The global and regional environment in which the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) operates has changed significantly since its inception in 1996. The initial optimism about the benefits of globalisation and international cooperation has given way to a more sober recognition of the challenges of a globalised world and the limitations of multilateral processes and institutions. Financial, economic and food crises, terrorism, climate change, and pandemics have emerged as global threats that compound the insecurity and challenges facing an increasingly inter-dependent but fractious international community. In view of these common concerns, Asia and Europe bear the responsibility of deepening the essential work of dialogue and cooperation through the ASEM process. 

Thirteen years in development, the ASEM forum today is a broad range of dialogue channels and activities that continue to respond to the changing challenges facing Asia and Europe. Going forward, the ASEM process could benefit from clearer, more focused objectives and a more defined agenda. What should be ASEM’s priorities for the next few years? What are the most pressing concerns shared by governments and civil societies in both Asia and Europe, especially those concerns that could benefit from concerted policy attention and sustained ground action from citizens?

About Connecting Civil Societies

The only permanent ASEM institution, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) plays a vital role in connecting reflections on the ASEM level with the concerns of civil societies in the two regions. Taking place on the eve of the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8 Summit), Connecting Civil Societies 4 aims to take stock and analyse some of the current trends and issues that define the Asia-Europe dialogue to date, identify the most constructive areas for civil society cooperation, and forecast emerging issues that could have impact on future ASEM dialogue and directions. These deliberations will contribute to the ASEM 8 Summit, which will focus on improving world governance structures and sustainable development efforts as part of the long term response to the economic and financial crisis.

Specifically, the conference objectives are to:

1. Facilitate dialogue between ASEM partners and civil society through an unconventional mix of participants from diverse sectors; 
2. Deliver a focused report to ASEM leaders at the ASEM 8 Summit in Brussels, outlining the main concerns of civil society that could contribute to the ASEM agenda in the next two years and beyond;

Proposals are invited for workshops and discussion groups that fall under one or more of the following themes:

• Economy and society
• Education and academic cooperation
• Arts and culture
• Public health
• Communities and conflict
• Governance and human rights
• Environment and sustainable development

For more information: http://www.culture360.org/create/projects/project/itemid/projects_20100312_103830.aspx