity and create new momentum for ASEAN integration.

Professor Huang went on to say that the forum also provides opportunities to deepen cooperation with China and the United States. In particular, there remains ample  room for cooperation between China and Vietnam.

Over the past two years, frequent exchanges between Chinese and Vietnamese youth have become a core component in sustaining traditional friendship, thus strengthening the public support foundation of bilateral relations and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

This has created a stable model characterised by high-level leadership, institutional progress, multi-sector normalisation and the integration of online and in-person exchanges, reflecting the dynamism and warmth of bilateral ties.

Exchanges between Chinese and Vietnamese youth will help step up  long-term cooperation in areas such as AI and people-to-people exchanges, dispel concerns, reduce misunderstandings and build strength for future development, Huang added.

ASEAN Future Forum underscores Vietnam’s proactive role in shaping bloc’s future

The ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) has emerged as a notable diplomatic initiative that reflects Vietnam’s increasingly proactive role in ASEAN, marking its transition from a participant to a contributor helping shape the bloc’s strategic agenda, thereby reinforcing ASEAN centrality and promoting regional dialogue.

ASEAN Future Forum 2026: Shaping a long-term vision

VOV.VN - “The ASEAN Future Forum hosted by Vietnam establishes itself as a strategic dialogue platform that helps shape a roadmap for the region’s sustainable development through 2045 and beyond.