The two-day forum will take place on June 9 and 10 under the theme: “Peace, Prosperity and People-Centred Development.”
Speaking to the media, Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the forum is designed as an open platform for dialogue, bringing together not only government leaders but also academics, businesses, young people, social organisations, political parties and local authorities.
“This year's forum is intended to be an open and inclusive space where a wide range of stakeholders can contribute their perspectives,” Cuong said.
According to the deputy minister, AFF 2026 will provide an opportunity for ASEAN and its partners to discuss how the bloc can maintain its relevance and central role amid an increasingly complex strategic environment, ensuring that new initiatives and mechanisms complement rather than weaken ASEAN centrality.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN members in sharing resources, improving connectivity and coordinating policies.
“In this year's discussions, we are particularly committed to bringing major policy issues closer to people's daily lives, promoting a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence, helping citizens adapt to the digital economy and narrowing the digital divide. We also want to advance green transformation and energy security in ways that deliver tangible benefits to communities,” he said.
Four ASEAN prime ministers are expected to attend the forum and pay official visits to Vietnam: Sonexay Siphandone, Hun Manet, Anutin Charnvirakul and Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.
This year's event will feature several firsts, including a dedicated session on cooperation among political parties in Southeast Asia, creating a new dialogue channel alongside traditional government-to-government cooperation. The forum will also host the inaugural ASEAN Cities Leadership Conference, chaired by Hanoi.
Alongside side events focusing on the Mekong subregion, Southeast Asian youth and artificial intelligence governance, the participation of political parties, city leaders, young people and businesses reflects the forum's goal of fostering broader and more practical policy discussions centred on people's needs.
AFF 2026 comes as ASEAN begins implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. It will also be the first major high-level multilateral event hosted by Vietnam following the 14th National Party Congress, the election of the 16th National Assembly and local People's Councils.
