A society’s well-being is often dependent on economic growth, and the current international economic crisis has led to unemployment and social problems in Asia and Europe. By harnessing the resourcefulness, creativity, and expertise of civil society actors, we can find ways to counter the negative effects of unbridled economic growth.
In tandem with the ongoing ASEM dialogue on the international financial and economic crisis, our activities focus on examining the impact of the economic crisis on society, engaging representatives from government and civil society in a collective reflection, and giving inputs for innovative and integrated policy recommendations.
For more information about our activities in this area, please contact us or click on one of our related programmes.
7th ASEF Experts' Meeting & Public Forum: Creative Economy in Asia and Europe
Creative economy is now widely recognised as a significant contributor to the world economy with high growth opportunities.The development of the creative economy brings about transformation that is much beyond purely the economic dimension.Taking forward...
The ASEF Editors’ Roundtable programme, first launched in 1997 in Luxembourg, gathers senior editors of major print or broadcast media to exchange perspectives on current affairs which are pertinent to Asia and Europe. The Roundtable is often organised...
Asia Europe Economic Forum Conference 2014
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), has linked up with a consortium of top think tanks in both Asia and Europe to organise the Asia Europe Economic Forum (AEEF) programme. ASEFs involvement will last for 2 years and will support 3 conferences throughout...
The Impact of Labour Migration Policies on Migrants’ Socio-Economic Welfare
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) will co-organise a Public Event to showcase the research report on Labour Migration Policies and Socioeconomic Welfare of Migrants. Today, Asia and Europe together host two-third...
Creative and cultural industries are now widely acknowledged as dynamic sectors of the world economy offering high growth opportunities. Based on the premise that culture can be a driver of economic growth, governments in Asia and Europe, in consultation...
Side-Event at the United Nations 5th Open Working Group Meeting
Fifth session of the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals will take place on 25-27 November in New York. During the meeting the Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum) will organise side event on 26th November titled “Sustainable...
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) will co-organise a 2-day Experts' Workshop in Geneva, Switzerland, gathering 25 Asian and European experts in the field of labour migration. Today, Asia and Europe together host...
Green Growth and Sustainable Development Goals - A Development Agenda for Post-2015
The Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum) organised the conference as part of a contribution to a world-wide effort to discuss and support sustainable development as an answer to sustainable development implementation challenges. The main...
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), has linked up with a consortium of top think tanks in both Asia and Europe to organise the Asia Europe Economic Forum (AEEF) programme. ASEFs involvement will last for 2 years and will support 3 conferences throughout...
Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for ASEAN countries
On the occasion of the last ASEM Summit in Laos in 2012, leaders and government representatives from Asian and European countries reaffirmed their commitment to promote sustainable development, believing that responsible progress is the outcome of economic...
Developing a Better Policy Context for Social Enterprises in Asia and Europe
Overview The Asia-Europe Foundations (ASEF) Public Health Network and British Council’s Skills for Social Entrepreneurs programme brought in Asia-Europe senior policy influencers in Berlin for a two day policy dialogue. This was an occasion to share...
Cities, home to more than 50% of the world's population, are facing the growing challenge of building synergies between economic development and heritage conservation. In recent years, Culture Ministers of Asia and Europe have also encouraged, through...
Asia Europe Relations - 30 Years in the Future
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and the United Nations University-Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) organised a presentation of the ASEM Outlook Report 2012 in Bangkok (Thailand) on 11 March 2013. The ASEM Outlook Report...
Smart Austerity and the New Baltic Growth Model
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), in partnership with the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia, organised a public lecture on “Smart Austerity and the New Baltic Growth Model". Title: “Smart...
European troubles, Asian worries
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), has linked up with a consortium of top think tanks in both Asia and Europe to organise the Asia Europe Economic Forum (AEEF) programme. The first conference to involve the support of ASEF, took place at Bruegel in Brussels...
The Role of Interfaith Issues in Migrants’ Integration
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and the Embassy of Italy in Singapore jointly hosted the Public Lecture on “the Role of Interfaith Issues in Migrants’ Integration”. Title: ...
Co-organised by ASEF and UNU-CRIS, the workshop provided a platform on which the findings of the ASEM Outlook Report and other cross-cutting issues of relevance to Asia and Europe can be discussed. The Workshop participants reviewed the Report...
Mutual Perceptions of Asia and the EU in a Changing Global Environment
Malaysia and the EU are deep into negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement that would help to improve trade between Malaysia and 27 nation trading bloc. This is an important time to evaluate how Malaysia views the EU. With the sovereign debt crisis a lingering...
Sustainable Development Assessment: Towards Measureable Goals
The seminar titled "Sustainable Development Assessment: Towards Measureable Goals" took place on 21-22 November 2012 and was followed by 14th Asia-Europe Environment Forum Steering Committee Meeting on 23 November 2012. The participants represented international...
Mutual Perceptions of Asia and the EU in a Changing Global Environment
Leaders of Australia and New Zealand have attend only their second Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Laos this November. With this in mind, it is an important time to question how both countries can best position themselves in their relations...
6th Asia-Europe Editors' Roundtable
The Editors' Roundtable Series, first launched in 1997 in Luxembourg, aims to enrich the exchange of ideas and perspectives among opinion leaders from Asian and European media organisations. The Roundtable endeavours to provide unique access for the Editors...
14th East Asia-Europe Think-tank Dialogue
The Asia-Europe Foundation together with its partners, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Regional Program in Singapore, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (Laos) and the Institute of Strategic and Development Studies (The Philippines) are co-organising...
Mutual Perceptions of Asia and the EU in a Changing Global Environment - The view from Thailand
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the Centre for European Studies (CES), and the MA Programme in European Studies (MAEUS) - Chulalongkorn University, organised a public seminar entitled “Mutual Perceptions of Asia and the EU in a Changing Global Environment...
In his presentation, Dr Fraser Cameron, Director of the EU-Asia Centre in Brussels, will discuss to what extent the EU can be considered an actor in Asia. The EU already has several strategic partnerships in Asia, including China, Japan, India and South...
Mutual Perceptions of Asia and Europe in a Changing Global Environment
Following on from the European leg of launches in Berlin, Brussels and Paris, ASEF launched its publication "Asia in the Eyes of Europe - Images of a Rising Giant" during a series of briefings in Beijing (2 July), Shanghai (4 July) and Tokyo (5 July)...
Asia in the Eyes of Europe - Images of a Rising Giant
ASEF launched the publication "Asia in the Eyes of Europe - Images of a Rising Giant" during a series of briefings in Paris, Brussels, Berlin to highlight the findings of the unique “Asia in the Eyes of Europe” research project. The briefings were...
The European Union (EU) is going through a difficult period with major challenges in the form of the on-going Eurozone crisis, the continued negotiations over the EU fiscal treaty and the need for improved growth across the 27 member states. In the face...
Asia and Europe: Coming Together or Drifting Apart?
Current reports and views in the international media on Asia-Europe relations are predominantly focussed on the Eurozone’s present debt difficulties and the potential adverse impact on Asia. While some European voices have expressed hope that Asians...
Recent Developments in the European Union (EU) and Latvia
On the occasion of his visit to Singapore, H.E. Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lativa, gave a public lecture on the topic "Recent Developments in the European Union (EU) and Latvia" at the Asia-Europe Foundation...
After the Lisbon Treaty: Perceptions of the EU in Asia
The final research workshop of the latest phase of the “EU through the Eyes of Asia” study marked two major landmarks for ASEF. Firstly it was the culmination of the latest phase of the pioneering study. And, secondly, it was ASEF’s first official...
Briefing - discussion on the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development
The Third Intersessional Meeting of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20) is one of the last steps in preparation of the Rio+20 Conference. The Conference will take place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary...
The European Union in a Globalized World - Strategic Prospects
At a time of great changes in the world, the economic and financial crisis has put Europe at the forefront, giving sometimes the impression of a European decline. The EU has reacted on the basis of its founding principles: responsibility, solidarity,...
The global financial and economic crisis of 2008/09 is still slowly eroding the confidence in the architecture of the global economy and its institutions. With this lack of confidence, a climate of uncertainty has set in. With capital...
Too Many Foreigners? Crises and their impact on migration flows
Overview When a crisis hits a country, should it shut the door to migrants? Migration is an important and sensitive topic today. Professor Antonio Marquina, leader of the ASEF-supported ASEM Education Hub Thematic Network on Human Security, will kick...
culture360.org at 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture
culture360.org was presented to world cultural leaders and delegates taking part in the World Summit on Arts and Culture in Melbourne, Australia (2 - 6 October 2011) as part of the activities supported by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). The Summit...
Learning from the crisis: How can Asia and Europe respond to future financial and economic crises?
The Global Financial Crisis of the late 2000s has resulted in a global recession and market fluctuations equalled only by the Great Depression of the 1930s and market stagnation of the 1970s. The effects of the crisis have been widespread and prolonged,...
Demographic Changes in Asia and Europe: Challenges for the Youth
In today’s age of unparalleled connectivity and mobility, the youth benefit from vast opportunities to discover, to experience and to be involved in the global village. At the same time, young people are also most affected by the challenges and problems...
Seminar: Russia in the Next Decade and Cooperation with Asia
Asia-Europe Foundation hosted the seminar, “Russia in the Next Decade and Cooperation with Asia” by Dr Igor Yurgens on 28 April 2011. Dr Yurgens, 58, is Chairman of the Institute of Contemporary Development, Russia’s leading think-tank today. He...
Public Talk: Is The Global Economy Still In Crisis?
As the global economy continues its recovery, there remains a need for effective global policy to address downside risks. Jacques Attali has written extensively on this, and his recent books include "A Brief History Of The Future" and "After The Crisis."...
Towards and Beyond Rio+20: Sustainable Development Delivery at the Regional Level
The Asia-Europe Strategies for Earth Summit 2012 is an initiative of the Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum), a partnership between the Asia-Europe Foundation, the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, the Swedish...
Scenarios for Sustainable Development Governance: National Mechanisms that Work
The Asia-Europe Strategies for Earth Summit 2012 is an initiative of the Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum), a partnership between the Asia-Europe Foundation, the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, the Swedish...
5th Asia-Europe Editors' Roundtable
In the lead-up to the 8th ASEM Summit, ASEF organised the 5th Asia-Europe Editors' Roundtable as an opportunity for 17 eminent editors and senior journalists from Asia and Europe to participate in a focused discussion on rethinking necessary international...
4th Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe
Overview The global and regional environment in which the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) operates has changed significantly since its inception in 1996. Financial crises, terrorism, climate change, and pandemics have emerged as global threats that compound...
33rd Asia-Europe Lecture Tour: The Regionalisation Of The World. What Does It Mean For Asia?
While the Westphalian world order of states faces challenges brought about by globalisation, unilateral globalisation has also revealed deficiencies that have resulted in conflicts between states and regions. Instead, regionalisation has emerged as...
Public Talk: Does The EU Need A New Asia Strategy?
The EU’s external relations with Asia are still underlined by the 2001 European Commission Communication: "Europe And Asia: A Strategic Framework For Enhanced Partnership.” This communication was released just before the events of September 11....
5th Asia-Europe Journalists’ Seminar: Moving Towards A Post-Crisis World
The current global financial and economic crisis is the worst since the Great Depression, with wide ranging political and social implications. Beyond ongoing national responses, there is recognition that enhanced international co-operation is urgently...
This lecture consisted of two presentations titled "The Euro After 10 Years: Achievements, Challenges, And Implications For Asia" and "Regional Co-Operation In East Asia: Evolution And Challenges." The presentations were conducted by Klaus Regling,...
The introduction of the euro in January 1999 changed Europe and the international monetary system. The first decade of the euro has been a huge success. But challenges have been mounting at the same time. Klaus Regling, one of the key figures in implementing...
3rd Connecting Civil Societies Of Asia And Europe
The 3rd instalment of the Connecting Civil Society’s conference aimed to prepare a report on an economic and social agenda for the future of ASEM based on expert analyses and multi-stakeholder consultation. The conference brought together over 50...
Reflection on European Integration
3rd Asia-Europe Editors' Roundtable
"The meeting had provided for the frank exchange of opinions (that) will make our eyes a little more open, and eventually help us journalists contribute more for the development of mankind." - Mr. Yoshinori Imai, Executive Editor, NHK Japan. Organised...
The 8th Talks on the Hill, entitled “Re-righting Intellectual Property: Economic and Social policy challenges in Asia and Europe” took place at ASEF, Singapore from 7th-9th May, 2006. Bringing together 13-15 experts on the subhject from Asia and...
The impact of the EU Enlargement on Trade and Investment Relations with ASEAN
2nd EU-Japan-Asia Journalists Conference
The 2nd EU-Japan-Asia Journalists Conference was held in Nagoya, Japan, from 17th-20th April, 2005 and co-organised by ASEF and the Delegation of the European Commission in Japan. This conference followed the successful formula from the previous year...
EU-Japan-Asia Journalists Conference
The second EU-Japan-Asia Journalists Conference followed the successful formula of the previous year, where ASEF's involvement brought forth the expansion of the annual EU-Japan Journalists' Conference to include journalists from other parts of Asia...
1st EU-Japan-Asia Journalists Conference
Themed `New Asia and New Europe,' the 1st EU-Japan-Asia Journalists Conference was organised from 6th-9th April in Fukuoka, Japan by ASEF and the Delegation of the European Commission in Japan. Former ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino delivered...
The 9th ASEF University (AU9) programme, `Asia-Europe Economic Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges for Enterprises in a Changing Global Environment', convened from 1st-14th February, 2004 in Manila, the Philippines. It was the first time that the...
The objective of this meeting was to analyse the current state of the regional debate in East Asia and identify possible areas for initiatives and contributions from Europe. Participants exchanged views on useful lessons that Asia could draw from the...
2nd Asia-Europe Journalists' Seminar
This seminar was organised to coincide with the 5th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and as the sequel to the Asia-EU Journalists' Seminar held in Brussels in May 2003. It brought together a diverse group of Asian and European journalists and enabled...
Attended by more than 100 people, this meeting was organised to compare and contrast the historical development, current situation, and prospective future evolution of the principal regional organisations in Europe and East Asia, namely the EU, ASEAN,...
5th ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights Series
The 5th ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights Series, gathered a total of 55 representatives composed of civil societies from the corporate sectors, trade unions, legal agencies, NGOs and government officials. There were 2 rapporteurs (one Asian and one...
4th Asia-Europe Young Parliamentarians Meeting
This conference consisted of plenary and working group sessions where key topics were discussed. Statements made at the conference were widely quoted in the Italian and international media. KEY SPEAKERS Mr. Rubens Ricupero, Secretary-General, UN Conference...
1st ASEM Roundtable On Globalisation: Globalisation And Regional Responses
Seventy scholars, government officials, and non-government organisations from 20 ASEM countries attended this event. The main topics discussed were: - Globalisation and regional responses - Political and cultural aspects of globalisation - Economic...
This meeting brought together 50 media professionals from Asia and Europe to promote a better understanding of issues of mutual interest, and strengthen ties between Asian and European media. THE ISSUES - The media's impact on public opinion and foreign...
1st Asia-Europe Roundtable: Regions In Transition
This inaugural roundtable session was attended by 50 participants from 15 ASEM member countries, who gathered to discuss the following topics: - Regionalism and institution-building - The issue of enlargement, economic growth, and competition - Social...
ASEF Lecture: Future Relations Between The European Union And Asia
This fourth instalment of the Asia-Europe Lecture series was attended by 150 professionals from the diplomatic corps, academia, think-tanks, business community, and the media. The European Union's Javier Solana delivered the lecture, where he explained...
Europe Asia Forum 3: Asia And Europe At The New Millennium
Fifty high-level Asian and European participants from the world of politics, media, academia, and business attended this forum, which was held over two days. Participants had the opportunity to discuss the state of Asia's economy and the impact of the...
A New Round For Multi-Lateral Trade Negotiations: An Asia-Europe Perspective
Sixty-three participants from 20 ASEM member countries attended this event to discuss the following topics: - The political and economic arguments for the WTO millennium round - The emerging agenda - Developing countries' interests in WTO negotiations The...
Monetary Co-operation: The situation in the Euro Zone
This roadshow was part of the ASEF's efforts to interpret the birth of the Euro for specialist Asian audiences. Over 470 professionals from the government, banking, finance, media, and academic worlds attended the event. Ng Kee Choe (President of the...
1st Colloquium For Journalists: How Can Europe Help Asia Without Provoking A Backlash
This colloquium was timed to coincide with the World Economic Forum's East Asia Economic Summit in Singapore, to raise the awareness of Asia-Europe issues amongst the media. The colloquium was organised as a breakfast meeting, at which four distinguished...
A team of eight distinguished Asian speakers were invited to attend this meeting; they gave presentations on the theme "Asia And Europe: A New Agenda After The Crisis," drawing from their own professional or national perspective. The speakers included...
Fifty-three prominent European and Asian representatives from the political, business, academic, and media circles attended this forum and contributed their ideas on how Europe and Asia could benefit from the interdependence that arises from globalisation. Eberhard...
ASEF 1st Anniversary Asia-Europe Lecture
This lecture, titled "The Tao of Development: Economic Management and Good Governance in Asia," was the second in the Asia-Europe Lecture series. Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered the lecture at the Chulalongkorn University...
