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.
Taking place on the eve of the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8 Summit), Connecting Civil Societies 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. Topics of the conference are within the following areas: Economy and Society, Education and Academic Cooperation, Arts and Culture, Public Health, Communities and Conflicts, Governance and Human Rights and New Ideas, fresh Impetus for Europe-Asia dialogue and Cooperation.
