The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 opened in Hanoi on June 9, themed “Shaping Our Future Together.” Launched by Vietnam in 2023, the forum unites ASEAN leaders, businesses, and academics to address regional challenges including AI, energy security, and strategic autonomy, advancing ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Key Points
• The ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 opened in Hanoi on June 9 under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered,” attended by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and leaders from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, along with the ASEAN Secretary-General.
• Launched by Vietnam at the 2023 ASEAN Summit, the AFF has grown into a key strategic dialogue platform, with ideas from previous editions reflected in official ASEAN Summit documents, reinforcing Vietnam’s proactive role in advancing regional cooperation.
• AFF 2026 features broader participation than previous editions, including political parties, local authorities, and business and academic communities, with discussions covering AI, energy security, conflict prevention, and implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The ASEAN Future Forum 2026: Launch and Leadership
The ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 officially opened in Hanoi on June 9, under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered.” The event was attended by senior regional leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, alongside Vietnam’s Foreign Minister and the ASEAN Secretary-General. First introduced by Vietnam at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in 2023, the AFF was designed as a multi-stakeholder platform to complement existing ASEAN mechanisms and support long-term policy thinking for the ASEAN Community.
Vietnam’s Vision: Dialogue, Inclusion, and Regional Resilience
In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to creating an open, forward-looking space for dialogue among ASEAN members and international partners. The forum brings together policymakers, academics, businesses, and citizens to contribute ideas toward a stronger, more resilient ASEAN. Previous editions in 2024 and 2025 generated innovative yet practical proposals, many of which have been reflected in official ASEAN Summit documents. Vietnam hopes the forum will strengthen diplomacy and mutual understanding amid growing geopolitical tensions and strategic competition across the region.
AFF 2026: Expanding Scope and Shaping the Future Agenda
AFF 2026 features a broader and more inclusive format than previous editions, with discussions covering critical issues such as unity, strategic autonomy, conflict prevention, energy security, artificial intelligence, and financial technology. For the first time, the forum will host meetings involving political parties, local authorities, and business and academic representatives from across Southeast Asia. These expanded dialogues are expected to generate fresh perspectives and actionable solutions to support the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, helping the bloc adapt effectively to both emerging regional challenges and shifting global dynamics.
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