Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the Academic Forum 2026 brought together diverse perspectives from academia and policy circles. The forum attracted participants and speakers from Vietnam, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, underscoring its international character and fostering rich exchanges of ideas on contemporary regional and global developments. This diversity of viewpoints contributed to a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing middle powers in an increasingly fragmented world, while generating valuable insights relevant to Vietnam's international engagement and strategic choices.
In their opening remarks, representatives of DAV and KAS Vietnam emphasized the importance of informed policy dialogue and rigorous academic research in addressing contemporary international challenges. They highlighted the role of academic institutions and policy forums in fostering mutual understanding, generating innovative ideas, and supporting evidence-based policymaking. They emphasized that, amid growing international uncertainty, dialogue among scholars and policymakers is essential for generating innovative responses to complex global challenges.
A central focus of the forum was the concept of middle power diplomacy and its relevance to Vietnam’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing international environment. Participants explored how middle powers can contribute to regional and global governance, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and serve as constructive actors in addressing shared challenges. Discussions also examined the implications of strategic competition among major powers and broader developments in the Indo-Pacific region for Vietnam’s external relations and international engagement.
Across multiple panel sessions, participants addressed a wide range of issues, including strategic autonomy, economic governance in a fragmented global economy, energy transition, technology diplomacy, digital governance, and the future of multilateralism. Comparative perspectives and international experiences provided valuable insights into how middle powers can build partnerships, exercise influence through cooperation, and advance national interests while contributing to international peace and stability.
The forum also served as a venue for discussing Vietnam’s strategic choices in a changing international landscape. Through open and forward-looking exchanges, scholars and experts examined how Vietnam can continue to enhance its international engagement, expand cooperation with partners, and contribute responsibly to regional and global affairs in line with the principles of independence, self-reliance, cooperation, and development.
In addition to the main conference, pre-forum workshops on international publishing and research methodology were organized for early-career and mid-career researchers. These sessions aimed to strengthen research capacity, promote academic excellence, and support greater participation by Vietnamese scholars in international academic networks, thereby contributing to the long-term development of Vietnam’s research community.
Through its diverse discussions and exchange of perspectives, the Academic Forum 2026 reaffirmed the value of academic dialogue in fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary international developments. The event demonstrated the important role that scholarly engagement can play in supporting informed policy debates and encouraging constructive international cooperation.
As global and regional dynamics continue to evolve, KAS Vietnam remains committed to supporting academic dialogue, policy-oriented research, and international cooperation that contribute to a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing countries in an increasingly interconnected world. The Academic Forum 2026 marks another significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between KAS Vietnam and DAV, further strengthening research collaboration, intellectual exchange, and dialogue on issues of shared regional and global interest.
