VIETNAM HOLDS ASEAN FUTURE FORUM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi on April 23, calling for a people-centered approach to ensure the rapid and sustainable development of the ASEAN Community. PM Chinh emphasized ASEAN’s potential to shape its future but also noted multiple challenges to the regional organization’s lasting prosperity.

The Vietnamese PM stressed the need to embrace proactive leadership, strategic trust, and collaboration within ASEAN. He underscored Vietnam’s commitment to working with ASEAN members and partners to achieve a future marked by peace, stability, and inclusive development.

The forum, a Vietnam’s initiative proposed at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September 2023, aims to gather ideas and initiatives from regional stakeholders to support the realization of the ASEAN Vision 2045.

The event’s objectives also include promoting digital transformation, green development, and innovation as key drivers of growth.

Nearly 500 delegates attended the opening ceremony, including Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and representatives from ASEAN governments, dialogue partners, and international organizations.