model asem singapore 2015 handbook

HANDBOOK

THE SILK ROAD RENAISSANCE:REDEFINING ASIA-EUROPE SOCIO-

CULTURAL & ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT

Contents

1. Introduction to the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)...................................3

........................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 History and Objectives of ASEM.................................................................3

1.2 ASEM Members..........................................................................................4

1.3 Key Characteristics....................................................................................4

1.4 ASEM’s Three Pillars..................................................................................4

1.5 ASEM Working Mechanism and Procedures...............................................5

1.6 The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Other ASEM Forums...................6

2. Model ASEM Singapore 2015.......................................................................7

2.2 ASEM Summit versus Model ASEM Singapore 2015...................................8

2.3 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement......................................10

2.4 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Certificate and Awards..............................10

3. Preparing for Model ASEM Singapore 2015............................................11

3.1 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Guidelines.................................................11

3.2 Working Groups.......................................................................................12

3.3 Research Guidelines................................................................................14

4. Organiser of Model ASEM Singapore 2015..............................................15

5. Task list and Deadlines for Model ASEM Singapore 2015.................16

6. Appendix......................................................................................17

Appendix 1: Leading Questions for Political Pillar (Focus 1).........................17

Appendix 2: Leading Questions for Economic Pillar......................................18

Appendix 3: Leading Questions for Socio-cultural Pillar................................19

Appendix 4: Template for ASEM Member Brief..............................................20

Appendix 5: Template for Statement by ASEM Member for Plenary Session.21

Appendix 6: Template for Statement by ASEM Member for Working Group. .22

Appendix 7: The Programme.........................................................................23

Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Handbook

1. Introduction to the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

For further reading, please refer to the ASEM InfoBoard, the official information platform of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process.

1.1 History and Objectives of ASEM

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an intergovernmental forum for dialogue and cooperation established in 1996 to deepen relations between Asia and Europe, which addresses political, economic and socio-cultural issues of common concern.

The origins of the ASEM process lay in a mutual recognition by both Asia and Europe that the relationship between the two regions needed to be strengthened, to reflect the new global context of the 1990s and the perspectives of the new century. With the strategy paper “Towards a New Strategy for Asia“ published in 1994, the European Commission stressed the importance of modernising its relationship with Asia in view of Asia’s political, economic and cultural significance. This objective was reaffirmed through the Commission’s Communication in 2001 “Europe and Asia: A Strategic Framework for Enhanced Partnerships”. In 1994, Singapore and France proposed that an EU-Asia summit meeting be held, to consider how to build a new partnership between the two regions. Following Singapore's proposal, the 1st ASEM Summit was held in March 1996 in Bangkok, Thailand. This Summit marks the beginning of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

In 2000, the Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework (AECF) was adopted at the 3rd ASEM Summit in in Korea to set the vision, principles, objectives, priorities and mechanisms for the ASEM process. The AECF also outlines the working methods of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process.

Year Milestone and ASEM EnlargementsNo. of

Members

1996 Inaugural Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit with 26 members

26

200413 new members: Cambodia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Myanmar, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

39

2008 6 new members: Bulgaria, Romania, India, Mongolia, Pakistan and the ASEAN Secretariat

45

2010 3 new members: Australia, New Zealand and Russia 48

Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Handbook As of 5 April 2015 of 28

http://www.aseminfoboard.org/rules-and-refulations/item/868-aecf-2000.html

http://ec.europa.eu/development/icenter/repository/strategy_asia_2001_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/development/icenter/repository/strategy_asia_2001_en.pdf

http://aei.pitt.edu/2949/

http://www.aseminfoboard.org/


2012 3 new members: Bangladesh, Norway and Switzerland 51

2014 2 new members at ASEM10: Croatia and Kazakhstan 53

1.2 ASEM Members

As of 1 September 2014, ASEM consists of 53 members (30 European countries and 21 Asian countries), the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Union. The members are:

Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, the Lao PDR, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Viet Nam, the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.

1.3 Key Characteristics

The ASEM process has four key characteristics:

Informality ASEM provides an open forum for policy makers and officials to discuss any political, economic and socio-cultural issues of common interest. In this way, it complements rather than duplicates the work already being carried out in bilateral and other multilateral forums.

Multi-dimensionality ASEM covers the full spectrum of relations between the two regions and devotes equal weight to political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions.

Emphasis on equal partnership ASEM eschews any "aid-based" relationship taken forward under our bilateral relations in favour of a more general process of dialogue and co-operation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Dual focus on high-level and people-to-people

ASEM provides a platform for meeting of heads of states or governments, ministers and senior officials, and with an increasing focus on fostering contacts between societies in all sectors in the two regions.

1.4 ASEM’s Three Pillars

ASEM meetings and activities are grouped into three main pillars:

1. Political Pillar



The political dialogue is a key element of the ASEM process. Biennial high-level meetings of ASEM Heads of State and Governments (ASEM Summits) or ASEM Foreign Ministers (ASEM FMM) allow the development of a genuine dialogue on the main political issues of concern to ASEM partners. ASEM provides a framework where Asian and European countries can discuss major global issues on the international agenda: Reinforcing the multilateral system, addressing international and regional developments, security and anti-terrorism co-operation, tackling environmental issues, human rights issues and dealing with global threats.

2. Economic Pillar With Asia and Europe being two major economic players in the world, cooperation and activities within the economic pillar focus on: Promoting economic multilateralism, promoting trade and investment, fostering dialogue on financial issues, managing economic crisis and promoting the dialogue within the business sector. Towards this purpose, the ASEM Finance Ministers and ASEM Economic Ministers meet in frequent intervals.

3. Socio-Cultural Pillar: Closer people-to-people contacts and exchanges are indispensable for the promotion of greater awareness and understanding between the two regions. Therefore, ASEM places an emphasis on the promotion of dialogue on cultures and civilisations, education cooperation and exchanges, youth cooperation and engagement, as well as the inclusion of civil society actors in the ASEM process.

1.5 ASEM Working Mechanism and Procedures

The Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework (AECF) outlines the working methods of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process. Being an informal process of dialogue and cooperation, ASEM has no Secretariat. Foreign Ministers and their Senior Officials (SOM) take over the coordinating role of the ASEM process. They are supported by a group of four Coordinators, two from the Asian side and two from the European side.

The official ASEM process is carried forward through a series of official high-level meetings (Summit and Ministerial Meetings) and other official meetings.

ASEM Summit: biennial, highest level of decision-making in the process, featuring the Heads of State or Government

ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM FMM) ASEM Finance Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM FinMM) ASEM Economic Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM EMM) ASEM Culture Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM CMM) ASEM Education Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM ME) ASEM Environment Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM EnvMM) ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers’ Conference (ASEM LEMC) ASEM Transport Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM TMM) Senior Officials Meeting covering various sectors (ASEM SOM)


http://www.aseminfoboard.org/rules-and-refulations/item/868-aecf-2000.html


In addition to these core meetings, ASEM governments organise and/or host a number of thematic expert meetings and events, the so-called ASEM Initiatives. A long-term ASEM Initiative is the ASEM Initiative for the Rapid Containment of Pandemic Influenza .


http://www.asef.org/images/projects/stockpileforpandemicinfluenza.pdf


1.6 The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Other ASEM Forums

The focus on the people-to-people dimension and the integration of civil-society actors plays an important part in the ASEM process, as demonstrated by various organisations and forums, including:

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is a not-for-profit inter-governmental organisation located in Singapore. Founded in 1997, it is the only permanently established institution of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

ASEF promotes understanding, strengthens relationships and facilitates cooperation among the people, institutions and organisations of Asia and Europe. ASEF enhances dialogue, enables exchanges and encourages collaboration across the thematic areas of culture, economy, education, governance, public health and sustainable development.

Together with about 700 partner organisations ASEF has run more than 650 projects, mainly conferences, seminars and workshops. Over 17,000 Asians and Europeans have actively participated in its activities and it has reached much wider audiences through its networks, web-portals, publications, exhibitions and lectures.

The Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) Meeting is part of the overall Asia-Europe partnership process. It serves as a forum for inter- parliamentary contacts, exchanges and diplomacy among parliaments, and to promote mutual understanding among the people and countries of Asia and Europe. ASEP meetings shall normally be convened on a regular bi-annual basis alternately in Asia and in Europe before the ASEM Summit.The Meeting connects member of parliaments of ASEM member countries to discuss on issues surrounding the ASEM three pillars. The ASEP promotes cooperation between parliaments in Europe and Asia and offers parliamentarians an opportunity to influence the ASEM process.

8 th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) Meeting , 2014

The Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF) is a meeting of business leaders from Asia and Europe, created by the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to strengthen economic cooperation between the business sectors of the two regions.

Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF) 2014


http://www.confindustria.it/wps/portal/EN/ASIA-EUROPE/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOINLVwtDB39Dbz8gy1cDBydgwJC3AIDDZ2MzYAKIoEKfD09TAw9DYy8_A1cTA0c_UNM_AIDLYxN_E2J02-AAzgaENIfrh8FVoLPBWAFeKwoyA2NMMh0VAQAmR8rnQ!!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

http://www.aseminfoboard.org/asia-europe-business-forum-aebf.html

http://asep2014.parlamento.it/1101

http://www.aseminfoboard.org/asia-europe-parliamentary-partnership-meeting-asep.html

http://www.asef.org/


The Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF) emerged in the mid 1990s from a common desire and need among people’s organisations and networks across Asia and Europe to open up new venues for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity. The purpose of this bi-regional network between organisations and movements from Asia and Europe is to contribute to a world based on the concepts of peace, participatory democracy, social justice, human rights, food sovereignty, sustainability and people’s rights to self-determination. The AEPF is a space to link struggles and visions on alternatives from both regions.

2. Model ASEM Singapore 2015Core elements of Model ASEM Singapore 2015

2.1 Objectives

Model ASEM Singapore 2015 is the 1st edition of Model ASEM local spin-off activities across Asia and Europe. Model ASEM spin-off editions are the direct outcome from Model

ASEM 2014 , which was held in conjunction with the 10 th ASEM Summit (ASEM10) in Milan in October 2014. With the aim of capturing the enthusiasm of students to engage in political simulations at a broader level, the Model ASEM spin-off editions are self-organised by students who aspire to build platforms for young people to exchange perspectives on Asia-Europe collaborations, promote the ASEM process and build long-term relations between the young people of the two continents.

The spin-off editions are planned to be conducted in several ASEM countries throughout 2015 and 2016 to build up the momentum for the next large scale Model ASEM conference planned by ASEF in conjunction with the 11th ASEM Summit in 2016 in Mongolia.

The Singapore event is organised by ASEM Young Leaders Network and supported jointly by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), S Rajaratnam Endowment, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EU Centre in Singapore. Model ASEM Singapore 2015 will be held from 10-12 April 2015 at the National University of Singapore (NUS) where 120 youth participants will role-play as leaders representing the 53 ASEM member delegations. The three-day simulation incorporates elements of the actual ASEM Summit as well as adds complementary features into the programme that further enhance the diplomatic, consensus-building, negotiation and persuasion skills of our youth leaders.

Furthermore, Model ASEM Singapore 2015 aims to:

Link students with ASEM Leaders on a national level Facilitate capacity-building and fine-tuning of skills in the fields of negotiation,

diplomacy and consensus-building Enhance the understanding of Asia-Europe collaboration and the ASEM process Develop a consensus based Chair’s Statement, which will be presented as a joint

document at ASEM11

The project includes 2 main components:


http://www.aseminfoboard.org/events/10th-asem-summit-asem10

http://www.asef.org/index.php/projects/themes/education/3147-Model%20ASEM

http://www.asef.org/index.php/projects/themes/education/3147-Model%20ASEM

http://www.aepf.info/

http://www.aepf.info/


Phase 1: Pre-event preparations Selected participants will partake in pre-event research as groundwork for Model ASEM Singapore 2015 preparations.

Phase 2: 3-day conference Selected participants will partake in Plenary Sessions and Working Groups with a focus on 3 ASEM pillars, namely economic, political and socio-cultural issues. The conference also entails visits to Diplomatic Missions of other ASEM countries located in the Singapore to gain in-depth knowledge about the functions of an Embassy or Consulate.

2.2 ASEM Summit versus Model ASEM Singapore 2015

Compared to other government meetings in the international arena, official ASEM Meetings, including ASEM Summits and ASEM Ministerial Meetings, do not follow a stringent set of rules and procedures. Meetings are rather “informal in character and comprehensive in topics”1. The official ASEM Summit programmes usually include the following elements:

Opening & Closing Ceremonies Group Photo Plenary Sessions Gala Dinner Retreat Press Conference

Bilateral meetings between ASEM members take place on the side-line of the main programme.

Furthermore, an ASEM Summit is prepared more than a year in advance through Ministerial Meetings and ASEM Senior Officials’ Meeting. At these high-level meetings, the programme, agenda and also the Draft Chair’s Statement are discussed.

Model ASEM 2015 adapts this flexible approach and incorporates several elements of the actual ASEM Summit:

ASEM Summit Model ASEM Singapore 2015

Elements

Preparatory Phase

ASEM Foreign Ministers Meetings and other Ministerial Meetings

Background Research Delegates embark on research on background and position of the respective countries

1Yeo, L.H (2002). ASEM – The Asia-Europe Meeting Process: From Sexy Summit to Strong Partnership? Danish Institute of International Affairs. pp.40



ASEM Senior Officials’ Meetings (ASEM SOM)

Regional Meetings and Bilateral Meetings

which they are representing

Actual Meeting

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Official Handshake

Welcome/Opening speeches by Chair/Host of the Meeting, as well as Asian and European ASEM Coordinators; 5 min.

Model ASEM also invites external high-level key-note speakers

Group Photo Group Photo Official picture of ASEM Leaders

Group photo of all Model ASEM Delegates

Plenary Sessions Plenary Sessions Statements by ASEM members on agenda topics on; 5 min.

Session with AEBF, AEPF and ASEP representatives; 4 min each

Moderated panel discussion with AEBF, AEP and ASEP during Model ASEM plus presentations on ASEM

Gala Dinner Closing Dinner Invitation by Summit Host

Several formal and informal dinner settings at Model ASEM with Closing dinner hosted by representative of the City of Milan

Retreat Working Groups Catch-the-eye format with interventions; 3 min.

Model ASEM Working Groups to allow in-depth discussions and exchanges among student



Delegates

Chair’s Statement Chair’s Statement Practise moves from negotiated Chair's Statement to a brief statement by the Chair, providing a perspective of the ASEM deliberations in consultation with ASEM members; not a word-by-word text negotiation

Model ASEM Chair’s Statement consists of 2 parts: 1) perspective of the general meeting deliberations; 2) statements on concrete topics as discussed during the Working Groups

Bilateral Meetings (not part of the official programme)

Bilateral Meetings(part of the official programme)

Pre-arranged bilateral meetings between ASEM members on the sideline of the meeting

Model ASEM offers a designated time slot to conduct bilateral meetings

Those sections marked in blue in the table showcase the different elements of Model ASEM Singapore compared to the actual Summit.

For a detailed programme, please refer to Appendix 7.

2.3 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement

The Model ASEM Chair’s Statement consists of two (2) parts:

1. A general section which provides a perspective of the meeting deliberations (first draft to be prepared by the Chair, as well as the Asian and European ASEM Coordinators)

2. Statements on concrete subjects and priorities of cooperation, as discussed during the Working Groups

Model ASEM Singapore 2015 offers the participants many opportunities to formally and informally discuss the draft Chair’s Statement throughout the meeting. In fact, the student Delegates are expected to lobby and to play their role as Delegates during the entire duration of Model ASEM Singapore 2015 (including tea breaks, dinners, etc.).



The Chair’s Statement has to be reached by consensus, which means that the participants have to find the right balance between each member’s position and the positions held by others.

2.4 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Certificate and Awards

To recognise your participation in Model ASEM Singapore 2015, all Delegates who complete the pre-conference preparations and take part in the various sessions, will receive a Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Certificate. This Certificate states which ASEM member the Delegate has represented during the meeting and the Working Group of the Delegate.

During the Closing Dinner, the best speaker of the Asian and European group will be given an award.

3. Preparing for Model ASEM Singapore 2015Prior to arriving to Model ASEM Singapore 2015

3.1 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Guidelines




Actions Details Template Deadline

1.

ASEM Member Brief

ASEM Member Brief includes the general lines of the member’s policies in regard to ASEM. The brief should also highlight which issues are most relevant for the Delegation in relation to ASEM

To be jointly prepared by all members of one Delegation and sent to [email protected]

1-2 A4 pages

Appendix 4

9 April

2.

Statement by ASEM Member for Plenary Session

3-minute speech to be delivered by Head of Delegation during the Plenary Session

To be jointly prepared by all members of one Delegation

The statement remains undisclosed until the presentation.

Appendix 6

9 April

3.

Background research for Working Group

Each Delegate researches and prepares individually the position, approach, demands and propositions for the allocated Working Group

Only for individual reference and preparation

- -

4.

Statement by ASEM Member for Working Group

A written statement focused on the thematic Working Group.

Prepared by each Delegate for the Working Group session, based on own background research and in sync with the general statement by the ASEM Member in the plenary session.

Written individually

1-page to be sent to [email protected]

Appendix 6

9 April

5.

Working Groups Components for Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement

Key points from each Working Group to be included in the Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement

Co-Chairs Working Group draft the components

Focus on 3 key issues

50-60 words per issue

- On-site

6.

Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement

Final document as the outcome of Model ASEM Singapore 2015

Incorporates the components of the Working Group discussions, negotiations and agreements

“Chair” to hand over the Chair’s Statement to official representative

- On-site


3.2 Working Groups

The “Working Groups” at Model ASEM Singapore 2015 correspond with the “Retreat” sessions at the actual ASEM Summit. Compared to the Retreat, where only the Head of Government/State + 1 Delegate are allowed to participate, the Model ASEM Singapore 2015 “Working Groups” are open to all. This allows each Delegate to actively participate in Model ASEM Singapore 2015.

The topics discussed within the “Working Groups” are based on ASEM’s 3 pillars.

The “Working Groups” functions as follow:

Each Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Delegate is allocated into a specific Working Group; taking into consideration the Delegate’s indicated interest in the confirmation form.

Working Groups are chaired by Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Delegates (see table below).

Leading questions for each Working Group are prepared in advance and circulated among the Delegates. These allow the Chair and the Delegates to keep the focus on key issues.

Each Working Group must conclude the session with concluding key points of discussion, agreements and recommended policies.

Working GroupChair of

Working GroupChair of

Working GroupLeading

Questions

Political Pillar Eoin EESweden

Lieke BOSThe Netherlands

Appendix 1:Political Pillar

Economic Pillar Arif HAQUEPakistan

Cheng Wei XUSweden

Appendix 2:Economic Pillar

Socio-cultural Pillar Chee Yang TEHNorway

Summer JI ShuangKazakhstan

Appendix 3:Socio-cultural Pillar



Roles Deleg

ate Responsibility

“Chair of ASEM Summit”

Zelig Dhi LeeHead of Delegation, Mongolia

Chairs the Opening Ceremony and the Plenary Sessions

Gives the floor to ASEM members to intervene during the meeting

Together with the Asian and European ASEM Coordinators, provides a first draft of the Model ASEM 2015 Chair’s Statement (part 1)

Hands over the “Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement”

Head of Delegation

Please refer to the List of Delegations

Leads the Delegation’s preparations of the ASEM member report

Intervenes during the Plenary Session and presents the ASEM member’s position (3min)

Delegate Please refer to the List of Delegations

Does research for the ASEM member report

Supports the Head of Delegation in his intervention

Intervenes during the Working Group and presents the ASEM member’s position

Takes the seat of Head of Delegate during absence

3.3 Research Guidelines

Each Delegation is required to conduct thoroughly research on the ASEM member the members represent. Please use official information as extensively as possible and be aware of not including biased information. The websites Ministry of Foreign Affairs often offer relevant summaries of the country’s official position on various topics. Try to find more than one source confirming the policy of your represented country.

Distinguish between opinions and facts. Facts are used to support opinions. Thus, be factual in your research and presentations, as you will need to defend these



against the other delegations with conflicting opinions. Remember that you represent an ASEM member and not your personal opinion during the course of Model ASEM Singapore 2015.

Join us in our environmentally friendly conference policy. Download files and use e-copies to contribute to the protection of our environment!

4. Organiser of Model ASEM Singapore 2015

The ASEM Young Leaders Network is a society established in 2015 that seeks to promote Asia-Europe relations among young leaders from both regions. The society is supported by the Asia-Europe Foundation.

Our vision: To be a leading society where young leaders actively champion initiatives that strengthen the relations between Asia and Europe.



Our mission: To provide a platform for dialogue and networking among young leaders of Asia and Europe

The ASEM Young Leaders Network seeks to achieve the following objectives:

Promoting awareness and understanding of the ASEM process amongst youths from Asia and Europe through educational initiatives

Fostering goodwill and camaraderie amongst young leaders and young professionals of Asia and Europe through networking initiatives

Championing collaborative partnerships with corporations, governments, international organisations and non-government organisations by embarking on projects on issues of common interests

5. Task list and Deadlines for Model ASEM Singapore 2015

[6 April] Notification of participant and Delegation assignments

Launch of the content preparation phase

[9 April 5pm] 1. Each Delegation emails the ASEM Member Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Handbook As of 5 April 2015 of 28


Brief to [email protected] These will be printed and distributed during the Summit

2. Delegations finalise their 3-minute intervention (Statement by ASEM Member) to be delivered by Head of Delegation for the Plenary session

3. Each Delegate finalises and sends the Working Groups Components for Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement to [email protected]

10 April Model ASEM Singapore 2015 kicks off

6. Appendix

In the Working Group, Delegates debate on the given subject, present their ASEM member’s position, negotiate for support of other members, and make proposals for possible and concrete areas of co-operation.

Appendix 1: Leading Questions for Political Pillar (Focus 1)


mailto:[email protected]


Human rights, migration

Food for Thought

In the Rio+20 Outcome document “democracy, good governance and the rule of law, at the national and international levels, as well as an enabling environment, are essential for sustainable development ... [and in order to] achieve our sustainable development goals we need institutions at all levels that are effective, transparent, accountable and democratic” (Fu t u r e We Want – O u tc ome ). Given this centrality of human rights to the achievement of sustainable development goals for all peoples, there have been calls to include human rights more directly in the post-2015 development agenda. This is to ensure that the limitations of the previous MDGs do not continue to hamper the new global agenda

(For more details on the limitations of MDGs, see Human Rights Watch (2013), Rights Should be Central to the Post-2015 Development Agenda).

Given the important contributions of migrants to development (in both sending and receiving countries), the I O M h a s c all e d for t he i n c lu s ion of m igra t ion in t he po s t -201 5 de v e l o p m ent a g en d a.

For ASEM countries in particular, migration only grows in importance with Asia and Europe now hosting

2/3rds of the world’s total migrant population (UNDESA 2013). However, in addition to the traditional drivers of migration - political instability, aging populations, government policies, opportunities for economic growth etc. – ASEM now has to contend with new challenges of climate change, global warming and environmental degradation which have an impact on mass migration. The impact of climate change on developing countries is receiving greater interest, particularly so in the Asia-Pacific region which is identified as a hot-spot for climate change induced migration. In the Dhaka Declaration of the 2013 Global Leadership Meeting on Population Dynamics in the Context of the post-2015

Leading questions

1. What special protections do ASEM members need to consider for vulnerable groups in the Post-2015 Development Agenda?

2. What efforts can ASEM undertake to improve the overall experience of migration for a) migrants – protection of their rights b) sending, receiving, transit countries (policies and measures) – in addition to the existing ASEM DG conference on immigration and migratory flows? How to reduce trafficking and secure legal migratory movements?

3. How can ASEM members improve their preventive response to climate change so as to mitigate climate-change induced migration? How to mitigate and adapt to

Appendix 2: Leading Questions for Economic Pillar

Promoting economic growth, trade and investment facilitation

Food for Thought



According to the US National Intelligence Council, by 2030, “Asia will have surpassed North America and Europe combined in terms of global power based upon GDP, population size, military spending and technological investment”. Peace, a foundation stone of the region’s economic boom over the past 20 years, however, seems to be at risk given the regional arms race and several border disputes. Moreover, two of the main inputs that fuelled the boom - labour and human capital - have become more expensive as wages have been rising and the work forces of core economies like Japan, China, and South Korea will soon peak or are already in decline. Asia’s success to date has also created a new set of challenges, including the massive increase in carbon emissions, or, according to The Economist, the danger of a “middle-income trap”, with weak institutions and a lack of innovation slowing down development.

In Europe, the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 has significantly reduced the economic output. And whilst the overall European recovery process is progressing, the GDP grew in the first months of 2014 by just 0.3% across the 28-strong European Union and only 0.2% across the 18-state Euro area (E u r o st a t ). Furthermore, Europe, like Asia, is affected by rapid population ageing trends which are starting to lead to major policy shifts and structural adjustments as European economies cannot sustain the welfare systems that were put in place during the 1950s and 60s. Hence, economic and demographic projections suggest that the influence of today's wealthiest economies will continue to lessen as other countries and regional power Leading questions

1. In which areas can ASEM member countries meaningfully collaborate to create genuinely sustainable growth in both regions?

2. What major policy lessons can Asia and Europe learn from the financial crisis and its aftermath?

3. Ageing trends in Europe and Asia are having a profound impact on their socio-economic structure and future economic policy: where and how can they collaborate to address this?

4. How can SMEs in EU and Asia cooperate together to leveraging their economic power and maximize their contribution to economic world?

Appendix 3: Leading Questions for Socio-cultural Pillar

Education and skills development



Food for Thought

The UNESCO-led Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) forces are currently formulating a post-2015 education agenda that will fit into the overall post-2015 development agenda. UNESCO proposes that the goal of education beyond 2015 should be to “Ensure equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all by 2030”. This goal is decomposed into specific targets covering different phases and aspects of education (UNESCO, Position Paper on Education Post-2015: 4-9):

Pr i o r i t y a r ea: Ba s ic edu c a t i o n

Target 1: All children participate in and complete a full cycle of free, compulsory and continuous quality basic education of at least 10 years, including 1 year of pre-primary education, leading to relevant and measurable learning outcomes based on national standards.

Pr i o r i t y A r ea: P o s t -s econd ar y and t e r t ia r y edu c a t ion

Target 2: Increase transition to and completion of quality upper secondary education by x %, with all graduates demonstrating relevant learning outcomes based on national standards

Target 3: Tertiary education systems are expanded to allow qualified learners to access and complete studies leading to a certificate, diploma or degree.

Pr i o r i t y a r ea: Y ou t h and a d ult li t e r a c y

Target 4: All youth and adults achieve literacy, numeracy and other basic skills at a proficiency level necessary to fully participate in a given society and for further learning.

Pr i o r i t y a r ea: Skills f o r w o r k and life

Target 5: Increase by x% the proportion of youth (15-24 years) with relevant and recognised knowledge and skills, including professional, technical and vocational, to access decent work.

Target 6: Increase by x% participation in continuing adult education and training programmes, with

Recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning.

Leading questions

1. Which goals are of high priority for ASEM members?

2. What are key obstacles to their implementation?

3. What policy & financial support can ASEM governments provide for the education sector education to better equip the youth & adults with skills and knowledge which is demanded by employers and society?


[INSERT MEMBER FLAG]


Appendix 4: Template for ASEM Member Brief

Please follow the template guidelines for the ASEM Member Brief. Grey colour coloured text marks where the Delegates insert the researched and written information.

MODEL ASEM SINGAPORE 2015THE SILK ROAD RENAISSANCE: REDEFINING ASIA-EUROPE SOCIO-CULTURAL & ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT10th April to 12th April | National University of Singapore (NUS)

ASEM Member Brief

[INSERT COUNTRY NAME]

DEDICATE 1 PARAGRAPH TO GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE ASEM MEMBER‘S RELATION TO ASEM

ELABORATE ON ASEM ENGAGEMENT, E.G. PREVIOUS ASEM-RELATED MEETINGS AND EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE ASEM MEMBER/ HELD IN THE MEMBER COUNTRY, SUPPORT PROVIDED/OFFERED TO ASEM

FINISH MEMBER BRIEF BY A SHORT PROSPECTIVE OUTLOOK ON HOW THE ASEM MEMBER ENVISIONS THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASEM AND WHY

REMEMBER TO USE OFFICIAL INFORMATION IN ORDER TO BE ACCURATE (PLEASE FOLLOW THE RESEARCH GUIDELINES ON SECTION 3.3)

MAXIMUM 750 WORDS


FACTS: YEAR OF ASEM ACCESSION: [INSERT] CAPITAL CITY: [INSERT] POPULATION: [INSERT] CURRENCY: [INSERT]



Appendix 5: Template for Statement by ASEM Member for Plenary Session

Please follow the template guidelines for the Statement by ASEM Member. Note that the grey colour text marks where the Delegates insert the researched and written information.


Official Statement


INSERT THE 3-MINUTE SPEECH OF THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY YOUR DELEGATION

EACH HEAD OF DELEGATION WILL PRESENT THE WRITTEN SPEECH ON 10 OCTOBER

THE STATEMENT BY ASEM MEMBERS SHOULD REMAIN UNDISCLOSED UNTIL THE PRESENTATION




Appendix 6: Template for Statement by ASEM Member for Working Group

Please follow the template guidelines for the Working Group Statement. Note that the grey colour text marks where the Delegates insert the researched and written information.


Statement for Working Group


EACH DELEGATE PREPARES AND DRAFTS HIS/HER STATEMENT FOR THE WORKING GROUP INDIVIDUALLY

THE WORKING GROUP STATEMENT HAS TO BE SENT TO [email protected]

MAXIMUM 1 PAGE





Appendix 7: The Programme

DAY ONE: 10 APRIL 2015 (FRIDAY)

LAUNCH OF ASEF OUTLOOK REPORT 2014/2015

0900 - 0930 Registration

0930 - 0940 Welcome RemarksAmbassador ZHANG YanExecutive DirectorAsia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

0940 - 1000

Keynote AddressH E K SHANMUGAM Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for LawGovernment of Singapore

1000 - 1015

Asia-launch of ASEF Outlook Report 2014/2015 – Facts & PerspectivesAmbassador Tormod C. ENDRESENRoyal Norwegian Embassy in Singapore &ASEF Governor for Norway

1015 - 1200 Panel Discussion: Insight Into Recent Developments in Asia & EuropeModerator:

Dr YEO Lay HweeDirectorEuropean Union Centre in Singapore

Panel:Prof HUANG Jing Director of Centre on Asia and Globalisation (CAG) Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Mr Jean-François DI MEGLIOPresidentAsia Centre



Followed by Q&A

1200 – 1300 ASEF Outlook Reception Lunch

MODEL ASEM SINGAPORE 2015

1300 - 1315 Welcome Remarks By OrganiserMr SOH Yi DaPresidentASEM Young Leaders Network

1315 - 1330 Opening SpeechMs LOW Yen LingParliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and YouthGovernment of Singapore

1330 - 1430 Conversation on “The Art of Diplomacy”Mr Xavier NUTTINEU FellowLee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS)

1430 - 1530 Opening Ceremony of Model ASEM Simulation “President of Mongolia, Chair & Host of ASEM11 Summit”

Model ASEM Delegate, Mongolia “President of the European Commission”

Model ASEM Delegate “President of Myanmar”

Model ASEM Delegate, Myanmar “President of Latvia”

Model ASEM Delegate, Latvia

1530 - 1545 Introduction to Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)Assistant Professor Clara PORTELAFaculty at the School of Social SciencesSingapore Management University (SMU)

1545 - 1730 Visits to Selected Embassies of ASEM Member CountriesRoundtable with Ambassadors

Asian and European Foreign Missions in Singapore

1730 - 2030 Dinner & Dialogue with ASEM Business & Industry Leaders

DAY TWO: 11 APRIL 2015 (SATURDAY)




0900 - 1015 Plenary Session Part I – 3 Minute Statements by ASEM Members

1015 - 1030 Tea Break

1030 - 1200 Plenary Session Part II – 3 Minute Statements by ASEM Members

1200 - 1300 Bilateral Meetings

1300 - 1400 Networking Lunch

1400 - 1600 Working Group Meeting Part I

1600 - 1630 Tea Break

1630 - 1830 Working Group Meeting Part II

1830 - 2100 Cultural Evening & Dinner

DAY THREE: 12 APRIL 2015 (SUNDAY)


0900 - 1015 Working Group Meeting Part III

1015 - 1030 Tea Break

1030 - 1300 Approval of Working Group Statements, Drafting of Chair’s Statement & Circulation

1300 - 1400 Networking Lunch

1400 - 1600 Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement – Amendment & Adoption

1600 - 1630 Tea Break

1630 - 1730 Closing Ceremony & Issuing of Model ASEM Singapore 2015 Chair’s Statement“President of Mongolia, Chair & Host of ASEM11 Summit”

Model ASEM Delegate, Mongolia

1730 - 1745 Group Photo

1900 - 2200 Closing Gala Dinner

Keynote Speech by Guest of HonourMr Sam TAN Chin SiongMinister of State for Culture, Community & YouthGovernment of Singapore

Dialogue Session with Guest of HonourMr Sam TAN Chin Siong



Minister of State for Culture, Community & YouthGovernment of Singapore

Awards Presentation

Closing Speech by OrganisersMr SOH Yi DaPresidentASEM Young Leaders Network, Singapore Ms Leonie NAGARAJANDirector, Education DepartmentAsia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

This is a dynamic document and we appreciate your feedback. In case you require further crucial information on administrative and technical issues, we will update the document accordingly and upload on the Model ASEM Singapore 2015 website.


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