The 2025 Potomac Dialogue, themed “Bridging the Gap: The Vital Role of the Asia Pacific in Global Security and Economic Stability,” aimed to promote open, inclusive, and substantive exchanges among regional stakeholders, enhance mutual understanding, and boost cooperation to effectively tackle emerging challenges and opportunities across the Asia-Pacific.

The event gathered over 100 participants, including ambassadors and representatives of APEC member economies in the US, scholars from policy research institutes in the US, Europe, and Asia, former government officials, and executives from major corporations across the Asia-Pacific.

In his keynote remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung underlined that the Asia-Pacific region is facing profound global political and economic shifts, with intertwined challenges such as strategic competition, protectionism, supply chain disruptions, climate change, and non-traditional security risks.

Nonetheless, he noted, the region remains dynamic, accounting for more than 60% of global GDP and serving as a pillar of international growth, innovation, and economic integration.

He stressed that to overcome the current “headwinds,” economies should enhance dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law, while taking the lead in digital transformation, innovation, and green and inclusive development. The ambassador also highlighted the crucial role of APEC and ASEAN in promoting multilateral cooperation and sustaining peace, stability, and sustainable growth.

Ambassador Nguyen announced that in 2027, Vietnam will assume the APEC Chairmanship for the third time under the theme “Connecting for Inclusive and Resilient Economies” on Phu Quoc Island, An Giang province.

As APEC 2027 host, Vietnam pledges close cooperation with the United States and other member economies to jointly address shared challenges, strengthen multilateral dialogue, and advance a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.

Following the opening session, the dialogue continued with four lively panel discussions, where speakers explored challenges, opportunities, and solutions for the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam to accompany UNDP in promoting sustainable development in Asia-Pacific

Vietnam will continue to closely coordinate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in implementing development programmes and projects in the coming time, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN.