This year marks the 15th Anniversary of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). This is a milestone, an occasion about looking to the future as it is about celebrating our past achievements.
I would like to convey my gratitude to all of you for supporting our mandate to promote greater mutual understanding between the peoples of Asia and Europe. Without your contributions, the journey for the last 15 years could not have been so meaningful.
Since our establishment in 1997 after the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Thailand, 1996, we have built stronger connections between civil societies and directly engaged about 17,000 organisations and individuals, through initiatives in the realms of economy and society, environment, education, public health, arts and culture, human rights and governance, and inter-communal dialogue. Your participation and appreciation have demonstrated the relevance of the Foundation’s existence.
With the official launch of our 15th Anniversary, I would like to introduce to you a range of activities that will be part of our celebration this year. These include events related to films, photography, and projects directly involving graduates as well as policy makers. A cross-section of these activities will take place in Singapore, with other initiatives spreading out in different ASEM member states.
I would like to invite all of you to join us in celebrating this anniversary event to reconnect and to reflect.
I look forward to your continued support and encouragement to making ASEF scoring a meaningful difference.
Ambassador Michel Filhol
Executive Director
To participate in our 15th anniversary projects click here