Highlights of the Asia-Europe Friendship Walk 2026

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, ASEF hosted the second Asia-Europe Friendship Walk, celebrating strong partnership between Asia and Europe. Taking place over the weekend in celebration of ASEF Day (15 February) and ASEM Day (1 March), this year’s theme was ‘Asia-Europe Friendship Walk: Bridging Asia and Europe in the AI Age‘.

The 2026 theme highlights ASEF’s role in strengthening Asia-Europe cooperation in a rapidly evolving digital and AI-driven landscape. ASEF’s programmes contribute to the understanding of regional perspectives, future-proof skills, and the challenges and opportunities that AI presents. Through its work, ASEF continues to stay ahead in addressing global topics and serves as a platform for important dialogue.

The event welcomed over 80 participants in Singapore, including ASEF Governors, representatives from embassies, youths, partners and ASEF staff. The scenic route began at the iconic Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and concluded at Marina Bay Sands, offering a vibrant waterfront setting for conversations on connectivity and the future of Asia-Europe relations in an increasingly digital world. An interactive quiz was also incorporated into the programme, helping to raise awareness of ASEF’s initiatives and educate participants about its work in bridging Asia and Europe in the digital and AI age.

This year, Poland also organised a parallel Friendship Walk in Warsaw on the same day, bringing together more than 60 participants. The simultaneous walks in Singapore and Warsaw symbolised how the spirit of Asia-Europe partnership transcends geography, uniting communities across continents as they navigate opportunities and challenges.

Building on the momentum of the first walk last year, the 2026 Asia-Europe Friendship Walk once again demonstrated that even in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, human connection remains at the heart of Asia-Europe cooperation.