Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) turned 20 on 15 February 2017!
In March 1996, the 1st Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM1) was convened by the leaders of 25 European and Asian countries, together with the European Commission. This historic Summit paved the way for the establishment, a year later, on 15 February 1997, of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), to promote exchanges between peoples, organisations and institutions of Asia and Europe.
Currently, ASEF is the only permanently established institution of ASEM. From 26 partners in 1996, ASEM and ASEF have grown to comprise 30 European and 21 Asian countries, the European Union, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
With ASEF’s 7th Executive Director, Ambassador Karsten WARNECKE, from Germany, at the helm, ASEF looks set to grow into its 3rd decade, building on past achievements, while harnessing the collective energies of staff and stakeholders to create even bigger dreams, greater collaboration and new pathways.
“Unique in the world, ASEF stands for connecting Asians and Europeans through topics of common concern, transforming over 3,000 minds a year”, said Ambassador WARNECKE.
In celebrating 20 years, ASEF has adopted a commemorative tagline: “Diversity Creates”. In addition to its on-going programmes and projects, ASEF is planning a number of activities especially for 2017.
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