Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF) - Background 1996-2008
The AEPF is an inter-regional network of civil society and social movements across Asia and Europe. For over a decade now, it has sustained its commitment in advancing ‘the people’ in Asia-Europe relations—especially in areas of peace and security, democracy and human rights, and social and economic rights.
AEPF’s main activities include the organisation of parallel civil society conferences on the occasion of the official Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summits. The first AEPF inter-regional conference was organised in 1996 on the occasion of the first ASEM held in Bangkok. Since then People’s Forums have been held biennially as an Alternative Summit to the official ASEM. Succeeding People’s Forums were held in London (1998), Seoul (2000), Copenhagen (2002), Hanoi (2004), and Helsinki (2006). The Seventh AEPF will be held on 13-15 October 2008 in Beijing, China.
The previous People’s Forums were of great successes and we hope to build on them. The AEPF-6 held in September 2006 in Helsinki, for instance, gathered 450 participants from 30 countries who belong to more than 200 NGOs and social movements in Asia and Europe— from various sectors in the labour, peasant, youth, urban poor, food sovereignty networks, environmental movements, human rights organisations, women, indigenous peoples, peace movements, debt and trade justice movements, and anti-privatisation campaigns.
In addition to these biennial People’s Forums, the AEPF works in inter-regional circles and networks on key thematic concerns such as trade, anti-privatisation of essential services like water, alternative regionalism, participatory democracy through local governance, alternative regionalism, security issues and the “war on terror”, as well as campaigns on the EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements. These circles and networks are continuously engaged in research, advocacy, and campaigns at the national, regional, and global levels on issues of common concern among peoples of Asia and Europe.
The formation of the AEPF has opened a new chapter in people-to-people relations between civil society organisations in Asia and Europe. Social actors from both regions recognised the growing significance of inter-governmental relations between Asia and Europe and the necessity to develop new political and organisational responses from social actors. From Bangkok onwards, an inter-regional network has evolved into hundreds of organisations across Asia and Europe working on issues of common concern to both regions.
Besides strengthening the linkages between the social movements and civil society organisations in both regions through parallel people’s forums, the AEPF carries out advocacy visits to European and Asian ASEM member countries, does research and campaign work, and organises people to people exchanges on issues relevant to Asia-Europe relations.
One of the key areas of current work of the AEPF is on the Free Trade Agreements the EU is currently negotiating with Korea, India and ASEAN and the Cooperation Agreement with China. Other key areas of work are within the themes: participatory democracy and human rights, economic and social rights, peace and security, and sustainable development and environmental justice.
The AEPF is now in its twelfth year and has entered a new phase of development. It puts inter-regional and regional issues on the agendas of NGOs and social movements in Europe and Asia. Most civil society organisations (CSOs) have focussed on achieving democratisation at national level; and while this remains crucial, the AEPF has made a significant contribution to heightening attention on the importance of influencing (inter)regional integration processes and placing regional network consolidation on the agenda of CSOs as a priority strategy.
The main impetus for the AEPF comes from a concern that in the context of globalisation and the simultaneous push for stronger regional blocs, the political and economic re-grouping and mutual strengthening of neighbouring countries of the South has become a strong imperative. Furthermore, that civil society needs to build its capacity to engage strategically with regional integration processes to ensure that these translate into quality of life improvements for poor citizens in those regions and given the external pressures from, for example, the European Union, that North-South alliances, too, are required for this to succeed. The AEPF has made an innovative and substantive contribution to putting the imperatives of a people-centred regional integration on the agenda of civil society in Asia and in Europe; and to addressing issues of regional democratisation, which includes drawing lessons from Europe’s experience of democratic deficit and the centrality of citizens’ participation to viable regional integration processes.
AEPF and ASEM
Since ASEM 1 in Bangkok, there has been an intensive institutionalisation of structures and facilitating mechanisms at the inter-government level, with a regular schedule of Senior Official Meetings (SOMs) which interface with Ministers meetings—from the Ministries of the Economy, Trade and Investment, and Foreign Affairs. The business sector is officially recognised as a partner and holds regular meetings within the framework of ASEM through the Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF). Likewise, through the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), some young leaders in business and politics and selected academe and experts are also recognised in the official ASEM process. However, there has been no realisation for civil society participation in ASEM. Also, the inclusion of a social dimension to ASEM still has to be developed.
AEPF thinks that the fall-out from this narrow economic focus of the official process results in a severe marginalisation of key concerns such as human rights, equitable development, democratisation and environmental protection. Besides the exclusion of civil society in the official process, there is also no provision for parliamentarians to participate or contribute their analysis to ASEM. This is detrimental to the integrated development of Asia-Europe relations and has resulted in the almost complete absence of policy debate in national parliaments in ASEM countries.
To take stock at 10 years of ASEM in 2006 the governments of Finland and Japan commissioned a study on ASEM—what it has achieved so far and how to improve the process. Key outcomes were very favourable to a future ASEM-AEPF relation. The study, ASEM in its Tenth Year: Looking Back, Looking Forward, which was carried out by the University of Helsinki and the Japan Center for International Exchange, noted the importance of the AEPF in the ASEM process: ‘In the socio-cultural pillar, ASEM and also ASEF have been challenged by the civil society, in particular the NGO-initiated Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF), to make the ASEM process more participatory and democratic and to include more social issues in the agenda. Engaging civil society and social issues in a meaningful way will be a key challenge for the ASEM process…. It is crucial that the linkages to civil society are further developed and officially acknowledged.’ The study goes on to recommend that AEPF work ‘be fully appreciated and effectively harnessed to complement the official ASEM and generate concrete deliverables.’
Similar conclusions are drawn from another study into ASEM over the past decade. Dr. Sebastian Bersick from the European Institute of Asian Studies concludes that: ‘Within the ASEM context the role of civil society, NGOs and Parliaments for the democratisation of the process is indicating a similar trend, as the top-down structure of the process becomes porous. While the influence of NGOs on the overall ASEM process is small as they have been excluded from processes of agenda setting and decision making the ASEM regime is in a transition process that transforms its elite power structure to a more participatory one which allows for vertical dialogues and agenda setting as the example of the holding of a first ministerial meeting on labour and employment issues showcases’.
The first ASEM Labour Ministers Meeting in 2006 is AEPF’s most significant and successful lobby interchange with ASEM institutions. The ASEM Labour Ministers Statement carried a number of the proposals put forward from the Seminar organized by the AEPF in Ho Chi Minh City on March 2006—e.g., confirmation of the concept of ‘decent work’ as promoted by the ILO and inclusion of the social partners in the ASEM process.
AEPF Structure and Ways of Working
The AEPF, particularly its International Organising Committee, has been a quite open and flexible network and is committed to this way of working and mobilising. However, with the further expansion of the AEPF network, and the incorporation of Vietnamese and Chinese organisations, it was recognised in Hanoi that the AEPF needs to develop a Charter of Principles and to systematise its policies and practices. This was seen as important in view of accommodating its increasing diversity in political and organisational culture. It was anticipated that the process of developing such an AEPF Charter would not only strengthen our profile (of who we are, and what our commitments are and how we will work together) but would also contribute to deepening a democratic, pluralist and non-sectarian practice among the participating organisations, movements and networks. After a consultation process with European and Asian organisations, including Chinese and Vietnamese organisations, a Charter has been adopted in December 2006. In December 2007, the AEPF confirmed its governance structure which lays down responsibilities and ways of working of the International Organising Committee, the National Organising Committee and the network at large.
AEPF and China
Over the years, the AEPF has developed a number of initiatives to reach out to Chinese civil society organisations. Representatives of the AEPF International Organising Committee (IOC) undertook an advocacy visit to China in 2001 to consult the Chinese government (Foreign Ministry responsible for ASEM affairs) on the AEPF proposal for a Social Forum within ASEM. During the visit, contact was also made with some Chinese organisations and a small Chinese CSO delegation participated in the AEPF in Seoul. Links were maintained with these organisations and small delegations also participated in the AEPFs in Copenhagen and Hanoi.
In view of the emerging and growing importance of China as a global actor and of the interesting developments at the level of civil society, the AEPF has been actively seeking cooperation with Chinese CSOs especially since the preparations for the AEPF-6 in Helsinki. Two participants from China have always attended the IOC meetings who represented UNA China and CAFIU. The Chinese delegation to the AEPF-6 in Helsinki included 27 members of different organisations mainly linked to the China NGO Network for International Exchange (CNIE).
Since the AEPF-6 in Helsinki, an AEPF delegation paid two visits to China and met with a number of Chinese CSOs. It became clear that there is great interest among Chinese CSOs in engaging with the AEPF but that the form and method has to be well defined. One common question is what the most relevant areas of interaction for Chinese organisations are. The three core themes of the AEPF (social and economic justice, democratisation and people’s rights, peace and human security) are considered to be very relevant with many organisations working on the same areas in China. It is clear that environment should have to be added as a strong emphasis. Clearly the environmental effects of the current pattern of economic development in both Europe and Asia and community and local and national level government responses to them are issues of common concern for both European and Asian CSOs. Also issues of urbanisation, urban governance and community participation and the challenges of socially excluded groups are the same focus of work of many organisations in both China and the AEPF. It also became clear however that the ways of framing, terminology and language used by Chinese CSOs are different and it will be a challenge to the AEPF to reflect on the best ways to exchange and engage with Chinese CSOs.
Chinese CSOs are not a homogenous group and there are great differences in their relationship to the government, areas and ways of working. Since September 2007, the IOC has been negotiating with the China Network for International Exchange (CNIE) concerning the AEPF in Beijing.
Objectives at the AEPF-7 in Beijing
The participation of Asia-based civil society in the AEPF-7 in Beijing has the overall objective to empower and facilitate social movements and civil society organisations (CSOs) in Asia, both in their immediate and future collaboration among Asia-based CSOs themselves and with Europe-based CSOs as well, so as to promote the emergent economic, political and social alternatives being built from below.
Specifically, the aims are:
a) To sustain active participation of Asia-based CSOs in the issues of concern of the AEPF as well as their engagement with the official ASEM process;
b) To provide a venue where Asian CSOs, together with their European counterparts, could reflect upon their analysis of the political-economic situation from country to country in Asia and Europe;
c) To come up with common strategy for joint response and campaigns with Europe-based CSOs;
d) To consolidate the legitimate demands and aspirations of Asian CSOs with that of their partners from Europe;
e) To facilitate a process of inter-regional exchange between civil society organisations and social movements in Asia and Europe focused on trade and investment, security and peace, democracy and human rights, regional integration and alternative development;
f) To contribute to substantive debate and communication prior to the ASEM Summit in the inter-governmental and parliamentary arenas in both regions on the current priorities of Asia-Europe relations;
g) Strengthen involvement of India and Pakistan-based CSOs in the AEPF;
h) To closely work with European partner CSOs in opening up regularised, systematic access to sites of governance and decision-making and advance new sites of civic participation and democracy which have been weak in contemporary Asia-Europe relations;
i) To collaborate with European partner CSOs to formulate alternatives and policy advocacy proposals based on sustainable development with social justice and human rights to be presented to the Chinese chair of ASEM, EC policy institutions as well as the governments of both regions;
j) To reach out to a broader public not only in Asia but also in Europe in order to sensitise public opinion on the scope, problems and significance of EU–Asia relations.
AEPF-7 IN BEIJING, CHINA
At the Asia Europe People’s Forum meeting of its International Organising Committee (IOC) and the Chinese National Organising Committee (NOC) held in Beijing between 19th and 21st May 2008, the titles of 30 workshops that will be held at AEPF7 were agreed. They all take place within one of our three clusters:
• Peace and security
• Social and economic rights and environmental justice
• Participatory democracy and human rights
The NOC and IOC members agreed cluster co-ordinators, one from Asia, one from China and one from Europe for each of the three clusters. They have been given the responsibility of approaching organisations and individuals within those organisations to be a workshop link person/o-organiser. For each workshop there will be
• a link person/organiser from Asia
• a link person/organiser from Europe and
• a link person/organiser from the host country China
They are responsible for developing and agreeing concept notes for their workshop and inviting three speakers, one from Asia, one from Europe and one from China and a moderator for the workshop.
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The IOC and NOC, in consultation with the member organisations of the AEPF as well as their respective constituents, have come into an agreement on aspects of the AEPF-7 in Beijing, China:
• Event: Seventh Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF-7)
• Date: 13th -15th October 2008
• Theme: “For Social and Ecological Justice!”
• Venue: Royal Garden Hotel, Beijing, China
• Cluster Themes:
o Peace and Security
o Sustainable Social and Economic Rights, and Environmental Justice
o Participatory Democracy and Human Rights
• Each Cluster Theme will have a Roundtable Plenary. The Roundtable Plenaries will be held simultaneously.
• There will be 30 workshops in all. (The list of agreed workshops is included below.)
• Strategy meetings will be held on key issues about ongoing campaigns and future projects. There are also plans to maximise participation of prominent resource persons to discuss major social issues with local researchers and the academic community in Beijing.
• The IOC and the NOC have jointly developed the guidelines for cluster workshops included below.
• The opening session of the Forum will have a speaker from Asia, from Europe, and a woman representative from the NOC during the AEPF-6 in Helsinki.
• Number of Participants: 500 participants (i.e., 180 from Asia, 80 from Europe, 200 from China, and 40 (to be confirmed) from Hong Kong and other China-based NGOs)
• The composition of participants should reflect regional balance and broad representation in terms of size of the organisation and thematic issues that the organisations are addressing.
• Website: CNIE has been developing the website for AEPF-7 which should at least be bilingual and available in English and Chinese. The IOC and NOC should both approve the contents for the site.
• Registration: A registration fee will be collected from the participants but will not be at a rate to exclude participants, mainly to be used to cover food and drinks, etc.
• Interpretation and Translation: Simultaneous interpretations, English – Chinese, will be provided in most workshops.
• Final Declaration: The participants will come up with a final declaration of the people’s agenda under the theme “For Social and Ecological Justice!” at the end of the Forum. A committee of three (3) people shall draft the declaration, which would then be approved by consensus before the Forum ends.
• Insurance and Visas: A notice will be sent out to participants with regard to the necessity of applying early for a Chinese visa as well as of securing a travel and health insurance for the duration of their stay in China.
• On media: A media centre will be established for AEPF-7. There will be a press conference everyday. A press release will also be made everyday. A joint media team will be established with NOC and IOC representatives.
Preliminary Program
October 13, 2008 (Monday)
07:30 Breakfast
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
09:00-09:40 Opening Ceremony
Conference Hall
10:00-10:30 Press Conference
Golden Dragon Hall, First Floor, Main Building
10:30-12:30 Roundtable Session
1:Traditional and non-traditional security challenges and responses
Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building
2: Development paradigms: trends and alternatives
Conference Hall
3: Challenges to participatory democracy and human rights in the globalize market
Conference Room 1,Conferece Center
12:30 Luncheon
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
14:00-17:30 Workshop Session(16:00-16:15 Tea Break)
1: Geopolitical conflicts and militarization: Asia and Europe — their role and impact
Conference Room 3,Conferece Center
2: Promoting inter-cultural dialogues and understanding
Conference Room 1,Conferece Center
3: MDGs and their implications in Asia and Europe
Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building
4: Social security in Asia and Europe — trends and challenges
Conference Room 10,Conferece Center
5: Local governance: participatory democracy at the grassroots in Asia and Europe
Conference Room 9,Conferece Center
6: Protecting rights of people living with HIV/AIDS — policies and practice
Conference Room 2,Conferece Center
18:00-20:00 Welcome Reception
October 14,2008 (Tuesday )
07:30 Breakfast
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
08:30-09:00 Press Conference
Golden Dragon Hall, First Floor, Main Building
09:00-12:30 Workshop Session(10:30-10:45 Tea Break)
1: Regional security processes and impact on Asia-Europe relations
Conference Room 3,Conferece Center
2: Rise of religious fundamentalisms: impacts and responses
Conference Room 9,Conferece Center
3: Alternative financing for development — beyond debt and the international
financial institutions
Conference Room 10,Conferece Center
4: EU-Asia cooperation in alternative energy policies
Conference Room 2,Conferece Center
5: Strengthening women’s political participation and influence
Conference Room 1,Conferece Center
6: Asia-Europe alternative regionalism and people’s solidarity
Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building
12:30 Luncheon
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
14:00-17:30 Workshop Session(16:00-16:15 Tea Break)
1: Anti-terrorism policies and their impacts on human rights and security
Conference Room 9,Conferece Center
2: Non-traditional threats to security and people’s responses
Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building
3: Free Trade Agreements — contributing to sustainable development or double-edged
swords?
Conference Room 2,Conferece Center
4: Migrant labor in and between countries: rights, challenges and responses
Conference Room 1,Conferece Center
5: Democratization — national policies and options for joint Asia — Europe strategies
Conference Room 10,Conferece Center
6: Progress and challenges to people-centered democratization and human rights in
Europe and Asia
Conference Room 3,Conferece Center
18:00 Dinner
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
19:30-21:00 Chinese Folk Art Show
October 15,2008 (Wednesday)
07:30 Breakfast
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
08:30-09:00 Press Conference
Golden Dragon Hall, First Floor, Main Building
09:00-12:30 Workshop Session(10:30-10:45 Tea Break)
1: Legacies of weapons of mass destruction and struggles for justice and nuclear
disarmament
Conference Room 1,Conferece Center
2: Arms trade — trends, controls and how can we really reduce it?
Conference Room 2,Conferece Center
3: Asian and European investment flows — social and environmental impacts
Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building
4: Decent work and labor rights and protection
Conference Room 10,Conferece Center
5: Alternatives to privatization of water and other essential services
Conference Room 9,Conferece Center
6: Regional human rights mechanisms in Asia and Europe after 60 years of the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights
Conference Room 3,Conferece Center
12:30 Luncheon
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building
13:30-16:30 Workshop Session(15:00-15:15 Tea Break)
1: Alternative visions on security: strategies for conflict prevention and role of
peace movements
Conference Room 9,Conferece Center
2: Food sovereignty and security — experiences and responses
Conference Room 10,Conferece Center
3: Possibilities, limitations and alternatives of Corporate Social Responsibility –
voluntary codes or binding standards?
Conference Room 3,Conferece Center
4: Climate change and ecological justice from Asia and Europe people’s
perspectives
Conference Room 1,Conferece Center
5: People-centered political parties and social movements: strategies for active
citizen’s participation
Conference Room 2,Conferece Center
6: Protecting rights of the disabled people — policies and practice
Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Main Building
16:30-17:30 Final Document Discussion
Conference Hall
17:30 Closing Ceremony
Chinese Art Performance
Conference Hall
19:30-21:00 Dinner
Restaurant, Ground Floor, Main Building