Background

ASEM 8 Summit

(asem8.be)
Updated: 2010-09-28 16:12

Since the inception of the ASEM process in 1996, Asia and Europe have kept their biennial appointment with remarkable regularity. It must be taken as a sign of the depth of commonality between them. Indeed, both regions have grown out of a long and turbulent history, both pride themselves of age old traditions and both present a wealth in cultural diversity. They have a common predilection for organized and structured relationships between nations which by experience foster security and stability. They both strive for an economic model that is balanced between consumption, saving and investment and that can prove sustainable over the long term. They similarly place human development at the center of their policies. They both favor multilateral and equitable governance of the world rather than zones of influence and relationships based on power.

The ASEM 8 Summit in Brussels on 4 and 5 October this year will be the eighth privileged occasion to give expression to the common views of Asia and Europe. Representing 58 % of global population, 50 % of global GDP and over 60% of global trade, this gathering will hopefully inspire the world community. Indeed, a month later, the first G-20 meeting to take place in a non G-8 country will gather in Seoul, Republic of Korea, to shape the policies that are required in the face of the financial and economic crisis. A few weeks thereafter, the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Climate Change Convention will meet in Cancun, Mexico, to pursue the efforts started at the Copenhagen Summit of December last year.