Overview

Background and Mandate

In 2004, the 6^th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (ASEMFMM6) tasked ASEF to run the AIB. In doing so, the ASEM Foreign Ministers noted that “publicity for endorsed initiatives should be strengthened through the ASEM InfoBoard” with the expectation that “as much information as possible … will be shared among ASEM partners through the ASEM InfoBoard”. Since then, AIB has been consistently acknowledged as “a key tool in promoting ASEM and providing comprehensive information on the ASEM process to the interested public”. It has been referred to as a project under ASEF’s “contributions to Press & Public Awareness of the ASEM Process”.

In 2018, at the 12^th ASEM Summit (ASEM12), ASEM Leaders “underlined the importance to enhance ASEF and ASEM visibility through the ASEM InfoBoard with its social media platforms”. In 2021 at the 13^th ASEM Summit (ASEM13), ASEM Leaders stated that “Publicity for ASEM connectivity initiatives can be strengthened through ASEM InfoBoard and co-organisers can proactively inform ASEF. Information on initiatives held in the past should be gathered, organized and compiled so that it can be widely shared. This process should be carried out by the ASEM InfoBoard”.

The AIB supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) primarily through Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals). The AIB specifically helps to achieve Goal 16.10 (ensure public access to information), 17.16 (multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, financial resources) and 17.17 (promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships) by publicizing the ASEM Process and its activities through its various online channel.

Development of the AIB

The ASEM InfoBoard is an ongoing ASEM-initiated special project that provides relevant, up-to-date and publicly accessible information on interregional cooperation between and among ASEM Partners in Asia and Europe. It serves as a strategic communication platform to enhance the visibility of ASEM and ASEF’s role in supporting the ASEM process.

As ASEM operates without a secretariat, the AIB serves as a primary platform for ASEM contact points, officials and organisations to share information. While there are currently no ASEM Summits or Ministerial Meetings, it remains important, if not more so, to continue strengthening the AIB and developing it from a static noticeboard with a largely top-down approach to information sharing into a more dynamic platform for ideas, analysis and exchange.

In late 2023, the AIB began introducing a more bottom-up and community-oriented approach. The “Community” section was enhanced with dedicated sub-sections covering the three pillars of ASEM—Political, Economic and Social—under which selected articles and other relevant content are published.

To further promote engagement on Asia-Europe relations, the AIB introduced two new content initiatives in 2025. The first is the Topic of the Month, which features a selected issue based on its relevance to ASEM Partners, current international developments and its connection to one or more of the ASEM pillars. Each topic provides analysis and perspectives on issues of shared interest to Asia and Europe, including education, health, tourism, climate change, emerging technologies and international cooperation.

The second initiative is the AIB Podcast, which brings together government officials, academics, think tanks, practitioners and representatives of relevant organisations to discuss key issues affecting Asia and Europe. Through these conversations, the podcast presents perspectives from both regions, deepens understanding of current developments and encourages greater exchange on topics of common interest.

Through these initiatives, the AIB continues to evolve as a platform that not only shares information about ASEM, but also facilitates informed discussion, diverse perspectives and stronger engagement on Asia-Europe relations.