The host of next year’s event was announced during a forum this week in Bangkok, Thailand, where 1,100 regional delegates discussed peace and security, migration, employment, health and social protection, ecological sustainability, innovation, and emerging technology.

Aside from plenary sessions and thematic discussions, participants also took part in dialogues with representatives from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand, and Indonesian government representatives.

The ASEAN People’s Forum was first started by Malaysia in 2005. Since 2008, the event is held annually in the country which holds that year’s Chair of ASEAN.