Addressing participants of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm highlighted the importance of unity, innovation, and collective action in shaping a resilient and prosperous future for Southeast Asia.
Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and ASEAN centrality during the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, where President Tô Lâm addressed delegates attending the high-level gathering in Hanoi. Speaking at a reception for forum participants, the Vietnamese leader underscored the significance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration in navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. His remarks reflected Vietnam’s vision for a stronger ASEAN that remains united, adaptive, and capable of addressing emerging regional and international challenges.
President Tô Lâm noted that ASEAN has become one of the world’s most successful regional organisations, contributing significantly to peace, stability, and economic growth across Southeast Asia. However, he emphasised that the region now faces a rapidly changing environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation, climate-related challenges, and evolving economic dynamics. In response, he called for ASEAN member states to strengthen cooperation, reinforce trust, and continue promoting the bloc’s central role in regional affairs.
A key theme of the President’s address was the importance of innovation and forward-looking thinking. He encouraged policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and young people participating in the forum to contribute ideas that can help shape ASEAN’s future development. By fostering open dialogue and exchanging diverse perspectives, the forum aims to generate practical solutions that support sustainable growth, digital transformation, and greater regional connectivity. The event also serves as a platform for strengthening partnerships between governments, institutions, and stakeholders across the region.
President Tô Lâm further highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to working closely with fellow ASEAN members to advance shared goals and address common challenges. He stressed that regional prosperity depends not only on economic cooperation but also on collective efforts to maintain peace, promote inclusivity, and enhance resilience. In an era of global uncertainty, ASEAN’s ability to remain cohesive and responsive will be essential to ensuring long-term stability and development.
As ASEAN continues to evolve, the ASEAN Future Forum has emerged as an important venue for discussing the region’s opportunities and challenges. President Tô Lâm’s remarks reinforced the need for collaboration, innovation, and strategic vision as Southeast Asia prepares for the future. By bringing together leaders, experts, and emerging voices from across the region, the forum contributes to a shared commitment to building a stronger and more dynamic ASEAN community.
Source: Socialist Republic of Vietnam Government News
