Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão attended the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, held on June 9th and 10th in Hanoi, Vietnam, under the theme “Building Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, and People-Centred Development.” 
The Forum brought together heads of government, policymakers, academics, youth representatives, and development partners from the region and the international community, providing a platform for dialogue on the key challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN’s future.
At the opening session, the Prime Minister delivered Timor-Leste’s official statement, emphasising that ASEAN remains a model of regional dialogue and cooperation amid an international context marked by conflict, geopolitical tensions, and global uncertainty.
“We are gathered here at a time of profound global uncertainty. The world faces escalating conflicts, intolerance, and geopolitical tensions, yet ASEAN remains an important example of regional dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
The Head of Government noted that the Forum offers political leaders, academics, young people, and regional partners the opportunity to reflect on ASEAN’s future and to ensure that peace remains the foundation of the region’s stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.
In his speech, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also highlighted the challenges posed by rapid technological change, particularly artificial intelligence, and argued for a regional approach to ensure that these technologies serve the common good and human dignity.
“ASEAN cannot remain passive in the face of this transformation. We must shape our future and build a regional framework for digital governance that protects our people and ensures technology serves human dignity,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called for the preservation of the principles underpinning regional stability, including respect for state sovereignty, consensus, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and international law.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stated that Timor-Leste is honoured to participate in ASEAN as a full member and reiterated the nation’s commitment to strengthening the regional community and to working together to build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Southeast Asia.
On the sidelines of the Forum, the Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the Government and people of the Philippines for the victims of the earthquake that struck the country.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn expressed his hope that the Forum would produce innovative proposals and concrete actions to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience and adaptability in the face of future challenges.
The Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, along with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, also participated in the Forum.