Model Asia-Europe Meeting
This project aims to promote awareness and create a deeper understanding of the ASEM process among promising student leaders from Asia and Europe through their participation in a discussion format inspired by the ASEM dialogue. Model ASEM establishes a forum for dialogue where young people can engage in intense discussions on issues that are high on the ASEM agenda and are of mutual concern to youth in both regions, in an atmosphere that places emphasis on mutual respect and tolerance. It provides a channel where young people can put forward their ideas and work together on a common vision towards an ideal Asia-Europe Meeting.
Overview
Model Asia-Europe Meeting (Model ASEM) is over 100 university students acting as Heads of State and Government and Ministerial Leaders in a simulation of an ASEM Summit; a valuable lesson in diplomacy
and inter-cultural negotiation; an opportunity to have an in-depth look at the workings of the ASEM process.
Project Goals
- Generate interest and increase awareness and knowledge about the ASEM process among young people;
- Establish a forum for dialogue where young people can engage in intense discussions on issues that are high on the ASEM agenda and are of mutual concern to youth in both regions, in an atmosphere that places emphasis on mutual respect and tolerance;
- Open a channel for communication where young people can put forward their ideas and work together on a common vision towards an ideal Asia-Europe Meeting;
- Encourage network building among university students with the potential to become tomorrow’s global leaders;
- Encourage students to learn the skills of compromise, negotiation, and consensus building. Through this role-playing event, the participants develop greater understanding of global problems and the complexity of international relations;
- Offer the opportunity to gain substantive knowledge about the cultures and policies of the countries the students represent at the simulation.
Programme
A Model ASEM simulation starts with delegates being given pre-conference assignments. They prepare for the meeting by doing research on the country that they will represent, by identifying the positions that they are to take on the chosen themes and by preparing opening statements.
The Model ASEM summit is held over two days and opens with a statement by the chair outlining the aims and objectives of the meeting. Each country then has the opportunity to give opening statements. The themes chosen beforehand will be addressed during an open for debate and delegates will present their standpoints and stress those issues that they consider the most important.
After the opening session, the meeting will move on to a more informal debate where delegates can discuss the issues at hand in a more interactive manner. The main objective of each Model ASEM is a political declaration and delegates will negotiate the main document during the final session of the conference.
Participation
Each Model ASEM conference can accommodate 39 delegations from ASEM countries and the European Commission, with up to 3 members per delegation as representatives for the Political, Economic and Social/Cultural/Educational Pillars.
Participation is open to university students at senior undergraduate or postgraduate level with a demonstrated record of scholarship in their discipline. Leadership skills and an interest in international relations, international politics and diplomacy are essential.
Further information
To find out more about the project and the dates and venues for forthcoming meetings visit the Model ASEM website at www.modelasem.org or email us at info@modelasem.org. The information on this page can also be downloaded as a flyer in PDF format.