McDonald, who is scheduled to fly to Hanoi to attend the event, told Jakarta-based VOV correspondents that in the context of the world undergoing global transformation marked by high geopolitical tensions, the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 is a timely opportunity for the bloc and its partners like Australia to work together to address shared challenges.

“Ultimately what we are trying to do is through ASEAN-led mechanisms to maintain peace, security and stability in the region. Australia recognised the importance of this forum from its inception, supported the inaugural ASEAN Future Forum last year, and is pleased to do so again in 2025,” stated the diplomat.

Looking ahead, 2025 is a particularly crucial year for ASEAN’s future, with the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. McDonald noted that the ASEAN Future Forum 2025’s theme of "Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amidst Global Transformations" is therefore appropriate to the current context.

“Amidst deep geopolitical tensions and shifts in the region and globally, ASEAN’s relevance is more important than ever. There is also a strong connection between the theme of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme for 2025 - ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability.’ A united and resilient ASEAN is at the forefront of maintaining peace, stability, and security in our region,” shared the Ambassador.

2025 is also a special year for Vietnam as it marks 30 years of the country’s ASEAN membership. The Ambassador noted that Vietnamese leadership in initiating and hosting the ASEAN Future Forum highlights its indispensable role within the grouping.

“Australia closely cooperates with Vietnam both regionally and through ASEAN. Our support for the ASEAN Future Forum is another example of our strong collaboration with Vietnam. This year, we will witness the realisation of the Hanoi Declaration 2020, an initiative led by Vietnam, with the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. This underscores Vietnam’s importance and irreplaceable role in ASEAN’s regional agenda,” said the Ambassador.

The diplomat also expressed her confidence that ASEAN can play a greater role in fostering a stable and predictable environment through adherence to international law principles, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution. Countries must act responsibly within the shared regional space and provide a dialogue platform to build trust and prevent conflicts.

According to McDonald, Australia is a major dialogue partner for ASEAN and stands fully committed to supporting the bloc’s role in regional peace and security. As both sides celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year, their leaders agreed on a Joint Vision Statement, committing to working together to advance a rules-based regional architecture which seeks to uphold international law.

One concrete example of this is a series of ASEAN-led workshops on conflict prevention, crisis management, and regional structures which are open to all East Asia Summit participants. The Ambassador said that Australia looks forward to continuing this working model with ASEAN in 2025.

The second ASEAN Future Forum will be held from February 25 to February 26 in Hanoi. The event is expected to bring together over 500 delegates, including senior leaders from ASEAN countries and partners, experts, scholars, ambassadors, senior officials, representatives of international organisations, businesses, and local authorities.

The ASEAN Future Forum is an initiative announced by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, in September 2023. The forum aims to provide a platform for leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss ASEAN’s future, especially in the face of global and regional uncertainties.

Malaysian expert Collins Chong Yew Keat emphasised that the ASEAN Future Forum will play a crucial role in shaping the region's future, enabling member states to anticipate and address risks and challenges while developing strategic plans. The forum’s outcomes will contribute to the Strategic Plan for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Vietnam’s hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 demonstrates its proactive role and commitment to promoting ASEAN unity and sustainable development, while also providing an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in discussions and propose solutions aimed at tackling common regional challenges.

Vietnam charts course for ASEAN cooperation in 2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an inter-ministerial meeting in Hanoi on December 18 to review ASEAN cooperation, Vietnam's strides in 2024, and chart a course for 2025.