Vietnam Opens "ASEAN Future Forum" to Shape Region's Development Path

In a pivotal moment for regional diplomacy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inaugurated the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi on April 23.

Under the theme "Building a fast-growing, sustainable ASEAN Community that takes people at the center," the forum convened nearly 500 delegates, including luminaries such as Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Chairman of ASEAN 2024, and Mr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN.

Among the attendees were ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from ASEAN member states, dialogue partner countries, and international organizations.

A Platform for Collective Vision

The forum marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's diplomatic agenda, as it was conceived following Prime Minister Chinh's proposal at the 1st ASEAN Summit 43 in September 2023.

Dubbed the "ASEAN Future Forum," this initiative aims to provide a shared platform for ASEAN member states, partners, and citizens to contribute ideas and shape the future trajectory of the region.

What sets the "ASEAN Future Forum" apart is its exclusive focus on ASEAN, by ASEAN, and for ASEAN. The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes this distinction, highlighting the forum's dedication to fostering regional dialogue and cooperation.

In a world where multilateral forums often cater to a multitude of interests, the ASEAN Future Forum stands as a testament to ASEAN's commitment to its people and their collective aspirations.

Charting the Path to 2045

At the heart of the forum's agenda lies the vision for ASEAN's development path until 2045. Participants are expected to contribute ideas and initiatives that will inform this vision and drive its implementation in the years to come.

Moreover, the forum serves as a platform for ASEAN to amplify its voice on the global stage, particularly ahead of the United Nations Future Summit scheduled for September.

For Vietnam, the ASEAN Future Forum embodies its commitment to building a people-centered ASEAN Community. By fostering inclusive dialogue and cooperation, Vietnam seeks to propel ASEAN towards rapid and sustainable development.

The forum thus represents Vietnam's specific contribution to the collective endeavor of shaping ASEAN's future.

Message from Global Leaders

While Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led the opening session, the forum received recorded messages from prominent global figures.

Among them are United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Their contributions will further enrich the dialogue and reinforce the forum's significance on the global stage.

The ASEAN Future Forum stands as a testament to ASEAN's resilience and determination to navigate the complex currents of regional and global dynamics.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Chinh, this gathering embodies the spirit of cooperation and collective vision that defines ASEAN's journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future. As delegates convene in Hanoi, they do so with the shared purpose of shaping ASEAN's destiny and reaffirming its central role in the evolving global order.