Phnom Penh, 27 November 2021 (TDI): The 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM13) was hosted by the Kingdom of Cambodia on 25 and 26 November. The virtual event was chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia.
Theme of the 13th ASEM is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth.”
The theme of the 13th ASEM is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth.” The participants reaffirmed the significance of platforms like the ASEM to foster dialogue and action-oriented cooperation.
The 13th ASEM summit also celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the organization. Attendees of the event appreciated the results of the ASEM Ministerial Meetings held since the 12th ASEM Summit. They urged to support the international order as per the principles of international law and the United Nations to address global and regional hurdles.
Theme of the 13th ASEM
The current political and socio-economic situations across the world were also discussed by the participants. They acknowledged that sustainable connectivity is an essential source of regional economic unification and an indispensable framework for interconnected growth of the world. Furthermore, they lauded the successful outcome of the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits, as well as the Related Summits, held virtually in October 2021.
Aside from that, the participants commended the role of the UN as well as the G20 in cultivating coordinated and collaborative international efforts to tackle global challenges, including COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery.
During the meeting, an assortment of problems was deliberated upon; from upholding peace, fostering sustainable development, to upholding human rights and the importance of confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy.
Moreover, concerns over risks of the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, emergencies, and humanitarian crises connected to irregular migration flows, migrant smuggling, forced displacement, and trafficking in persons were also underlined. Besides, the prevention of terrorism and violent extremism also came under discussion.
It was reiterated that empowerment and meaningful participation of women as well as gender equality in economic, political, and social life are central to inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly in all three pillars of ASEM. Women have an integral role in nation building which can not be ignored.
Matters concerning to inter-Korean relations, the establishment of a peace regime, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula were also the part of the agenda. Iran and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), along with the situation in Myanmar, the root causes of the conflict in Rakhine State, and the situation in Afghanistan were also the agenda of the meeting.
Myanmar is presently facing unrest and civil war like situation because of the military coup imposed on the country in the start of this year. Afghanistan is facing a power vacuum and humanitarian crisis in the wake of the withdrawal of US from the country. The Rakhine state of Myanmar is the place where most of the Rohnigya reside and have been subjected to violence and ostracism.
The role of the international community is critical in terms of regional and global stability, addressing humanitarian crisis, eradicating poverty, and tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. It was mutually agreed in the Summit that the world must come together to address the problems related to climate change and ocean pollution. Today, the world’s biggest challenges are humanitarian crisis, rampant poverty and economic deterioration because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to that, the importance of promoting Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) along with the digital economy, was agreed upon by the participants of the event. Th significance of digital economy has been highlighted during the lockdown imposed because of the pandemic.
13th ASEM was attended by the Heads of State/Government, high-level representatives and participants of ASEM countries from Asia and Europe, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
