On June 10, after two days of intensive and productive discussions, the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026, themed "Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered" concluded successfully.

Strengthening ASEAN's relations with key international partners

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung affirmed that after two days of intensive work, the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 had achieved many practical outcomes under the theme "Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered".

This year's forum brought together more than 1,200 delegates from around the world, a record turnout. Speakers delivered a wide range of insightful presentations and perspectives during the discussion sessions.

Trung noted that the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 was designed to foster dialogue on emerging and long-term issues. The topics on the agenda were highly relevant to all ASEAN member states and their partners.

According to the Minister, this year's forum featured several new initiatives, including the inaugural ASEAN City Leaders Conference, the Southeast Asian Political Parties Dialogue under the theme "The Role of Political Parties in Building the ASEAN Community," youth-focused discussions, and sessions dedicated to the Mekong subregion.

Assessing the discussions as substantive and innovative, Minister Le Hoai Trung said delegates addressed a broad range of topics, including long-term issues such as ASEAN resilience and cohesion, conflict prevention, and the transformation of growth and development models.

The discussions also highlighted inclusive artificial intelligence, energy security, and creative ideas for shifting from "Made in ASEAN" to "Made by ASEAN."

"Our discussions have been truly substantive and innovative, providing valuable recommendations for ASEAN leaders to consider," Trung emphasized.

He noted that the spirit of community was more evident than ever through the exchanges among delegates throughout the forum's agenda.

Minister Trung stated that "the contributions of leaders, scholars, and youth representatives demonstrated our shared concern for regional security and reaffirmed that compliance with and respect for international law are essential to development."

He also said that delegates shared a collective commitment to ASEAN's future, its core values, and its strategic role.

The Minister stressed that one of the forum's key highlights was the convergence of ASEAN perspectives on current challenges, particularly the recognition that strengthening regional resilience and adaptability remains a top priority.

Speakers emphasized the need to build a long-term strategic environment rather than focusing solely on short-term responses.

Based on the forum's achievements, Minister Trung affirmed that after three years, the ASEAN Future Forum has become an increasingly important platform for advancing collective efforts to build the ASEAN Community and strengthen ASEAN's relations with key international partners beyond the region.

Promoting initiatives and practical contributions to ASEAN Community building

At the closing session, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong presented the outcomes of the Southeast Asian Political Parties Dialogue under the theme "The Role of Political Parties in Building the ASEAN Community."

According to him, the dialogue was an initiative launched by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and was held for the first time as part of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026.

The dialogue was designed as a platform for political parties across the region to exchange views, share experiences, and contribute to the ASEAN Community-building process.

The event took place in an open, candid, and constructive atmosphere, with active participation from 11 political parties from Southeast Asian countries, along with numerous scholars and experts from across the region.

Deputy Minister Cuong said participants agreed that strengthening dialogue, building trust, and enhancing mutual understanding among political parties are essential to reinforcing ASEAN unity, improving regional resilience, and preserving ASEAN centrality amid rapidly changing regional and global dynamics.

Delegates also proposed concrete initiatives to strengthen trust, deepen cooperation, and support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Many participants particularly emphasized the importance of sharing practical experiences in governance and public policymaking, while promoting initiatives that are capable of making meaningful contributions to ASEAN Community building.

In addition, many delegates praised the practical value of the dialogue model and expressed support for maintaining more frequent exchanges among political parties in Southeast Asia.

Participants also hoped the dialogue would gradually evolve into a regular mechanism, creating a sustainable platform for building trust and enhancing understanding among political parties and scholars throughout the region.

"The dialogue on the role of political parties in building the ASEAN Community has demonstrated that exchanges among political parties can strengthen mutual understanding and trust while opening new opportunities for cooperation in support of a more united, resilient, and sustainable ASEAN," Cuong emphasized.

Strengthening dialogue and connectivity among ASEAN cities

As part of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, the ASEAN City Leaders Conference 2026, jointly organized by the Hanoi People's Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attracted more than 250 delegates representing over 25 cities and localities from ASEAN member states, along with numerous scholars and experts from within and beyond the region.

At the forum's closing session, Party Central Committee member, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, and Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang delivered a summary of the ASEAN Cities Leadership Conference 2026.

He said delegates highly appreciated Hanoi's initiative in organizing the conference, viewing it as a practical forum for enhancing dialogue, connectivity, and experience-sharing among ASEAN cities at a time when the region faces both opportunities and challenges.

At the conference, ASEAN cities shared a common understanding that urban areas are playing an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, innovation, digital transformation, green development, and improvements in residents' quality of life.

According to the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, the conference also acknowledged common challenges facing ASEAN cities, including climate change, development disparities, limited resources for green and digital transitions, and emerging issues related to artificial intelligence and data security.

Delegates agreed that these challenges also present opportunities for cities to strengthen cooperation, exchange experiences, and jointly advance innovative solutions in support of sustainable regional development.

Through in-depth discussions, the conference identified two key priorities, emphasizing that technology and digital infrastructure can only achieve their full potential when accompanied by modern governance and a strong focus on meeting people's needs.

The conference also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, data, and private-sector participation in promoting innovation and digital transformation across ASEAN cities.

In addition, delegates stressed that cities should prioritize green infrastructure development, strengthen climate resilience, and advance sustainable development solutions, with people remaining at the center of all adaptation, response, and development strategies.

Participants also expressed a desire to maintain and strengthen dialogue and connectivity mechanisms among ASEAN cities in the years ahead.

For its part, Hanoi pledged to continue working closely with localities across the region to advance practical cooperation initiatives and contribute actively to building a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.