The future of ASEAN will be shaped by its cities—the converging hubs of resources, knowledge, technology, and innovation. Therefore, no city can achieve sustainable development if it remains outside regional cooperation networks.
This statement was highlighted by the Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Mr. Vu Dai Thang, during his opening speech at the ASEAN City Leaders Conference held in Hanoi on June 8.
The event, hosted by Hanoi on the sideline of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, centered on the theme “Driving the Future through Smart, Sustainable, and Connected Cities.”
Mr. Thang emphasized that the presence of leaders, experts, and partners from across the region reflects the spirit of solidarity and a collective ASEAN aspiration to build prosperous, sustainable, and people-centered urban areas.
According to the Hanoi leader, ASEAN currently stands as one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Rapid urbanization is transforming cities into engines of economic growth, innovation, and regional integration. However, this progress comes with significant shared challenges, including climate change, infrastructure pressure, environmental pollution, and the urgent need for digital transformation to meet the rising quality-of-life demands of citizens.
Given this reality, the Hanoi leader asserted that strengthening cooperation among ASEAN cities is not only an inevitable necessity but also a crucial driver for realizing a resilient, creative, and sustainable ASEAN Community.
"The conference serves as a forum for cities to share experiences, exchange initiatives, and develop new cooperation models. Our goal is to collectively address common challenges while effectively harnessing the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital era,” said Mr. Thang.
Speaking of Hanoi’s development vision, he noted that with a history spanning over a thousand years, the capital consistently treasures and preserves its profound historical values and unique cultural identity. Simultaneously, the city is making robust efforts to transform into a greener, smarter, more modern, and more livable metropolis.
In this journey, Hanoi identifies digital transformation as a key driver for development. The city is actively advancing the development of a digital government, digital economy, and digital society. This includes the widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban governance, streamline public services, and foster a more conducive environment for both residents and businesses.
)The city chairman particularly emphasized the city’s consistent philosophy: technology is only truly meaningful when it serves people. Accordingly, citizens must remain the center, the primary actors, and the ultimate beneficiaries of all urban development policies.
"Alongside digital transformation, Hanoi is committed to promoting green growth, enhancing climate resilience, developing sustainable transport systems, expanding green spaces, and preserving cultural heritage throughout its modernization process," said Mr. Thang.
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