ASEAN Future Forum 2026 to focus on peace, prosperity, people-centered development

Initiated by Viet Nam, the Forum was designed to create an open, inclusive and forward-looking space for leaders, scholars and business representatives to discuss strategic issues facing ASEAN and the region, Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang told reporters on Thursday.

Viet Nam is working closely with ASEAN Member States and partners to prepare for this year's forum, said Pham, adding that the forum is expected to contribute to perspective, initiatives and policy recommendations in favor of the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Regarding the 48^th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, Pham said these summits generated substantive, effective and timely outcomes.

Given the complex developments across the world, particularly the crisis in the Middle east, ASEAN leaders reached high consensus on various response measures across the political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars.

In the immediate term, ASEAN leaders underlined the need to reinforce solidarity, resilience, strategic autonomy, while promoting mutual assistance among the Member States.

The regional leaders agreed to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination and early warning capacity, develop emergency communication mechanisms.

The leaders also agreed to ensure the bloc's resilience, energy security, and food security through effective implementation of the agreements and plans for cooperation in petroleum, energy connectivity, and food, while enhancing consular cooperation to ensure the safety for ASEAN citizens, especially migrant workers in affected areas.

ASEAN leaders adopted the Declaration on responding to the crisis in the Middle East, in which they underscored the need to maintain cooperation momentum, seriously implement the plans to achieve the long-term goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045./.