model asem 2014 - manual

Model ASEM 2014 Manual

Model ASEM 2014 Manual as of 15 September 2014 1

Model ASEM 2014

8–12 October 2014 in Milan, Italy

in conjunction with the 10th ASEM Summit

“Responsible Partnership for

Sustainable Growth and Security”

MODEL ASEM 2014 MANUAL

Model ASEM is co-organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the ASEF University Alumni

Network (ASEFUAN) and Politecnico di Milano School of Management (SoM).

ASEF’s share is supported by the Government of Japan.

http://www.asefuan.org/



Contents

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

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

1.2 ASEM Members ....................................................................................................................... 3

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 Fora .................................................. 5

2. Model ASEM 2014............................................................................................................................. 7

2.2 ASEM Summit versus Model ASEM ........................................................................................ 7

2.3 Model ASEM 2014 Declaration ........................................................................................... 10

2.4 Model ASEM 2014 Certificate and Awards ......................................................................... 10

2.5 Outreach ................................................................................................................................ 10

3. Preparing for Model ASEM 2014 ................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Model ASEM 2014 Guidelines ............................................................................................ 11

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

3.3 Model ASEM Delegations ..................................................................................................... 13

3.4 Research Guidelines ............................................................................................................ 14

4. Organisers of Model ASEM 2014 .................................................................................................. 15

5. Task list and Deadlines for Model ASEM 2014 ............................................................................ 16

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

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

Appendix 2: Leading Questions for Political Pillar (Focus 2) ................................................... 18

Appendix 3: Leading Questions for Economic Pillar ................................................................. 19

Appendix 4: Leading Questions for Socio-cultural Pillar .......................................................... 20

Appendix 5: Leading Questions for Public Health .................................................................... 23

Appendix 6: Template for ASEM Member Brief ......................................................................... 24

Appendix 7: Template for Statement by ASEM Member for Plenary Session ......................... 25

Appendix 8: Template for Statement by ASEM Member for Working Group ........................... 26



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 Enlargements No. of

Members

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

2004 13 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

2012 3 new members: Bangladesh, Norway and Switzerland 51

2014 1 new member at ASEM10: Croatia 52

1.2 ASEM Members

As of 1 September 2014, ASEM consists of 51 members (29 European countries and 20 Asian

countries), the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Union. The members are:

Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cyprus,

the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India,

Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Lao PDR, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia,

http://www.aseminfoboard.org/

http://aseminfoboard.org/

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

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

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

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



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 fora.

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, 2) economic, and 3)

socio-cultural pillar.

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 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

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.

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

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 fora,

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-

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

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

http://www.asef.org/

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



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 infuence the ASEM process.

8th 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

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.

http://asep2014.parlamento.it/1101

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

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

http://www.aepf.info/

http://www.aepf.info/



2. Model ASEM 2014 Core elements of Model ASEM 2014

2.1 Objectives

Model ASEM 2014 is a simulation of the actual 10th ASEM Summit (ASEM10) which will take

place on 16 and 17 October 2014 in Milan, Italy. Closely following the ASEM Summit setting &

agenda, this political simulation exercise promotes awareness and deeper understanding of the

ASEM process among young students from both regions.

Furthermore, Model ASEM 2014 aims to

Offer students the opportunity to engage in intense discussions on ASEM priorities in an

atmosphere that places emphasis on mutual respect and tolerance

Allow students to gain better knowledge of the ASEM members

Provide a channel for young people from ASEM countries to share their views on Asia-

Europe relations and to cooperate on a common vision towards an ideal ASEM

Allow students to learn skills and build capacity in the fields of research, public speaking,

teamwork, communication, problem solving and consensus building; through role-play,

students will also develop a greater understanding of the complexity of international

relations

Facilitate networks among university students from ASEM countries who have the

potential to become tomorrow’s leaders

2.2 ASEM Summit versus Model ASEM

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 sideline 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 2014 adapts this flexible approach and incorporates several elements of the actual

ASEM Summit:

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

International Affairs. pp.40



ASEM Summit Model ASEM 2014 Elements

Preparatory Phase

ASEM Foreign Ministers

Meetings and other Ministerial

Meetings

ASEM Senior Officials’ Meetings

(ASEM SOM)

Regional Meetings and Bilateral

Meetings

Preparatory Online Discussion

Forum

Preparatory Meetings to set the

priorities of the agenda and

define tangible areas of

cooperation

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 Declaration

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 Declaration

consists of 2 parts. 1)

perspective of the general

meeting deliberations; 2)

statements on concrete topics

as discussed during the

Working Groups

Press Conference

Social Media, Live-Streaming Official Press Conference with

host and Asian and European

ASEM Coordinators

National Press Conferences

No traditional Press

Conferences at Model ASEM

2014after the meeting but

continuous usage of social

media; Model ASEM allows live-

streaming of meeting

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

compared to the actual Summit.

For a detailed programme, please refer to Appendix 9.



2.3 Model ASEM 2014 Declaration

Model ASEM 2014 will conclude with the official handover of the Model ASEM 2014 Declaration

to a Government Official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, the 10th ASEM Summit host.

With the support of the Italian host, ASEF will also channel the Declaration through the ASEM

Members’ Delegations at ASEM10 to the ASEM Leaders.

The Declaration will consist 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 2014 offers the participants many opportunities to formally and informally discuss

the draft Declaration 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 2014

(including tea breaks, dinners, etc.).

The Declaration 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 2014 Certificate and Awards

To recognise your participation in Model ASEM 2014, all Delegates who complete the pre-

conference preparations and take part in the various sessions, will receive a Model ASEM 2014

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 on 11 October 2014, the best speaker of the Asian and European

group will be given an award.

2.5 Outreach

Social Media

All Model ASEM 2014 Delegates are encouraged to contribute actively on various social

media platforms, including Facebook, Weibo, Twitter, blogs, etc. Please share and use the

hashtag #ModelASEM

Live-streaming

With over 1,700 applications for Model ASEM 2014 – from every ASEM member country –

the organisers wish to ensure that everyone can partially participate in Model ASEM 2014

through live-streaming on Bambuser. The live-streaming will take place during the

Opening and Closing Ceremonies on 9 October and 11 October. Individuals joining during

the live-stream will be able to ask questions to the key note speakers.

E-corner

At the Model ASEM 2014 venue a designated e-corner will be set up for all Delegates to

track the discussion, negotiations and agreements taking place during the simulation.

Selected participants will undertake the responsibility to collect and produce information

that will be shared on social media and visible at the e-corner. The e-corner offers an

important insight for all Delegates to follow the latest updates from the working pillars,

which allows these to improve their negotiation stand-point.

http://bambuser.com/channel/ModelASEM



3. Preparing for Model ASEM 2014

Prior to arriving to Model ASEM 2014

3.1 Model ASEM 2014 Guidelines

Model ASEM 2014 is divided into two (2) phases:

1) A preparatory phase conducted through a participants online discussion forum

2) On-site phase in Milan, Italy

This table provides an outline of the various activities and task during each phase:

Actions Details Template Deadline

1.

Register at Model

ASEM 2014

participant

online forum

Delegates receive user name and password

to the Model ASEM 2014 online forum

Delegates use the online forum to liaise with

fellow Delegates, build strategic

partnerships, negotiate and find allies in

bilateral or small groups

Regular visits to the forum and active

participation are expected from all

participants.

-

15

September

2.

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 uploaded at the online

forum

1-2 A4 pages

Appendix

6

1 October

3.

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

7

1 October

4.

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

-

-

http://www.modelasem2014.org/forum



3.2 Working Groups

The “Working Groups” at Model ASEM 2014 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 2014 “Working Groups” are open to all. This allows

each Delegate to actively participate in Model ASEM 2014.

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

ASEM priorities. In addition, Model ASEM 2014 also includes a “Working Group” that tackles

issues linked to the ASEM Initiative on the Rapid Containment of Pandemic Influenza.

The “Working Groups” functions as follow:

Each Model ASEM 2014 Delegate is allocated into a specific Working Group, taking into

consideration the Delegate’s indicated interest in the confirmation form.

Each ASEM Member Delegation is represented in at least 2 different Working Groups.

Working Groups are chaired by Model ASEM 2014 Delegates (see table below).

5.

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 uploaded at the online forum

under represented Working Group

Appendix

8

1 October

6.

Working Groups

Components for

Model ASEM 2014

Declaration

Key points from each Working Group to be

included in the Model ASEM 2014

Declaration

Chair and Rapporteur of Working Group

draft the components

Focus on 3 key issues

50-60 words per issue

-

On-site

7.

Model ASEM 2014

Declaration

Final document as the outcome of Model

ASEM 2014

Incorporates the components of the

Working Group discussions, negotiations

and agreements

“Chair of ASEM10” to hand over the

declaration to official representative

-

On-site



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.

A Facilitator supports the Chair during the Session and moderates the online discussion

forum of the Working Group prior to Model ASEM 2014.

Each Working Group must conclude the session with concluding key points of discussion,

agreements and recommended policies.

Working Group

Chair of

Working Group

(on site)

Facilitator of

Working Group

(online and on site)

Leading

Questions

Political Pillar (Focus 1)

Sustainable development,

climate change mitigation

and adaptation

Mr Filippo CITTERIO,

Delegation of Malta

Mr Bilal MASOOD &

Ms Serena POZZA

Appendix 1:

Political Pillar

(Focus 1)

Political Pillar (Focus 2)

Human rights, migration

Mr Daniele BRUNETTO,

Delegation of Germany

Mr David GARCIA

CANTALAPIEDRA

Appendix 2:

Political Pillar

(Focus 2)

Economic Pillar

Promoting economic growth,

trade and investment

facilitation

Ms Chiara MAGRI,

Delegation of Singapore

Ms Kaori KUME &

Ms Alessia AMIGHINI

Appendix 3:

Economic Pillar

Socio-cultural Pillar

Urbanization, creative

economies,

Education and skills

development

Ms Seron PARK,

Delegation of Lithuania

Mr Adhi WONGKHIEO &

Ms Patchaya

TEERAWATSAKUL

Appendix 4:

Socio-cultural

Pillar

Public Health

Pandemic Influenza, risk

communication

Ms Giang NGUYEN,

Delegation of

Viet Nam

Mr Andre PERALTA

SANTOS

Appendix 5:

Public Health

Pillar

3.3 Model ASEM Delegations

At Model ASEM 2014, each ASEM member will be represented at the meeting. However, the size

of Delegations might differ from member to member. A Delegation is formed as follows:

A national of an ASEM member takes over the role as Head of Delegation.

Each Delegation consists of at least 1 national of the respective ASEM country,

1 Italian Delegate and, where possible, 1 more national.

Both genders are represented in Delegations, if possible.

Some Model ASEM Delegates take over an additional responsibility due to the actual roles of their

respective ASEM members within the ASEM process.



Roles Delegate Responsibility

“Chair of ASEM10

Summit”

Mr Pim VAN LOON

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 2014 Declaration

(part 1)

Handles over the “Model ASEM 2014

Declaration” to the Representative of the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy

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

3.4 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 2014.

Join us in our environmentally friendly conference policy. Download files and use e-copies to

contribute to the protection of our environment!



4. Organisers of Model ASEM 2014

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is a not-for-profit intergovernmental

organisation located in Singapore. Founded in 1997, it is the only

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.

Politecnico di Milano, School of Management (SoM) was founded in

2003. It covers numerous areas of research, education and high level

consultancy in the fields of economics, management and industrial

engineering, which Politecnico di Milano undertakes through its own

structures and those of the consortium. The School is composed of the

Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering and

MIP Graduate School of Business.

The ASEF University Alumni Network (ASEFUAN), founded in Bali,

Indonesia, in April 2002, is an association of former participants of the

Asia-Europe Foundation University, a two-week intensive scholarship

programme for undergraduates at venues alternating between Asia and

Europe. Since 1998, the Asia-Europe Foundation has sponsored 18

sessions of the ASEF University Programme. The AU19 will take place in

India and look into the role of cultural heritage in the process of

sustainable urbanisation and its relevance to modern-day societies.

Combining elements of the 17th and 18th editions of the ASEF University

programme, it will be aligned with the priorities identified by ASEM

leaders.

ASEFUAN‘s goals are: the strengthening of cross-cultural ties and the

promotion of excellence within its membership, as well as the fostering of

Asia - Europe relations at a grass roots or local community level. Its

members are typically university graduates in the fields of Business

economics, law and political science. It currently has a membership of

about 600 people. ASEFUAN organises activities to maintain and

reinforce the relationships forged among participants of the ASEF

University programme and undertakes projects to promote a meaningful

intercultural dialogue between Asia and Europe, particularly among the

younger generation.

http://www.asef.org/

http://www.som.polimi.it/




5. Task list and Deadlines for Model ASEM 2014

1 - 10 September

Notification of participant and Delegation assignments

12 – 15 September Informal online discussion

Participants will sign up and use the online platform of the

conference at the online forum

15 September

Launch of the content preparation phase

20 September Participants need to confirm their travel details (by emailing a copy

of their itinerary before 28 September 2014

1 October

i) Each Delegation uploads the ASEM Member Brief in

the respective member folder on the online

discussion forum.

ii) Delegations finalise their 3-minute intervention

(Statement by ASEM Member) for the Plenary session

on 10 October. Not to be uploaded at the online

forum

iii) Each Delegate finalise and upload the Working

Groups Components for Model ASEM 2014

Declaration in respective folder at the online forum

1 – 8 October

Get familiar with other ASEM member reports and positions on the

topics discussed during the Working Groups

All documents have to be available online on the Participants

Discussion Forum

8 October

Model ASEM kicks off

http://www.modelasem2014.org/forum



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)

Sustainable development , climate change mitigation and adaptation

Food for Thought

The UN Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals has proposed in July 2014 in its

Outcome Document a set of Goals.

Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture

Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for

all

Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment

and decent work for all

Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster

innovation

Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*

Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable

development

Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage

forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to

justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable

development

Leading questions

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

2. What are key obstacles to their implementation?

3. Who should contribute financially to the implementation in low income countries? What mechanisms

need to be installed?

http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?menu=1549

http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/focussdgs.html



Appendix 2: Leading Questions for Political Pillar (Focus 2)

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” (Future We Want – Outcome). 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 IOM has called for the inclusion of migration in the post-2015 development agenda.

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

Development Agenda, one of the thematic recommendations was to “Consider internal and international

migration as possible adaptation strategies in the context of addressing climate change, particularly in

the most climate-vulnerable countries”.

Additional Reading:

Making the Case for Including Migration into the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda, Background

paper 1, High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda – Expert Policy Dialogue on

Migration Stockholm, 26 February 2013, Sarah Rosengärtner and Lars Johan Lönnback.

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 climate change migration? What

options can be provided to those displaced?

http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/futurewewant.html

http://www.iom.int/files/live/sites/iom/files/What-We-Do/docs/IOM-Position-Paper-on-Post-2015.pdf

http://www.iom.int/files/live/sites/iom/files/What-We-Do/docs/Final_input_paper_IOM-UNDP_HLP_Stockholm_26Feb2013.pdf

http://www.iom.int/files/live/sites/iom/files/What-We-Do/docs/Final_input_paper_IOM-UNDP_HLP_Stockholm_26Feb2013.pdf



Appendix 3: 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 (Eurostat).

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 blocs become increasingly important — economically, politically and

diplomatically (European Environment Agency).

Leading questions

1. In what 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?

5. How can Asia and Europe enhance business relations to foster economic integration and trade

for mutual economic prosperity? What are the obstacles?

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/eurostat/home/

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/global-megatrend-6-update



Appendix 4: Leading Questions for Socio-cultural Pillar

Urbanization

Food for Thought

“For the first time in history, the majority of people worldwide live in towns or cities, a 21st-century global

phenomenon referred to as the arrival of the “urban millennium.” At the beginning of the 20th century,

less than 5% of the world's population lived in cities. Whereas, from 1950 to 1975, population growth

was more or less evenly divided between the urban and rural areas of the world, in the period since

1975, the balance has tipped dramatically in favour of urban growth. According to the 2009 UN Human

Development Report, urban growth rates averaged 2.6% per year between 1950 and 2007. In 2008,

over half of the world's population lived in urban areas, and, by 2050, this will have risen to 70%.

Urbanisation, described as “a collective term for a set of changes, which generally occur with the

appearance and expansion of large-scale coordinated activities in a society” (Tilly, 1964, p. 16), has

acquired top priority within, as well as outside, well-established disciplines dealing with the phenomenon

of urbanization; today it is a key topic in interdisciplinary analyses (e.g., economics, sociology, history,

philosophy, anthropology). Political decision makers at all levels call for research to address problems

linked to rapid urbanization, from migration, food price rises, climate change issues and resource

depletion, and conflict related to each of these problems from a perspective informed by a

multidimensional view of poverty, as expressed, for example, in the Millennium Development Goals. At

present, these problems are shaping our ideas about urbanization.”

(Anni Greve in Encyclopedia of Global Studies, 2002)

“Urban fringe, urban cluster, urban sprawl, “rurban,” and extended urban areas are among the terms

frequently used to identify and characterize the spatial patterns of the emerging urban landscapes.

Urbanization is linked with social and demographic changes such as smaller family sizes, occupational

specialization, and increased population densities. Ideally and typically, urbanization is tied with

increasing wealth and improved quality of life. While an urbanizing world has the potential to impart

extraordinary benefits—including an enhancement of the quality of life—to its citizens, it also faces

significant problems that include the degradation of environment and a challenge to urban

sustainability.”

(Debnath Mookherjee & George Pomeroy in Encyclopedia of Geography, 2010)

Leading questions

1. What are the priority issues that ASEM members should tackle linked to urbanization?

2. What could be concrete areas of cooperation? What strategies can ASEM members employ in order

to overcome the adverse effects of rapid urbanisation?

3. What are the mechanisms required to keep the rural areas attractive?



Creative Economies

Food for Thought

“It was government more than the sector itself that placed the spotlight on the creative industries, which

draws upon the power and dynamic of culture. The idea of the economy and culture as opposites

consequently fell by the wayside and the emphasis came to lie on their mutual benefits.

The implicit philosophy is increasingly that culture and economy actually strengthen each other. The

application of economic principles can bolster the cultural sector, while the economy is becoming more

cultural. The quality of cultural products that are produced in a market environment is not – contrary to

what many perceive - inferior to culture that arises from government funding. Rather, entrepreneurship

can increase not only the resilience but also the autonomy of the cultural sector (and vice versa); it has

become clear that in many ways culture provides an impetus to the economy. The creative industries

have proven to be an economic growth sector. Culture brings a dynamic to cities, provides the raw

materials for identity, supports tourism, promotes creativity and creates an innovative environment in

which ground-breaking businesses flourish. Government stimulation of culture should no longer be seen

as the icing on the cake, a sort of luxury that the government can brush aside during an economic

downturn. Culture is an integral and essential aspect of an innovative, productive and self-aware society.

The rise of the concept of creative industries and, following on from this, the label of creative economy

highlight this. The consequence of this development, however, is that art and culture are increasingly

viewed from an economic perspective, and the danger is that innovation or economic policy will colonise

cultural policy. Such an imbalance would strip art and culture of their essential power and social role,

and would thus reduce their significance for the economy.”

(The Asia-Europe Foundation – Enabling Creative

Crossovers: Good practices in the Creative Industries, 2014)

Leading questions

1. How do ASEM members increase the attractiveness of using Culture as a tool for economic growth?

2. What are the policies required to support the growing trend of creative economies in order to

enhance the partnership and fusion between the private and public sector?

3. How does culture keep pace with the exponential growth of technological innovation?



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):

Priority area: Basic education

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.

Priority Area: Post-secondary and tertiary education

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.

Priority area: Youth and adult literacy

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.

Priority area: Skills for work 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.

Priority area: Quality and relevant Teaching and Learning

Target 7: Close the teachers’ gap by recruiting adequate numbers of teachers who are well-trained,

meet national standards and can effectively deliver relevant content, with emphasis on gender

balance. Target 8: All young people and adults have opportunities to acquire – supported by safe, gender-

responsive and inclusive learning environments – relevant knowledge and skills to ensure their

personal fulfilment and contribute to peace and the creation of an equitable and sustainable world.

Priority area: Financing of Education

Target 9: All countries progress towards allocating 6% of their Gross National Product (GNP) to

education and 20% of their government budget to education, prioritising groups most in need. Target 10: All donors progress towards allocating at least 20 % of their Official Development Assistance

(ODA) or its equivalent to education, prioritising countries and groups most in need.

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?



Appendix 5: Leading Questions for Public Health

Pandemic Influenza, risk communication

Background Information

Over the last 30 years, the world has witnessed a rapid globalisation with increased population mobility

and intertwined state economies. As a consequence of this phenomenon, we also experienced the

globalisation of public health threats. We never have had so many resources to deal with the threat of

communicable diseases, but paradoxically the risks of a major global health event have also never been

so high. Pandemic Influenza is an example of such a threat. In 2009, what started to be an outbreak of a

new subtype of Influenza virus (H1N1) in Mexico, quickly escalated to global proportions that affected all

continents. A worldwide pandemic response was set up with unprecedented promptitude and

organisation, led by the WHO and national governments. Fortunately, the severity of the Influenza subtype

was relatively mild and the consequences were not as serious as previously thought.

The 2009 Influenza Pandemic demonstrated how difficult it is to decide amidst the uncertainty, and how

to convey risks without causing social disruption or panic. It also raised ethical questions about prioritising

the access to vaccination when available. The drivers of a Pandemic Influenza event remain the same as

before. Therefore, sooner or later, we can expect another major health threat outbreak, like in 2009.

Today, the focus on “Pandemic Influenza” has shifted, given many other phenomena that pose global

health threats which cannot be ignored, including the Ebola Virus Disease or Vector-borne diseases.

Several aspects of global and national preparedness and response are similar between these health

threats, thus Pandemic Influenza serves as a case study.

Leading questions:

1. Given the current socio-economic and technological developments, what are the continuing or

potential risks for a future pandemic? What could be opportunities for Asia and Europe to advance risk

assessment of a future pandemic? 2. While a global-scale supply of medical supplies and human resources is urgently required in controlling

the current Ebola outbreak, there are also more needs for non-medical interventions. What are these

interventions, who could be the key players from Asia and Europe and what are their roles? 3. Following major public health emergencies over the past decades, the International Health Regulations

(IHR, 2005), a set of binding regulations, have been put in place taking effect since 15 June 2007.

However, not all IHR States Parties, including some ASEM members, have followed up on these. What

are the major obstacles to their implementation and how can these obstacles be tackled?



[INSERT MEMBER

FLAG]

Appendix 6: 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 2014





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]



[INSERT MEMBER

FLAG]

Appendix 7: 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.

Model ASEM 2014





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



[INSERT MEMBER

FLAG]

Appendix 8: 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.

Model ASEM 2014





Statement for Working Group


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

GROUP INDIVIDUALLY

THE WORKING GROUP STATEMENT HAS TO BE UPLOADED UNDER THE CORRECT

WORKING GROUP THREAD AT THE ONLINE FORUM

MAXIMUM 1 PAGE



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 2014 online forum.

Model ASEM is co-organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the ASEF University Alumni

Network (ASEFUAN) and Politecnico di Milano School of Management (SoM).

ASEF’s share is supported by the Government of Japan.


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