Ha Noi destined for ASEAN Future Forum 2026

Speaking at an international press briefing on May 26, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said the forum was first proposed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia in September 2023. Following successful editions in 2024 and 2025, the forum has gradually emerged as an open dialogue platform that complements ASEAN's formal mechanisms.

AFF 2026 holds special strategic importance for Viet Nam as it will be the country's first major high-level multilateral diplomatic event following the success of the 14th National Party Congress, the election of the 16th National Assembly, and the consolidation of key Party and State leadership positions.

He said the forum stands as a testament to Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and peace, while further promoting the image of a dynamic and deeply integrated Viet Nam.

Under the theme: "Shaping a Shared Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered Development," the forum reflects both the region's pressing challenges and Viet Nam's long-term vision.

AFF 2026 will feature more than 20 activities, making it significantly larger in both duration and content compared to earlier editions.

Pre-forum activities on June 8 will include a dialogue among Southeast Asian political parties, the ASEAN Cities Leadership Conference, a Mekong sub-regional roundtable, the Southeast Asian Youth Conference, and a discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) governance.

The official opening ceremony will be held on the morning of June 9 at Melia Ha Noi, with keynote speeches expected from senior Vietnamese leaders and high-ranking officials from ASEAN member states.

Subsequent plenary sessions will focus on ASEAN resilience and unity, conflict prevention initiatives, and expanding AI applications across the region. Delegates will also join a closed-door luncheon discussion on financial technology (Fintech).

On June 10, discussions will continue on energy security and development models before the forum concludes../.