On 26 May, the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam hosted the International Press Conference on the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (AFF 2026) under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and People-Centered.” The press conference was organized to provide updates on preparations for the Forum and introduce its key agenda and priorities.
Attending the event were H.E. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam; Ms. Pham Thu Hang, Director-General of the Department of Press and Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam; and Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam and Head of the Organizing Committee of AFF 2026. The event also welcomed Ambassadors, Heads of Foreign Missions and representatives of international organizations in Viet Nam, as well as a large number of journalists from domestic and international media agencies.
Speaking at the Press Conference, the Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the AFF is a multilateral platform initiated and hosted by Viet Nam, bringing together senior leaders, policymakers, scholars, business representatives, and youth delegates from across the region and around the world. The Forum serves as an open platform for dialogue on strategic regional issues, contributing to the promotion of cooperative thinking, the strengthening of connectivity, and the spread of initiatives aimed at advancing ASEAN’s sustainable development in the new era.
Speaking on the significance and key priorities of this year’s Forum, the Deputy Minister noted that the region and the world continue to undergo profound changes, creating an urgent need to strengthen dialogue, build trust, and advance multilateral cooperation. Against this backdrop, he emphasized that, under the theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and People-Centered,” AFF 2026 seeks to reflect the determination of ASEAN countries to work together towards an inclusive and sustainable future, placing people at the center of all cooperation and development efforts. He also underscored that AFF 2026 is among the first multilateral events to be held following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, contributing to the promotion of Viet Nam’s image as a proactive, active, and responsible partner in building a united, resilient, and sustainable ASEAN Community.
Continuing the programme, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam and Head of the AFF 2026 Organizing Committee noted that AFF 2026 is expected to focus on a wide range of issues of strategic significance to ASEAN, including maintaining peace, strengthening regional stability, promoting inclusive development, advancing digital transformation, fostering green growth, and enhancing resilience against non-traditional challenges. He also reaffirmed the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam’s commitment to supporting the Forum as a bridge for academic exchange and policy dialogue, contributing to initiatives aimed at shaping the future of the region.
The Q&A session took place in a lively atmosphere, featuring a wide range of questions on the Forum’s key themes, the significance of this year’s agenda, and Viet Nam’s role in promoting regional dialogue and cooperation. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam directly addressed and clarified the issues raised. Discussions throughout the event highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue, promoting cross-sectoral connectivity, and expanding the participation of various stakeholders in society in pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and people-centered ASEAN Community.
The press conference concluded successfully in a formal, open, and constructive atmosphere. The discussions not only generated strong expectations for an AFF 2026 featuring substantive exchanges and practical initiatives that will contribute to strengthening cooperation and reinforcing ASEAN’s central role amid global uncertainties, but also reaffirmed Viet Nam’s proactive and responsible role, as well as its growing position in promoting dialogue, fostering regional connectivity, and working together with ASEAN to shape a sustainable future./.
