Engaging Civil Societies
ASEF actively engages a diverse spectrum of individuals and organisations in an effort to connect civil societies with the political deliberations at the ASEM Summits of Heads of States and Governments and Ministerial Meetings. In 2011, the Foundation showcased the results of the ASEM Education Hub’s 2009 and 2010 activities at the 3rd Asia- Europe Meeting of Ministers for Education (ASEMME3) in Copenhagen, Denmark, which included the results of the Rectors’ Conference in 2010 involving the heads of 73 highlevel university representatives.
Providing an Asia-Europe Voice in Global Dialogues
ASEF continued its participation in the Europe-Asia Policy Forum (EUforAsia), which aims to boost cooperation and drive awareness of contemporary issues concerning EU-Asia relations. Targeting policymakers and other stakeholders, it has organised 24 Brussels Briefings, 11 roundtables and two conferences over three years for government, business and civil society leaders. Going beyond ASEM meetings, ASEF has drawn attention to the concerns of civil societies at various international meetings and forums. At the Rio+20 Summit in 2012, a defining moment in international dialogue on environment and sustainable development, ASEF will present the outcome of the Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum) workshops, the Asia-Europe Strategies for the Earth Summit 2012, to influence the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD). This includes research, good practices and insights gleaned from 20-year scenarios developed by over 55 experts.
Right : Participants during the 3rd ASEM Meeting of Ministers for Education (ASEMME3)
Over 100 civil society and government participants descended on Prague, the Czech Republic for the 11th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights in November 2011. Representatives from the United Nations, the European Union and various national human rights institutions also participated in the dialogue which discussed national and regional human rights mechanisms. The outcomes will be tabled in a set of recommendations for the strengthening of regional and national mechanisms in the two continents.
One of ASEF’s longest running programmes, the Seminar stands as the largest meeting point between Asia and Europe on human rights issues. Launched in 1997, it brings together and enhances relations between government officials and civil society participants in the area of human rights from the 48 ASEM partners.
ASEF also engaged the cultural sector on environment and sustainable development issues. ASEF’s Connect2Culture programme brought together over 100 artists, creative professionals, scientists and sociologists to examine arts and culture as a catalyst for creative solutions to important global challenges such as climate change alongside key events such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15). From 2012, Connect2Culture will investigate the role of culture in human development and contribute to discussions on the Millennium Development Goals.
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) marks another milestone as it commemorates its 15th anniversary in 2012. Established by attending members of the Asia- Europe Meeting in 1997, the Organisation was founded to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of Asia and Europe.
The last 15 years have seen it engage some 17,000 direct participants and realise over 500 projects in seven areas of interest - namely economy, environment, education, public health, arts and culture, human rights and governance, and intercommunal dialogue - as it persists in championing issues of immediate relevance to the two regions and emphasising common ground for future partnerships.
Left : Mr Pascal Lamy, EU Commissioner for Trade, at the ASEF 5th Anniversary Lecture in 2002.
Giving Arts & Culture a Stage
In October 2011, ASEF lent its support to the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture. Held in Melbourne, Australia, the Summit was the meeting point for over 500 cultural leaders, practitioners and artists representing governments, national cultural institutions and cultural organisations. The Summit was an ideal opportunity to showcase culture360.org project an online portal dedicated to the promotion of Asian and European cultures by engaging users and fostering partnerships between professionals and organisations from the two regions.
Tackling Health Concerns in Asia & Europe
A special mandate from ASEM to form the Public Health Network in 2009 turned the spotlight on public health. Using an international, multi-sector approach targeting experts, policymakers and grassroots, a series of workshops were organised to formulate comprehensive strategies to safeguard against pandemics in Asia and Europe. Representatives from international organisations, government bodies, the business sector and not-for-profit organisations joined ASEF in raising the bar on pandemic preparedness.
In a separate initiative, ASEF through the Health on Stage project teamed up with young volunteers to drive awareness of water-borne diseases and share prevention knowledge across various urban and rural communities in India.
An Enduring Impact
Through working to shape policies and processes, ASEF’s
work has an enduring impact. The Good Policing: Instruments,
Models and Practices handbook published in 2011 is the
culmination of three years of deliberations and research into
police oversight mechanisms in Asia and Europe. Focusing
on the intersections between external oversight, internal
disciplinary mechanisms and other accountability structures
that improve police and community partnerships, it serves as
a guide to the different models, existing good practices, legal
instruments and key parameters that can foster a culture
of good policing. The Indonesian Police Academy has since
adopted the publication for the training of its police officers.
Furthering Our Mission
In 2010, ASEF welcomed Australia, New Zealand and Russia on board. Its continued enlargement serves as a testament to the Foundation’s increasing relevance in fuelling the dialogue between Asia and Europe. As ASEF celebrates its 15th year with a stable of projects and events to be rolled out over the year, it is poised to continually engage relevant stakeholders, build partnerships and pursue its mission of establishing closer ties between the two regions for the benefit of all.
Through such events and programmes, ASEF has involved a broader audience of over 185,000 people who were able to experience the identity and strength of our diverse cultures and benefit from stronger cooperation in the different areas that were mentioned above. ASEF has provided these individuals with the opportunity to engage their counterparts in the other region or to work together to advance our mutual interests. As we count down to ASEF’s 15th birthday, we hope to continue promoting closer ties and facilitating bi-regional partnerships for the benefit of the peoples in Asia and Europe.
