Vietnam hosts ASEAN Future Forum 2026 emphasizing AI, digital transformation and regional cooperation

From 8‑10 June 2026, Hanoi hosted the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, a high‑level multilateral dialogue initiated and chaired by Vietnam. The forum, under the theme “Shaping a shared future: peace, prosperity, people‑centred”, gathered more than 1,200 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, scholars and business leaders from all ASEAN members and partner countries.

Vietnam’s President and Party General Secretary To Lam urged the region to adopt proactive strategies, citing strategic challenges such as geopolitical competition, climate change and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, big data, quantum computing and digital economies. Discussions covered AI’s role in industry and labor, green‑economy transition, energy security and the shift from “manufacturing in ASEAN” to “manufacturing by ASEAN”. International experts highlighted the need for new skill sets that AI cannot replace and for robust AI governance.

Trung Nguyên Legend served as the official coffee‑diplomacy partner, presenting Vietnamese coffee culture to delegates and providing coffee as a diplomatic gift. The company showcased “Ottoman – Roman – Zen” coffee experiences and participated in an AI panel, emphasizing coffee as a source of creativity and focus in the digital age.

The event was noted as a record‑setting gathering that deepened ASEAN cooperation, positioned Vietnam as a regional convenor, and set the agenda for forthcoming ASEAN leader meetings.