Building on the success of last year’s inaugural forum, AFF 2025 themed “Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amidst Global Transformations” continues to be one of the most significant multilateral diplomatic events initiated and chaired by Vietnam.

The gathering, initiated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September 2023, comes at a special time as it marks Vietnam’s 30th ASEAN membership, the ASEAN Community’s 10th anniversary and ASEAN’s pending approval of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

It’s worth remembering that Hanoi (Vietnam) successfully hosted the first ASEAN Future Forum in April 2024 under the theme of “Toward Fast and Sustainable Growth of A People-Centered ASEAN Community.” The gathering received widespread attention and support across various sectors in ASEAN and among its partners. Discussions highlighted ASEAN's central role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Reflecting on its success, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn praised Vietnam for its long-term strategic vision in organizing the gathering. He noted that the world often focuses too much on immediate crises, leaving little time for deep reflection on future challenges. The forum, therefore, plays a crucial role in providing foresight and shaping ASEAN’s proactive engagement in global affairs.

Now Vietnam is hosting the 2025 forum to reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to solidarity, inclusivity, and resilience.

Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, acting director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, emphasized that for nearly six decades, ASEAN has continuously expanded projects, strengthened solidarity, and fostered solidarity among its members to become more resilient. In the present-day shifting geopolitical landscape, ASEAN is striving to build a strong, cohesive community.

As ASEAN prepares to adopt the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, he said, it is focusing on resilience and innovation as key priorities for the region’s future.

Ambassador Tran Duc Binh, director general of the ASEAN Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, elaborated on the 2025 forum’s theme, which he said reflects the core values ASEAN cherishes. Now, more than ever, ASEAN must fully leverage these values to maintain its achievements and drive further progress.

According to the diplomat, sollidarity is the foundation of ASEAN’s strength and the key to its success, therefore actions speak louder than words. Meanwhile, resilience reflects ASEAN’s ability to adapt to global uncertainties. The concept has gained prominence in ASEAN strategies, particularly in ASEAN Community Vision 2045, highlighting the region’s collective commitment to long-term resilience.

Furthermore, inclusivity has been a core ASEAN principle as it is enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, aiming to build a participatory and open community where all voices are heard. Given today’s global and regional challenges, this concept must be expanded to include an open, transparent, rules-based regional order with ASEAN at its core, along with harmonious and inclusive cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms, ensuring all partners engage responsibly and constructively.

Marcus Winsley, deputy ambassador of the UK to Vietnam, likened AFF 2025 to “An incubator for ideas” – a space where nations can come together to discuss crucial topics such as sustainable development and technological applications in food production and governance. He emphasized that the forum is a key platform not only for Southeast Asian nations but also for global partners, fostering open and constructive discussions.

Held in a milestone year for ASEAN, AFF 2025 aims to reflect on ASEAN’s journey, prepare for future opportunities, and tackle emerging challenges. It is anticipated to be attended by high-profile leaders, including the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the President of Timor-Leste, alongside Government leaders, ministers, and deputy ministers from ASEAN member states and partner countries.

The forum is expected to establish itself as a signature event, a go-to platform for leaders, experts, businesses, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, propose initiatives, and connect innovations that shape ASEAN’s development and global engagement.

ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi to shape bloc’s future, says Australian diplomat

VOV.VN - Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald has emphasised that the upcoming second ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi presents a valuable opportunity for senior leaders, policymakers, scholars, and young people to discuss the bloc’s future.