National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (standing in the middle) receives ASEAN city leaders at the National Assembly House.

During the meeting, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang, speaking on behalf of the ASEAN city leaders, briefed the National Assembly Chairman on the outcomes of the ASEAN City Leadership Conference, which was successfully held in Hanoi on June 8.

Representing the host city, Thang highlighted the significance of the conference, noting that it was the first time within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum that city and local government leaders had a dedicated platform to discuss regional urban cooperation and development. The event marked an important step in bringing the voices of cities into the ASEAN agenda.

Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Vu Dai Thang speaks at the meeting.

Regarding the conference's outcomes, Thang said delegates focused discussions on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development—issues that are increasingly central to urban development across Southeast Asia.

Participants shared the view that cities are not only engines of economic growth but also key actors in fostering innovation, tackling climate change, enhancing resilience, and improving residents’ quality of life.

ASEAN cities, he noted, are pursuing the shared goal of becoming greener, smarter, more inclusive, and people-centered. The conference also showcased valuable experiences in digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence in urban governance, sustainable infrastructure development, green transportation, and environmental management.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong addresses the meeting.

At the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong shared key outcomes of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026. Under the theme "Peace, Prosperity, and People-Centered Development," this year's forum focused on practical issues while creating a platform for dialogue among governments, academics, political parties, local authorities, and youth representatives. The event attracted strong participation and positive feedback from international delegates.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the meeting.

In his remarks, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man praised the initiative to organize the ASEAN Cities Leadership Conference, describing it as an important milestone that highlights the increasingly prominent role of cities in building the ASEAN Community.

He said the event reflected a growing recognition that cities are not merely places where policies are implemented, but are also key actors contributing directly to ASEAN Community-building efforts and the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Reaffirming ASEAN as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s foreign policy, the National Assembly Chairman said the legislature would continue to work closely with the government to refine the legal framework supporting international integration and the effective implementation of regional cooperation commitments.

Within the framework of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the National Assembly of Vietnam also actively cooperates with member parliaments to strengthen regional connectivity and ensure that development policies serve the interests of ASEAN citizens.

Overview of the meeting.

Man called on ASEAN cities to continue playing a pioneering role in innovation, digital transformation, and science and technology development. He also encouraged cities to accelerate green growth, energy transition, and sustainable urban development while placing people at the center of policymaking and ensuring that no one is left behind in the ASEAN Community-building process.

He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the ASEAN Cities Leadership Conference would be translated into concrete cooperation programs, contributing to the goal of building a resilient, innovative, sustainable, and people-centered ASEAN Community.

Representative of Luang Prabang Province, Laos, speaks at the meeting.

Representatives of ASEAN cities, including leaders from Luang Prabang Province, Mandalay Region, and Siem Reap Province, expressed appreciation for the warm reception provided by Vietnam's National Assembly and relevant authorities.

The delegates described the ASEAN City Leadership Conference as an important platform for cities to exchange experiences, share effective development models, and strengthen cooperation.

ASEAN city leaders attend the meeting.

They also commended the high quality and practical value of the discussions, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening intercity connectivity and cooperation, while contributing to the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.