The opening ceremony as attended by the President of Timor-Leste, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, as well as representatives from diplomatic agencies and international organizations.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son of Vietnam emphasized that, in the spirit of by ASEAN, for ASEAN, and of ASEAN, the ASEAN Future Forum aims to complement the bloc’s existing frameworks by fostering fresh, innovative, and strategic discussions that help shape ASEAN’s future in a way that best serves the common interests of the region.

“Our goal is to transform the forum into a valuable platform that helps shape ASEAN's future and delivers shared benefits to the region,” emphasized Son.

He expressed hope that, with growing interest, the forum would evolve into a regular platform and a leading incubator for innovative ideas to drive ASEAN’s future development.

The diplomat noted that, 2025 marks a significant milestone for ASEAN, as it concludes the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and prepares to adopt the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Over the past six decades, ASEAN has undergone remarkable transformations, emerging as a dynamic community of 10 member states, home to over 650 million people, and the world's fifth largest economy. The bloc has also reaffirmed its centrality within the economic and security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.

However, he said, recent global geopolitical developments indicate that the world is at a critical juncture, raising unanswered questions about future interactions between major powers and the post-World War II international order, particularly regarding the role and functions of the UN Charter and international law.

In this context, he said, regional organizations like ASEAN must reaffirm their role and adaptability, maintaining solidarity, resilience, and inclusivity in response to these emerging global realities.

This is why this year’s forum is themed “Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amidst Global Transformations,” he explained.

The official urged delegates to focus their discussions on major trends shaping ASEAN’s future, significant opportunities and challenges ASEAN faces, ways to strengthen ASEAN’s solidarity, inclusivity, and resilience; and the impact of advanced technologies on ASEAN, as well as on how ASEAN can maintain its centrality in an increasingly dynamic world.

He emphasized that throughout its ASEAN journey, Vietnam has remained steadfast in its commitment to building a united, cohesive, resilient, and sustainable community. As an active and responsible ASEAN member, Vietnam has always played a vital role in fostering regional cooperation.

“As ASEAN enters a new era of development, Vietnam stands ready to contribute even more to building an ASEAN Community that serves as a model for regional integration and a symbol of peace, stability, and shared prosperity both regionally and globally,” he affirmed.

ASEAN Future Forum 2025 promotes solidarity, resilience, inclusivity in a changing world

VOV.VN - The second ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on February 25 - 26, bringing together more than 500 delegates, including high-level leaders from ASEAN member states and partners, business representatives, international organizations, and scholars.