A society’s well-being is often dependent on economic growth. The current international economic crisis has led to unemployment and social problems in various countries. The need to address the potential impact on civil societies in Asia and Europe has now become a vital and pressing concern. The resourcefulness, creativity and expertise from various civil society actors should be leveraged to find viable alternatives to the negative effects of unbridled economic growth.

In tandem with the on-going inter-governmental ASEM dialogue on the international financial and economic crisis, ASEF activities under the Economy and Society theme focus on the impact of the crisis on society, engaging representatives from government and civil society in a collective reflection, giving inputs for innovative and integrated policy recommendations.

For more information about ASEF's activities in this area, please contact us, or click on one of our related programmes.