The conference will be jointly organized by the Hanoi People's Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
The event is considered an important diplomatic activity aimed at strengthening connectivity and cooperation between Hanoi, ASEAN localities, and international partners, while contributing to the overall success of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 hosted by Vietnam.
According to the plan, the conference will carry the theme "Driving the future through smart, sustainable and connected cities," highlighting the proactive role of cities in promoting sustainable development, digital transformation, and stronger regional connectivity toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Around 350 delegates are expected to attend the conference from June 7-10, 2026, at a five-star hotel in central Hanoi. Participants will include government leaders, representatives from central ministries and agencies, leaders of Vietnamese provinces and cities, Hanoi authorities, representatives from ASEAN cities, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, ERIA, ASEAN embassies in Hanoi, as well as international experts and scholars.
The conference agenda will feature a range of activities, including networking sessions between Vietnamese local leaders and ASEAN city leaders under the G2G format, exhibitions showcasing cooperation achievements among ASEAN localities, a plenary opening session, and thematic discussions.
Key discussion sessions will include "Seizing Development Opportunities in the Digital Era: Citizen-Centered Approaches and AI Applications to Improve Urban Governance" and "Building a Sustainable Future: Developing Climate-Resilient Cities for a Green ASEAN."
Hanoi will also host an official reception for delegates, organize Hanoi culinary showcases, and arrange city tours featuring destinations such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature, and Hanoi's Old Quarter, including the Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street, Ta Hien Street, and Kim Ngan Communal House.
The Hanoi People's Committee assigned the Office of the Hanoi People's Committee as the standing agency responsible for coordinating the implementation of the proposal in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, departments, agencies, organizations, and local authorities.
The office will coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, and related agencies to develop conference content, programs, master scenarios, and detailed operational plans.
The office will also coordinate airport reception and departure arrangements for delegations from Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei, and Singapore attending the conference.
In addition, Hanoi authorities will design the conference's visual identity system and prepare official materials, including delegate badges, conference bags, pens, notebooks, brochures, invitations, and commemorative gifts for use in official documents and media communications.
The office will also oversee document translation, English interpretation services, interpretation support for international delegations, and interpretation for all conference activities.
Conference information and press releases will be provided to the Hanoi Party Committee's Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilization and to Hanoi's press, radio, and television agencies to support media and public communication efforts related to the event.