PAST EVENT: Europe-Asia Youth Forum

The Student Think Tank for Europe-Asia Relations (STEAR), in collaboration with the European Institute for Asian Studies, were excited to present the Europe-Asia Youth Forum, on the topic “Eurasian Horizons: Cross-cultural Dialogues for Peacebuilding“.

This official Europe-Asia Youth Forum and STEAR Conference program took place on Friday, 19 April 2024 from 11:00 AM to 17:00 PM CET at the European Institute for Asian Studies in Brussels, Belgium, Rue de la Loi 26, 10th floor, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium.

🗓 Date: 19 April 2024
🕰 Time: 11:00 – 17:00 CEST
📍 Location: EIAS Brussels

Established in 2021, STEAR is a think tank dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and deepening cultural ties between the billions of people living across Europe and Asia. Its vision is to serve as the first and leading policy institute for students and young professionals in Europe and Asia, to provide a bridge between the two continents, and to strengthen multilateral cooperation and international prosperity.

The Conference program included three panels with high-profile experts and youth representatives on the following topics: 

1. Navigating Horizons: Security in the Indo-Pacific, perspectives from Europe and Asia Towards Peace-building Initiatives
2. Bridging Horizons: Exploring Human Rights, Democracy, and Youth Engagement between Asia and Europe
3. Fostering Horizons: Sustainability, Environmental Policy, and EU-Asia Cooperation

Europe-Asia Youth Forum – Eurasian Horizons: Cross-cultural Dialogues for Peacebuilding

Programme

10:30 – 11:00   Registration

11:00 – 11:05   Opening Remarks by STEAR

• Konstantin Ehrhardt, Vice President for Organisational Development & Growth, STEAR 

11:05 – 11:10   Welcome address by EIAS

• Lin Goethals, EIAS Director and STEAR Advisory Board Member

11:10 – 12:30   Session 1 – Navigating Horizons: Security in the Indo-Pacific, Perspectives from Europe and Asia Towards Peace-building Initiatives

This session will delve into the multifaceted landscape of security in the Indo-Pacific region against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics. During the discussion the challenges, opportunities, and crucial peace-building initiatives necessary for fostering stability in this pivotal region will be explored, examining geopolitical dynamics, the evolving power dynamics and strategic interests shaping security perceptions in the Indo-Pacific. The panel discussion will assess regional security challenges and the diverse array of security threats, including territorial disputes, maritime security, cyber threats, and non-traditional security issues. It will also identify Peace-building Initiatives and opportunities for collaborative initiatives, such as diplomatic dialogues, confidence-building measures, and capacity-building programs, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as the role of multilateralism in addressing security challenges and fostering regional cooperation.

Panellists:

• Barbora Maronkova, Programme Officer for Global Partners Engagements section, Public Diplomacy Division, NATO
• Stefania Benaglia, Head of the Foreign Policy Unit, Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS) 
• Kasper Danielsen, Associate Research Fellow at EIAS, Researcher on Japanese public policy and EU-Japan Relations

Moderator: Gaia Marchesini, Member of STEAR

12:30 – 13:30   Lunch Break

13:30 – 15:00   Session 2 – Bridging Horizons: Shaping Youth Engagement, Human Rights, and Democracy between Asia and Europe

This session will assess how Youth engagement can serve as a catalyst for social and political change in Asia and Europe and what strategies can foster greater youth participation in decision-making processes and governance structures. Moreover, how can youth and civil society organizations address key challenges and promote a value-based approach and democracy in Asia and Europe? What are the current challenges and opportunities for youth engagement, human rights, and democracy within and between the regions of Asia and Europe? The session will also assess how governmental institutions in Asia and Europe differ in their approaches to promoting youth engagement, human rights and democracy and how interregional youth exchanges and collaborations can foster a deeper understanding of youth engagement, human rights issues and democratic values among young people in Asia and Europe.

Panellists:

• Shada Islam, Managing Director at New Horizons Project Geopolitical Strategy Advice and Analysis and STEAR Advisory Board Member
• Jessica Nguyen, Policy and Advocacy Manager – Youth RightsEuropean Youth Forum
• Asher  Serrana, Member of the Racial Justice Task Force of the Federation of Young European Greens and former International Secretary of Jong Groen
• Muhammad Anugrah, Associate Editor at Student Think Tank for Europe-Asia Relations (STEAR), former trainee at the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam

Moderator: Ellena Fresquet, STEAR Member

15:00 – 15:30   Coffee Break

15:30 – 16:55  Session 3: Fostering Horizons: Sustainability, Environmental Policy, and EU-Asia Cooperation

How can sustainability, environmental policy, and international cooperation between the European Union and Asia play a pivotal role in promoting peacebuilding and stability? This session will delve into the understanding of the interconnectedness of sustainability and environmentalism, and how environmental issues transcend borders and impact global peace and stability. The session will examine policy-making in the context of sustainability and environmental challenges, and the role of policy frameworks at local, national, and international levels in addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development. It will also assess the potential of sustainable development and environmental cooperation as tools for fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and peace in different regions, contributions to global peacebuilding. The discussion will explore EU-Asia cooperation and existing collaborations, initiatives, and opportunities for partnership between the European Union and Asian countries in the realms of sustainability and environmental protection.

Panellists:

• Srishagon Abraham, Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Young European Greens; Vice-Chair and General Board Member of GroenLinks North Holland
• Xaver Haack, Bluebook Trainee at DG MARE, European Commission
• Jonas Nitschke, Programme Manager for Democracy and Governance, Multinational Development Policy Dialogue of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation

Moderator: Sofia Barberis Canonico, STEAR Member

16:55 – 17:00   Closing remarks

17:00   End of the Conference

Photo Credits: STEAR