Regional diplomats: ASEAN Future Forum helps strengthen regional unity and foresight

 

Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III - Photo: VGP/Thuy Dung

Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III described the ASEAN Future Forum as a valuable complement to ASEAN's existing mechanisms.

While regular ASEAN meetings primarily focus on current issues, the AFF provides a platform for discussing future developments and long-term challenges, said Fernandez III.

In his view, such forward-looking discussions are essential because decisions made today will shape the future of the region.

He noted that Viet Nam's continued hosting of the forum encourages ASEAN leaders to consider where the organization is heading, particularly following the admission of Timor-Leste as the ASEAN's 11th membership.

Although ASEAN members come from diverse political and economic backgrounds, the bloc's three pillars—the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community—remain highly relevant and continue to provide a strong foundation for regional integration, the diplomat reiterated.

The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of foresight in addressing emerging challenges. He cited energy security as an example, noting that although recent tensions in the Middle East have created uncertainty in global energy supplies, ASEAN leaders had previously recognized the need for regional cooperation in this area.

As a result, mechanisms and legal frameworks have already been developed to facilitate energy sharing and strengthen regional energy connectivity. Discussions at the AFF can help leaders identify future risks early and develop cooperative frameworks to ensure that member states are better prepared.

Furthermore, he emphasized that one of ASEAN's greatest strengths is the solidarity among its members. He pointed to existing arrangements that allow ASEAN countries to assist one another during crises, including providing support for citizens abroad and sharing consular services in regions where some member states have limited diplomatic representation. Such cooperation demonstrates ASEAN's ability to anticipate challenges and respond collectively.

AFF offers open, inclusive, and forward-looking space

The Thai Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya praised Viet Nam for hosting the AFF, describing the event as both timely and necessary amid increasingly complex regional and global challenges.

"The forum offers an open, inclusive, and forward-looking space where leaders, scholars, and business representatives can exchange views on strategic issues affecting ASEAN and the wider region", shared the diplomat.

She welcomed the forum's theme, "Shaping a Shared Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered Development," emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when people remain at the center of policymaking.

She also expressed satisfaction that political parties had been invited to participate in this year's discussions, noting that they play an important role in connecting citizens with policymakers and can contribute to building a more people-centered ASEAN Community.

The Thai Ambassador expressed her confidence that the participation of ASEAN leaders and representatives from various sectors would contribute to the development of a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and inclusive ASEAN.

Important high-level platform promotes discussions on long-term regional priorities

Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Viet Nam João Pereira described the AFF as much more than a gathering of officials.

Drawing on his previous experiences attending the forum, including facilitating the participation of President José Ramos-Horta, he characterized the AFF as an important high-level platform that promotes discussions on long-term regional priorities such as peace, security, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

The forum has continued to evolve and expand, with the latest edition incorporating political parties' roundtables and city leadership meetings. These additions have transformed the AFF into a multidimensional dialogue platform that brings together ASEAN leaders, experts, and dialogue partners.

The Ambassador emphasized that the forum provides a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange views on policies, strategies, and future challenges while advancing the implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045.

Such discussions are particularly important at a time of growing regional and global uncertainty, as they enable ASEAN leaders to work together toward common goals and strengthen the unity and resilience of the ASEAN Community, he noted.

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