Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered remarks at the Opening Session of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 held in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 9 June 2026. The forum, convened under the theme "Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centred," brought together policymakers, academics, and stakeholders from across the region and beyond to discuss the future trajectory of Southeast Asian regionalism.
In his opening address, Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of strengthening existing regional mechanisms and enhancing strategic trust among ASEAN Member States and between ASEAN and its partners. He noted that as the region navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, ASEAN must turn emerging challenges into opportunities for peace, prosperity, and people-centred development. The Secretary-General emphasised that the Forum serves as a critical platform for candid dialogue and forward-looking discussions on the region's most pressing issues.
The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 holds particular significance as ASEAN commences the implementation of its long-term vision, ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, this year. Dr. Kao encouraged participants to contribute practical and actionable recommendations that would support the implementation of the four Strategic Plans underpinning the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which covers the Political-Security Community, Economic Community, Socio-Cultural Community, and cross-sectoral initiatives. These contributions, he stressed, would help further strengthen regional resilience and ensure that ASEAN remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its peoples.
On the sidelines of the forum, Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn also shared his thoughts and perspectives in an interview with Vietnam Television (VTV1) news. In the interview, Dr. Kao reflected on the success of the ASEAN Future Forum, which has now been convened annually for the past three years. He noted that the Forum has evolved into an important platform for strategic discussions on ASEAN's future direction and has contributed to fostering a sense of shared purpose among stakeholders across the region.
The ASEAN Future Forum was first launched in 2024 as an initiative to provide a multi-stakeholder platform for discussing long-term challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asia. Since its inception, the Forum has addressed topics ranging from digital transformation and sustainable development to regional security architecture and economic integration. The 2026 edition builds on these foundations, with a particular focus on translating the vision of ASEAN 2045 into concrete policy actions.
Viet Nam, as host of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, has been a strong advocate for the initiative since its inception. The country's role in convening the Forum underscores its commitment to ASEAN community-building and its active engagement in shaping the region's future agenda.
Sources: [asean.org]
