ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated that the theme “Shaping a Shared Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and People-Centered” of AFF 2026 is particularly relevant in the context of the world undergoing profound changes.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung , leaders of various countries, and delegates at AFF 2026. Photo: Tuan Huy

Assessing ASEAN's response to current challenges, the ASEAN Secretary-General stated that the region has acted with urgency and clear direction. The ASEAN Secretary-General affirmed that dialogue and multilateralism remain core values ​​of ASEAN, even as many parts of the world are witnessing a decline in multilateral cooperation.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn speaks at AFF 2026. Photo: Tuan Huy
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Looking back at nearly six decades of ASEAN's development, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasized two key lessons: collective action is always more effective than individual efforts, and every challenge can become a transformative opportunity. Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn expressed confidence that, by continuing to uphold this spirit, ASEAN will maintain its central role, adaptability, and position as a positive and responsible force in the evolving regional structure.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu speaks at AFF 2026. Photo: Tuan Huy

For her part, UN Deputy Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu noted that current global crises are not only military in nature but also have political , humanitarian, and supply chain implications, requiring comprehensive solutions based on international law and a people-centered approach. In this context, Ms. Nakamitsu assessed ASEAN's role as particularly important due to its experience in promoting dialogue, building consensus, preventive diplomacy, and peacefully resolving disputes.

In a recorded message to AFF 2026, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised Vietnam's initiative in organizing the forum. According to President Marcos Jr., ASEAN is facing a decisive turning point as strategic competition intensifies, multilateral norms are challenged, supply chains are disrupted, and new technologies are transforming the economy, society, and security environment. These global changes are no longer theoretical issues but are directly impacting the lives of ASEAN citizens through rising energy and food prices, trade disruptions, and risks to people.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sent a video message to AFF 2026. Photo: Tuan Huy

In this context, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that ASEAN needs to maintain unity, strengthen its central role, enhance dialogue, proactively anticipate and coordinate actions to effectively respond to increasingly complex challenges.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that the ASEAN Federation of Foreign Affairs (AFF) is a crucial space for connecting immediate priorities with the region's long-term transformation goals. Despite facing numerous serious challenges, ASEAN has repeatedly overcome financial crises, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and global pandemics. ASEAN's strength lies in its ability to consult, cooperate, and act together. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that by continuing to maintain unity, a substantive approach, and a people-centered perspective, ASEAN can proactively shape its own future.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/chinh-polit/tin-news/dialogue-is-the-core-value-of-asean-1043378