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About the Model Asia-Europe Meeting

The Asia-Europe Meeting originates from a suggestion made by Singapore in the year 1996. At the time both parties were aware that the relations between Europe and Asia were underdeveloped in the context of the increasing political and economic importance of Asia and in view of the comparatively stronger influence of the United States in the region due to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The establishment of ASEM thus aimed at strengthening the European-Asian side in the power triangle Europe-North America-Asia. Another reason for the establishment of ASEM, besides giving a political dimension to a very dynamic economic development, was to reduce the cultural and social distance between the regions. After all, Europe and Asia shared the understanding that global problems can only be solved effectively by way of international cooperation. Thus, ASEM was to serve the member countries as a forum for informal discussions among equal partners.

Since its inception in 1996, ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) has provided an excellent opportunity for focusing relations between the European Union (EU) and East Asia. It is a forum for informal dialogue at the highest level and a framework for enhancing co-operation in political, economic and social fields. This stands for example in contrast to APEC where just the economic pillar is covered, and is one of ASEM‘s strengths. The importance of economic matters can be seen by the strong relationship, which already exists between EU and Asian ASEM countries in terms of trade and investment. But the other two pillars are at least as important as well. Through creating a better understanding between the people of Asia and Europe the aim of ASEM is to facilitate work towards shared aims and contribute to conflict prevention. This is one of Asia-Europe Foundations tasks in the social pillar. The establishment of a political dialogue is based on the founding principles of ASEM – an informal dialogue between equal partners. It is from this “platform” that we take off, and letting the basic principle, partnership of equals, be the core of the model.

The Model Asia-Europe Meeting (Model ASEM) is a constructed framework to perform a simulation of an Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Just as the real ASEM the Model ASEM has the objective to create a greater understanding between the people from Europe and Asia. The purpose of the model is to get a greater understanding of the ASEM process, its structure and political process. It will also contribute to a greater understanding for other countries and cultures in terms that young people from all over the world come together and work together, as well as a general enlightened understanding for international conferences and negotiations in general.

Goals of Model ASEM

During the simulation participants are given the opportunity to meet and interact with other young people, from different backgrounds but sharing the same interest. The simulation will result in a common political declaration that will be presented at the end of the final session.

The project aims to:

  1. Generate interest and increase awareness and knowledge about the ASEM process among young people;
  2. Establish a forum for dialogue where young people can engage in intense discussions on issues that are high on the ASEM agenda and are of mutual concern to youth in both regions, in an atmosphere that places emphasis on mutual respect and tolerance;
  3. Provide a channel where young people can put forward their ideas and work together on a common vision towards an ideal Asia-Europe Meeting;
  4. Encourage network building among university students with the potential to become tomorrow's global leaders;
  5. Encourage students to learn the skills of compromise, negotiation, and consensus building. Through this role-playing event, the participants develop greater understanding of world problems and the complexity of international relations;
  6. Offer the opportunity to gain substantive knowledge about the cultures and policies of the countries the students represent at the simulation.