ASEAN Future Forum 2026: Joining hands to realize the ASEAN Community Vision

Ahead of the event, Dr Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, shared with the media the key highlights of this year’s forum.

According to Dr Son, 2026 marks the third consecutive year that the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam has been entrusted with organising the ASEAN Future Forum.

Through the forum, which is regarded as a “Track 1.5” mechanism bringing together government agencies and representatives from academia, the business community, the media, as well as regional and international organisations, organisers hope to create an open and innovative space for dialogue where participants can work together to identify breakthrough solutions that contribute to realising ASEAN’s future vision.

Dr Son said the third edition of the forum will feature broader and more diverse participation. One of the key highlights is the first-ever involvement of ASEAN political parties, which will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation among political parties and support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Another new feature is the participation of leaders from major cities across the region. These cities serve as centres of population, economic growth, politics, culture, science and technology in ASEAN countries. Their participation and cooperation could help improve the effectiveness of regional cooperation and enable ASEAN to move closer to its shared goals, Son went on.

Youth will also continue to be an important part of the ASEAN Future Forum. Dr Son described young people as ASEAN’s future leaders, bringing open-minded, creative and forward-looking perspectives that add fresh ideas to the discussions.

A notable feature of AFF 2026 is the inaugural conference of leaders of major ASEAN cities, organised with the active support of Hanoi as the host city.

Dr Son said the initiative was introduced to mobilise cooperation among major cities in the region and facilitate discussions on issues of common concern, including smart city development and stronger connectivity among cities. The conference will also provide an opportunity for localities to share experience in dealing with common challenges such as environmental pollution and the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

He added that participants also need to discuss new growth models that ensure broad public participation and allow people to benefit directly from development. As major ASEAN cities face a growing range of challenges, stronger cooperation among them can contribute to addressing shared regional issues while reinforcing cohesion among ASEAN member states.

Dr Son stressed that Hanoi has an important role to play as the host city of the ASEAN Future Forum. At the same time, he noted that the forum is not limited to capital cities but serves as an open platform for major cities across participating countries. Organisers hope that more urban centres from across the region, including those in Vietnam, will join the forum in the years ahead.

Regarding communications and public outreach, Dr Son said organisers will use multiple channels to provide updates on preparations for the forum as well as its outcomes. A dedicated website will be launched to provide comprehensive information on the programme, agenda and major activities.

In addition, the organising committee’s team of experts will be available to work with media organisations throughout the forum, providing analysis, commentary and updates on key discussions. Many official sessions will also be livestreamed, allowing the public in Vietnam and around the world to follow the forum directly.

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