ASEAN Future Addresses Climate Change, Digital Transformation, and Geopolitical Issues

In a rapidly shifting global landscape, ASEAN must prioritise unity, inclusivity, and resilience to secure its future, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith declared at the second ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi on Tuesday. Against a backdrop of climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical tensions, his call for collective action resonated with leaders from across the region, who gathered to chart a path forward for the bloc.

Hosted by the Vietnamese government under the theme “Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amidst Global Transformations,” the forum brought together high-profile figures, including Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Malaysia’s Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim, Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta, and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. The event underscored ASEAN’s determination to address shared challenges while leveraging opportunities for growth.

A Region at a Crossroads

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay, speaking on behalf of Laos, highlighted the urgent need for ASEAN to confront “megatrends” such as climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving trade dynamics. He warned that rising protectionism, unilateral sanctions, and trade wars pose significant threats to multilateralism and sustainable growth. “Regional collaboration is more vital than ever,” he stressed, pointing to ASEAN’s role as the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a population of nearly 700 million.

His remarks come at a time when ASEAN faces mounting pressures. Climate change threatens livelihoods across the region, from rising sea levels in coastal Vietnam to droughts in rural Laos. Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts—particularly tensions in the South China Sea and the impact of global power rivalries—test the bloc’s ability to maintain its long-standing principle of neutrality. Add to this the rapid pace of digitalisation, and ASEAN finds itself at a critical juncture.

Saleumxay’s emphasis on resilience echoed a broader sentiment at the forum: ASEAN must adapt or risk being left behind. He praised Vietnam for hosting the event and reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to regional cooperation, reflecting on the country’s 2024 ASEAN chairmanship, which prioritised connectivity and resilience. Looking ahead, he expressed support for Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship agenda, which will focus on inclusivity and sustainability.

Vision 2045: A Blueprint for the Future

A central theme of Saleumxay’s address was the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, set to be adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. This long-term strategy aims to position ASEAN as a “future-ready community,” leveraging technology and innovation while ensuring no member state is excluded from progress. “We must build a strong, dynamic, and forward-looking ASEAN for future generations,” he said, expressing confidence that the forum would yield practical recommendations for implementing this vision.

The focus on Vision 2045 reflects ASEAN’s ambition to remain a key player on the global stage. With mechanisms that facilitate dialogue between external partners and major powers, the bloc has carved out a central role in international diplomacy. Saleumxay noted that ASEAN’s ability to foster such engagement is a cornerstone of its influence, allowing it to address regional and global issues ranging from trade to security.

Yet, challenges remain in translating vision into action. Economic disparities between member states, varying levels of technological readiness, and differing political priorities could hinder collective progress. If ASEAN is to achieve its 2045 goals, analysts suggest it will need to prioritise capacity-building and resource-sharing, particularly for less-developed members like Laos and Cambodia. While Saleumxay did not offer specific policy proposals, his call for inclusivity signals a recognition of these disparities.

Digital Transformation and Global Challenges

The rapid advancement of AI and digital technologies was a recurring topic at the forum. Saleumxay observed that digital transformation is reshaping industries and societies, making it a crucial priority for ASEAN’s growth. From e-commerce in Indonesia to smart cities in Singapore, the region is already seeing the benefits of technological innovation. However, the digital divide—evident in rural areas with limited internet access—poses a risk of widening inequality.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reinforced this point, arguing that ASEAN must focus on technology transfer rather than merely serving as a market for global tech giants. His comments suggest a push for greater autonomy in the region’s digital economy, potentially reducing reliance on foreign platforms and fostering homegrown innovation. If successful, such efforts could position ASEAN as a leader in the global tech landscape, though the feasibility of this remains unconfirmed.

Beyond technology, the forum grappled with broader global challenges. Saleumxay highlighted the threat of climate change, which has already displaced communities and disrupted agriculture across the region. ASEAN’s response will likely require coordinated policies on renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development—areas where progress has been uneven. Trade tensions, too, loom large, with protectionist measures in major economies potentially impacting ASEAN’s export-driven growth.

Unity as a Shield Against Uncertainty

At the heart of Saleumxay’s message was a plea for unity. “ASEAN’s ability to maintain unity, inclusivity, and resilience will determine its success in navigating global uncertainties,” he said. This sentiment was shared by other leaders, who reiterated their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation. In an era of geopolitical flux, ASEAN’s consensus-driven approach—often criticised as slow—remains a vital tool for maintaining stability.

The forum also served as a reminder of ASEAN’s diversity. From Laos’ landlocked economy to Malaysia’s maritime trade hubs, the bloc encompasses a wide range of interests and priorities. Balancing these while fostering a shared identity is no small task. Saleumxay’s emphasis on external partnerships suggests that ASEAN will continue to engage with global powers like China, the US, and the EU to bolster its position, though such engagements often come with strings attached.

Looking Ahead: A Test of Resolve

As ASEAN prepares for its 46th Summit, the discussions in Hanoi offer a glimpse of the bloc’s future direction. The adoption of Vision 2045 will be a litmus test of its ability to align diverse interests around a common goal. If implemented effectively, it could pave the way for a more integrated and resilient ASEAN—one capable of withstanding the shocks of a volatile world. However, as Saleumxay’s speech made clear, success is far from guaranteed and will depend on sustained cooperation.

For now, the forum has reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to collective action. Leaders left Hanoi with a renewed sense of purpose, even if the path ahead remains uncertain. Climate change, digital disruption, and geopolitical rivalries will not wait for ASEAN to catch up. The question is whether the bloc can turn its rhetoric into results, building a future that is as united and inclusive as its leaders envision.

In Saleumxay’s words, the stakes could not be higher. “We must ensure that ASEAN remains a beacon of stability and progress,” he urged. As global transformations accelerate, the region’s ability to heed this call will shape its destiny for decades to come.