An
introduction to our programme...
ASEF
"Talks on the Hill" facilitate and provide an opportunity
for intellectual discussion through conceptual or philosophical
brainstorming particularly with regards to both policy
and second-track diplomatic discourse.
They entail a series of closed-door group discussions on pertinent
current events, and help in deepening relations between civil
society actors and governments in Asia and Europe.
The
objective of this format of meetings is to use a form of "second
or third track diplomacy" where contentious
and controversial matters can be freely discussed in a small
group, aiming towards a projection of tendencies, recommendations
and possible strategies for resolution.
Policy-makers,
NGO activists, journalists, religious leaders. scholars and
specialists are invited from civil society to present and
discuss their opinions and advance their arguments on an issue
at hand. The meetings are held at the Asia-Europe Foundation,
in Singapore and at suitable venues in other countries of
Asia and Europe. Particular care is made to pick venues that
are symbolically important to the issues at hand.
Topics
addressed during these meetings are sensitive and based on
current issues.
Click here for past Talks on the Hill meetings.
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LATEST!
13th Talks on the Hill
Ethnicity Mobilised: The Dilemma of Multicultural Politics
11-12 December 2008
Singapore
Ethno-linguistic diversity is a fact in most societies. The majority of countries in Asia and Europe are ethnically heterogeneous, in the sense that minorities constitute more than five percent of the total population. Even in countries with the rare tradition of relative ethnic homogeneity, the last 20 years of rapid globalisation and immigration has dramatically diversified the ethnic landscape. For policymakers, the existence of distinct communities with different languages, cultures or even basic ways of life poses one of the most difficult and ongoing policy dilemmas of the modern nation state: the need to shape peaceful inter-community relations and the sustenance of social cohesion.
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