The ASEAN Law Forum 2022. (File photo).

Over the past two decades, the Ministry of Justice has maintained the ASEAN Law Forum as a mechanism for in-depth exchanges on legal and judicial issues in the region.

On that basis, at the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM 13) and the 24th ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), held in Manila, the Philippines, in November 2025, Vietnam proposed hosting the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 under the theme “The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in law-making and law enforcement in the digital era.”

Vietnam's hosting of the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in law-making and law enforcement is necessary and appropriate. It both builds on previous editions of the Forum and opens up a new approach to legal cooperation associated with the application of technology to improve the quality of institutions and the effectiveness of law enforcement.

At the same time, this activity is in line with the Party's policy on improving the legal system, as reflected in Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW dated April 30, 2025, Conclusion No. 09-KL/TW dated March 10, 2026, and Conclusion No. 18-KL/TW dated April 2, 2026 of the Politburo, thereby continuing to affirm Vietnam's proactive and active role in ASEAN legal and judicial cooperation.

The Ministry of Justice has proposed taking the lead in organising the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 on “The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in law-making and law enforcement in the digital era,” tentatively scheduled for August 18-20, 2026, in Ha Noi.

The Forum aims to share the experiences and best practices of ASEAN countries in applying AI to law-making and law enforcement to improve the quality and effectiveness of these activities in the digital era; enhance the digital capacity of legal and judicial agencies and officials in carrying out professional tasks; strengthen international cooperation and regional connectivity in digital transformation and the application of AI in law-making and law enforcement, thereby contributing to ASEAN's efforts to improve law enforcement and develop a harmonised, modern legal framework capable of responding to legal challenges in the digital era.

The agenda includes an Opening Session, featuring welcoming remarks by a leader of the Vietnamese Government, a special welcoming address by the leadership of the Philippine Department of Justice, and the opening address by the Minister of Justice of Vietnam.

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