ASEAN Leaders Call for Unity and Resilience at Future Forum in Hanoi

Leaders from across Southeast Asia convened in Vietnam’s capital for the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum, delivering a resounding call for unity, inclusivity, and resilience amid a rapidly shifting global landscape. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and transformative challenges, the forum underscored ASEAN’s determination to assert its strategic autonomy and maintain its pivotal role in regional stability.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, host of the event, set the tone with a powerful address, warning that the world is witnessing “sweeping changes” where challenges often outweigh opportunities. He highlighted a litany of global pressures, from political polarisation and ageing populations to resource depletion and the urgent demands of digitalisation and green production. Yet, in this complex environment, he saw a unique chance for ASEAN to “assert its position and make breakthroughs” through solidarity and decisive action.

“ASEAN needs not only unity, consensus, and solidarity, but also a breakthrough mindset, sharp strategies, feasible roadmaps, focused resources, and decisive actions,” PM Chính declared. His vision for the bloc centred on strengthening strategic autonomy, building economic self-reliance, and preserving ASEAN’s cultural identity and values.

A Region at a Crossroads

The ASEAN Future Forum, one of Vietnam’s largest multilateral events of the year, brought together heads of state, diplomats, scholars, and business leaders to chart a path forward for the 10-member bloc. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in April 2024, this year’s forum featured over a dozen activities, including high-level sessions and plenary discussions, reflecting the urgency of the issues at hand.

PM Chính proposed a series of breakthrough strategies, including a more flexible and responsible decision-making mechanism that upholds ASEAN’s principle of consensus. He also advocated for stronger public-private partnerships to mobilise resources, the removal of traditional trade barriers, and the development of a secure digital economic environment to boost intra-regional trade and investment. “ASEAN connectivity is a key focus point, especially in terms of infrastructure connections, people-to-people exchanges, and institutional compatibility,” he added, stressing the need for adaptability in a fast-changing world.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s three decades of ASEAN membership, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the bloc. “ASEAN has become a strategic space and development space for Vietnam, while Vietnam maintains its role as an active and responsible member in strengthening solidarity and promoting the bloc’s role in sustainable development,” he said.

Voices of Unity and Aspiration

The forum also heard from Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, whose country is seeking full ASEAN membership. Returning to Vietnam after a successful visit in August 2024, he praised ASEAN’s “remarkable” journey from a region plagued by poverty and instability to a stable and dynamic economic force on the global stage. “ASEAN serves as the glue that binds the diverse cultures, languages, religions, and political systems of its member states,” he said, emphasising its decisive role in maintaining regional stability.

President Ramos-Horta urged ASEAN to prioritise preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention in the face of multidimensional global challenges. He outlined key areas for the bloc’s future, including security engagement, economic integration, digital transformation, climate change action, and the promotion of inclusivity and equity. His message was clear: no ASEAN nation would be left behind, as mutual support remains a cornerstone of the organisation.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra echoed these sentiments in a video message, calling for greater unity amid “great uncertainties and global transformations.” She argued that ASEAN must work collectively to navigate geopolitical shifts and emerging threats. “ASEAN must work more closely to counter security threats for the safety and well-being of our peoples,” she said, advocating for a unified stand on regional and global issues based on shared interests and principles.

PM Shinawatra also highlighted the need for concrete steps towards economic integration, digital transformation, and green transition to mitigate climate change and withstand social disruptions. Her vision aligned with other leaders who stressed the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms to build strategic trust with major global powers.

Navigating a Fractured World

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bùi Thanh Sơn, provided a stark assessment of the current global context, noting that recent high-stress geopolitical events have become a “source of much anxiety.” He described the world as being at a “critical juncture,” with unanswered questions about the future of international systems, including the role of the UN Charter and international law.

“In this context, it’s crucial for regional organisations like ASEAN to demonstrate their relevance and agency in ensuring resilience and sustainability, along with established rules and goals,” he said. For Sơn, ASEAN’s unity remains non-negotiable if it is to maintain its influence in the economic and security architecture of the region.

ASEAN General Secretary Kao Kim Hourn reinforced this message, underscoring the value of collective action over individual efforts in addressing challenges like technological disruptions and increasing global competition. He argued that ASEAN’s spirit of unity and consensus-based approach remains vital in a fractured world.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith commended Vietnam for hosting the forum, describing its theme as “highly relevant and timely” amid multidimensional global transformations. He warned of rapid geopolitical and economic shifts weakening multilateralism and hindering sustainable growth, calling for ASEAN to adopt innovative responses to ensure a stable future. “I believe this forum will generate practical recommendations and valuable ideas to effectively support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” he noted.

Pitfalls and Acolades: What Lies Ahead and Navigating Success

The discussions at the forum painted a picture of a region at a crossroads, grappling with both unprecedented challenges and rare opportunities. ASEAN’s ability to balance its internal diversity with a unified external stance will be critical in the years ahead. Leaders repeatedly returned to themes of economic integration and digital transformation as engines for growth, while also acknowledging the pressing need to address climate change and security threats.

Speculative concerns about the bloc’s capacity to maintain consensus amid external pressures were raised, though no evidence confirms specific risks to ASEAN’s cohesion at this stage. If geopolitical tensions escalate, as some analysts suggest they might, ASEAN’s commitment to preventive diplomacy could be tested. However, the forum’s emphasis on dialogue and cooperation offers a hopeful counterpoint, suggesting that the bloc is actively preparing for such scenarios.

Vietnam’s role as host also highlighted its growing influence within ASEAN. By facilitating platforms like the Future Forum, Hanoi is positioning itself as a leader in shaping the bloc’s agenda, particularly on issues of sustainable development and regional connectivity. PM Chính’s remarks about ASEAN as a “strategic space” for Vietnam reflect a broader ambition to align national interests with regional goals.

A Beacon of Stability

As the forum concluded, the overarching message was one of determination. ASEAN leaders are keenly aware of the turbulent global environment—from supply chain disruptions to the demands of a green economy—but they remain confident in the bloc’s ability to adapt. The repeated calls for unity, resilience, and inclusivity underscored a shared belief that ASEAN can continue to serve as a beacon of stability in an uncertain world.

With initiatives like the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 on the horizon, the bloc is looking not just to survive but to thrive. The Hanoi forum may well be remembered as a turning point, where Southeast Asia’s leaders recommitted to a collective future built on solidarity and strategic foresight. For now, the path ahead remains complex, but the resolve to walk it together is unmistakable.