A unique experience for youth to propose solutions to sustainability challenges in tourism
WHAT WAS #ASEFSU22?
The ASEF Summer University (ASEFSU) was a 12-day experiential learning journey and “Interdisciplinary Innovathon” for Asian and European students & young professionals. Designed to foster cross-cultural exchanges and networks among youth, it offered youth the opportunity to broaden their horizons, deepen their knowledge on contemporary issues, and propose concrete solutions to societal challenges.
ASEFSU22 was conducted under the theme “Sustainable Tourism: Youth Driving Green Growth” and it consisted of a mix of practical team exercises, thought-provoking lectures, group research and experiential learning. The participants were given the opportunity to learn and share their knowledge on sustainable tourism and green economies through a local “Innovathon” and Challenge Hub.
ASEFSU22 focused on the 3 Dimensions of Sustainable Development:
- Economic, including Sustainable Transport, Youth Employment, and Sustainable Consumption & Production
- Social, including Cultural Heritage, Inclusion, and Interactions with Locals
- Environmental, including Water & Waste Management, Renewable Energy, and Technology
Consisting of members from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the ASEFSU22 Challenge Teams tackled a real obstacle to sustainable tourism in a practical and engaging way. The ASEFSU22 Challenge was developed in cooperation with Hostelling International, the only global network of youth hostel associations, and the participants’ proposed solutions were presented live through social media, as well as put to test and made available for the benefit of all ASEM societies.
WHAT DID #ASEFSU22 OFFER?
The ASEFSU22 consisted of 3 phases:
Phase 1: Online Preparatory phase (4 weeks)
In this phase, the participants actively took part in an online preparatory phase to familiarise with the topics of the project. As part of it they attended online webinars on topics ranging from Tourism & the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to International Relations & ASEM, and they worked on individual as well as group assignments.
Phase 2: “Interdisciplinary Innovathon” in Croatia & Slovenia (2 weeks)
The 1-week programme in Slovenia offered the participants trainings, workshops, lectures and study visits to develop their understanding of the themes covered by the project. In Croatia the participants went from theory to practice as they were given the opportunity to co-develop and test solutions to environmental, tourism and youth employment challenges faced by local authorities, businesses and civil society organisations in the region.
Phase 3: Online Post-project Phase and Spin-off activities (4 weeks)
All prototypes developed on site – analogue and digital – were analysed after the project by relevant stakeholders and communities engaged. In addition, the project’s best-performing participants were awarded and invited to present the outcomes of their work at high-level ASEM Ministerial Meetings and other events.
WHEN
12-23 September 2018
WHERE
Croatia & Slovenia
COSTS
No registration or participation fee. The organisers provided participants with travel subsidy, accommodation and meals.
ACCESSIBILITY
ASEFSU22 was accessible to all ASEM youth.
The organisers did not discriminate any applicant or participant on the basis of his or her race, national origin (ancestry), colour, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, religion (creed), marital status, or age.