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Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join the ASEAN Future Forum and thank you to the Government of Vietnam for the invitation. 

Excellencies,

The global landscape is changing, rising geopolitical tensions, an accelerating climate crisis, and growing inequality are challenges that cannot be ignored. 

In many parts of the world, trust in institutions is fraying, and the shocks of recent years—from pandemics to conflict and economic disruptions—have exposed deep vulnerabilities in our systems.

We must be honest with ourselves: we cannot simply go back to the old ways. The solutions of the past are no longer sufficient for the problems we face today.

That is why, at last September’s Summit of the Future, world leaders came together to forge a new path forward. The Pact for the Future is not just a document—it is a commitment to transform multilateralism, to reshape global institutions, and to take bold, transformative action on the most pressing challenges of our time.

Excellencies,

Now is the time to move from words to action.

It is time to drive transformative investment into the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring growth that is not only fast, but inclusive and sustainable, reaching those who have been left behind.

It is time to put climate action at the heart of our economies and commit to delivering new economy-wide national NDCs by COP30. 

South-East Asia, with its immense potential for clean energy and green innovation, is central to this transition. But that transition must be just, fair, and equitable—creating jobs and opportunities for all, while ensuring no one is left behind in our pursuit of a greener, more resilient future.

It is time to reform the international financial architecture, so it works for those who need it most. Too many developing countries remain trapped in cycles of debt, unable to invest in their own futures. We need fairer rules, responsive institutions, and financing that is truly accessible.

As ASEAN celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of cooperation and a bridge between regions, demonstrating the strength of unity, consensus, and action. Your leadership—the ability to build consensus, find solutions, and turn ambition into action—will be critical as we move forward
together.

The United Nations, including our Resident Coordinators on the ground, continues to stand with you in your pursuit of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, translating our global commitments into regional and local action.
Excellencies,

The challenges before us are immense, but so is our capacity to overcome them.

Let’s work together, in solidarity, to turn this moment of crisis into an opportunity to create a world that is fairer, safer, and more sustainable for all.

Thank you.