Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (third from right) joins fellow ASEAN leaders for a traditional arm-in-arm group photo during the opening ceremony of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

PM calls for stronger ASEAN unity, connectivity and AI-driven development at regional forum

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Tuesday called for stronger ASEAN unity, enhanced regional connectivity, and greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) to address emerging challenges and secure sustainable development across Southeast Asia.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, Prime Minister Sonexay said ASEAN must remain united and resilient amid growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and rapid technological transformation.
Prime Minister Sonexay was among ASEAN leaders who addressed the forum, which was held with the theme of “Building Our Shared Future: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centred”. It brought together regional leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss the future direction of ASEAN cooperation.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Vietnam Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and other regional leaders attended the opening ceremony of the forum.
Mr Sonexay expressed his appreciation to the government and people of Vietnam for hosting the event and lauded the forum as an important platform for exchanging views and seeking collective solutions to regional and global challenges.
Reflecting on discussions held during the first ASEAN Future Forum in 2024, held during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship, he reiterated that strengthening the bloc’s internal unity remains essential for addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing the region.
The Prime Minister noted that strategic competition among major powers, geopolitical tensions and conflicts in several regions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to affect global peace and stability, as well as energy and food security.
In response, he stressed the need for ASEAN to maintain its unity and centrality while adhering to the bloc’s fundamental principles and the “ASEAN Way”.
Mr Sonexay said ASEAN should continue serving as a trusted platform for dialogue, cooperation and preventive diplomacy, while enhancing its collective capacity to effectively respond to emerging challenges.
He outlined several priorities for the region’s future development, and emphasised the importance of upholding ASEAN’s principles, promoting multilateralism, and safeguarding regional peace, stability and security.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience in the face of rapid advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. While AI presents significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation, he cautioned that inadequate governance can widen digital divides and create instability in labour markets.
Mr Sonexay encouraged ASEAN members to harness AI in agriculture to improve information systems, disaster forecasting, climate monitoring and smart farming practices, thus contributing to long-term food security across the region.
In the context of regional integration, he called for deeper connectivity through the development of transport, energy and logistics networks by land, water, and air. He cited major infrastructure projects, including the proposed Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and the Laos-Vietnam Railway along the East-West Economic Corridor, as key initiatives that will strengthen trade links and regional supply chains.
Addressing the issue of energy security, Mr Sonexay advocated greater investments in renewable and clean energy sources, including hydropower, solar and wind energy, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He noted that Laos possesses significant clean energy potential and invited ASEAN member states and development partners to invest in infrastructure that will support regional energy connectivity and contribute to a more sustainable and secure energy future.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to work closely with ASEAN members and partners to build a peaceful, prosperous, and people-centred ASEAN Community capable of overcoming future challenges and delivering lasting benefits to its people.
“Lao PDR stands ready to cooperate and work closely with ASEAN member states and external partners for the peace and prosperity of our region. I am confident that this regional forum will provide useful insights and lessons for the effective implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2045,” he said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 10, 2026)