“I think we are prepared to tackle both new challenges and emerging possibilities. Together, we will continue to build a future rooted in mutual understanding and collaboration between Asia and Europe, upholding ASEF’s mission at every step.” – Amb Beata STOCZYŃSKA, ASEF Executive Director
On 28 October 2024, ASEF held an informal gathering for the leadership handover ceremony between Ambassador Beata STOCZYŃSKA as the new ASEF Executive Director (ED) and her predecessor Ambassador MORIKAWA Toru. The event was attended by ASEF governors based in Singapore. Ambassador Tommy KOH, pioneering ED of ASEF, gave the keynote speech thanking Amb MORIKAWA for his contributions and welcoming Amb STOCZYŃSKA as the next ED of ASEF. He said ASEF remained relevant amid drastic changes in the world and should focus its agenda on important issues that would unite Asia and Europe, namely:
(i) achieving sustainable development and transitioning our economies to low carbon economies;
(ii) protecting the planet’s climate, biodiversity and oceans;
(iii) strengthening the rule of law and opposing the violations of international law and international humanitarian law;
(iv) protecting free trade and open economies against the growing menace of protectionism and economic nationalism;
(v) harnessing the power of new technologies, such as digital, robotics, artificial intelligence, for good and not for evil;
(vi) supporting the UN and multilateralism and resisting the resort by powerful countries to unilateralism and bilateralism; and
(vii) promoting mutual understanding and harmony between people of different races, religions and cultures.
Handover Ceremony – Speech by Amb Beata STOCZYŃSKA, Executive Director
Handover Ceremony – Speech by Amb Tommy KOH, Ambassador-At-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Handover Ceremony – Closing Remarks by Mr ZHANG Lei, Deputy Executive Director