Experts address social change

– About 40 European and Southeast Asian experts from politics, business and social sciences gathered in Hanoi on Nov. 12 for an interdisciplinary debate on responses to rapid social change in the region.

The forum was hosted by Bertelsmann Stiftung ( Germany ) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was supported by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the Asia Society New York and the Asia Pacific Times.

As the European Union (EU) celebrates the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the forum addressed European-Asian relations and how EU-Asia relations can address the challenges.

Professor Dr Bob S Hadiwinata, head of Department of International Relations at the University of Parahyangan , Indonesia , said the EU acted as the ultimate entity in promoting democracy and human rights.

“In promoting democratic principles, international agencies share the same ideas of the centrality of values or principled ideas, that is, respect for human rights, belief in the effectiveness of the electoral system, confidence in the functioning of democratic institutions, and being positive about a vibrant civil society,” he said. Liz Mohn, vice chairwoman of the executive board at Bertelsmann Stiftung, said the foundation aimed to develop an unbiased, balanced and deepened understanding of Asia .

“The Southeast Asian region and its 560 million people are currently experiencing a remarkable economic boom and we Europeans must devote much greater attention to the area,” she said.

“Undoubtedly Europe and Asia are increasingly influencing each other and are facing comparable challenges. We enter a new era of both inner-Asian as well as global cooperation.

“In a dialogue between Europe and Southeast Asia , we can work together to shape a future that is neither Western nor Asian, but that is instead global.”

Bertelsmann Stiftung promotes social change through project work that focuses on ensuring society’s long-term viability, she said.

Working with a wide range of partners, the foundation wants to identify social problems and challenges at an early stage and develop exemplary solutions.

Bertelsmann Stiftung has held a series of international cultural forums since 2001 to bring people together across various divides, as well as to examine the role played by non-Western societies in the process of globalisation.

As the foundation seeks to contribute to a better understanding between Europe and Asia, such forums in Tokyo (2001), Beijing (2004 and 2007), New Delhi (2005) and Vietnam (2008) have led to a focus on Asia that is to be expanded further.-