Talks on the Hill

Countries in both Asia and Europe remain embroiled in disputes related to one portrayal of history over another. Most recently, tensions between China, Japan and Korea over certain versions of Japanese history textbooks have highlighted the sensitivity of this subject. On the other hand, in recognition of these problems, some countries have set-up joint initiatives between two or more states, to look into establishing common versions of history. For example, a Franco-German joint textbook initiative has been lauded as being particularly successful in bridging a difficult past relationship. Similar initiatives have been established in Poland, the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the UK , among others. As both Asia and Europe move toward closer integration and co-operation , there is an increased need for governments and stakeholders to engage in an open dialogue on history, in order to understand the sensitivities felt by various groups over historical events and episodes, and by doing so, to prevent further conflict.

(in)Secure Societies: Redefining Civil Liberties in a changing security environment

Since the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept-11 2001 and with each subsequent attack including those in Bali, Madrid, and London to name a few, concerns about security at airports, international organisations, on public transportation and other public places have increasingly been at the forefront of governmental and public discourse and policies. Globally, steps have been taken to increase vigilance and significant investments have been made in x-ray machinery, closed circuit cameras, mobile phone tracking systems and other methods of monitoring people, packages and vehicles. In some countries, old debates have reopened about issues such as identity cards with biometric data for citizens to the legality of releasing private information for example, library book and bank records.

Increasingly many segments of populations are questioning the increasing encroachment into privacy and personal information. How have the spheres of private life and public life been redefined? What are the implications of these measures for civil liberties?

Pressing Freedoms:
Managing Creative Liberties in a multi-faith and multi-cultural context
Kykkos Monastery, Cyprus

The 9th ASEF Talks on the Hill meeting was organised from the 29th of June till the 1st of July on the topic of "Pressing Freedoms: Managing Creative Liberties in a multi-faith and multi-cultural context," in Cyprus. This Talks on the Hill meeting immediately preceded the Second ASEM Interfaith Dialogue meeting co-organised by the governments of Cyprus and Malaysia.

This meeting will brought together 12 experts from various disciplines, faiths and cultures, and expertise for two days of intensive brainstorming and debate on this subject.

The 8th ASEF Talks on the Hill will be organised from the 7th-9th May 2006 on the topic of " Re-righting Intellectual Property: Economic and Social Policy challenges in Asia and Europe ," at the Asia-Europe Foundation in Singapore.

Beginning with an overview of the philosophical and economic rationale behind the development of intellectual property rights, the meeting will go on to discussing the pertinent issues faced by the countries of ASEM at the level of regional and international institutions. A further case study on the specific issues of intellectual property in the health care sector will practically examine the clash that can occur between sometimes opposing priorities and goals. Finally, this meeting will discuss concrete questions related to the implementation and enforceability of intellectual property across various countries, focusing on both economic and political challenges as well as cultural perceptions and beliefs of the population that need to recognised in the incorporation of intellectual property law and policy into various societies.

The meeting will bring together 13-15 experts from various disciplines, backgrounds and expertise for two days of intensive brainstorming and debate on this subject. The discussions will be moderated by Ambassador Philippe Kridelka, Belgian Ambassador to UNESCO.

Beyond Black and White: Confronting Modern Realities of Racism and Xenophobia in Asia & Europe

The 7th ASEF Talks on the Hill meeting was held from the 13th-15th of November 2005 and brought together 15 high-level individuals from diverse nationalities, backgrounds and expertise.

The past few centuries have presented us with terrible periods where the manifestations of racist or xenophobic ideas have resulted in tremendous suffering and death. Particularly in the 20th century, most countries as well as international organisations like the UN have taken strong steps to counter racism at a societal level, while outlawing acts of blatant racism or those linked to racist ideologies.

This meeting addressed root causes of racism and xenophobia, the influence of government and the media in perpetuating these phenomenon as well as the role of educational institutions and curriculum in combating racism and xenophobia in Asia and Europe.

The 6th Talks on the Hill was held from the 17th-19th of July 2005, and brought together 18 high-evel individuals from 14 countries, from diverse backgrounds, of 7 faiths as well as secular society.

Increasingly it is important for local governments to find ways to prevent segments of their local populations from turning hostile against each other, and having their countries become proxy-sites for foreign conflicts. Religious communities too have felt the need to step in as a mediating body between conflicting groups.

Interfaith dialogue may be seen as a way to help the various communities in a country disassociate themselves from the foreign conflicts as well as peacefully move forward to bridge the divide caused by external causes.

The 5th "Talks on the Hill" was held from the 6th-8th of March 2005, and brought together 15 prominent individuals from both regions in a meeting entitled "Coming out in Dialogue: Policies and Perceptions of Sexual Minority Groups in Asia & Europe."

Movements fighting for the recognition and acceptance of sexual minority groups in societies and under the law have become a growingly defined presence in both European and Asian cultural landscapes while facing strong opposition from some other groups - mainly based on religious convictions. This meeting will examine both sides of debate, analyse the various factors that have contributed to the current situation and project tendencies in the two regions in terms of policy and societal attitudes.

As the world grapples with the comig together and the increasing proximity and interchangeability of various populations, a discussion on this topic is crucial. The discussion will range from the major ideas in the philosophy of jurisprudence to the practical application of teh various models in modern judicial systems. In doing so, this meeting will seek to bridge major cleavages of understanding in this topic, consider and understand political, economic and social reliaties that factor into the application of justice among others.

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Spotlight on Television: Dimensions of Media Influence on Foreign Policy and Public Opinion in Asia & Europe
Singapore

For the third in the Talks on the Hill series, 12-14 distinguished individuals came together in Singapore from the 25th-27th of July to brainstorm and debate Dimensions of Media Control and Influence on Foreign Policy and Public Opinion in Asia and Europe.

In this age of technological dependence, reliance on the media, particularly television as a source of information, can be a cause for concern.

Participants explored the extent to which images and narratives on television influence our perceptions of people, history and current events. Participants also explored possibilities for cooperation between Asia & Europe in bridging differences and countering stereotypes caused by the media.

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Exploring the Relationship between Religion and the State in Asia and Europe

What place could be reserved for religion in general, and for "majority religions" (e.g. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) in a particular state, in modern political life? What is or should be the relationship between the state and religion?

Cultural Tools as means of forging Human Interaction with Nature in the context of Asia and Europe

Conceptual differences in understanding the human relationship to land, to the sea, and to the environment in general exist among the various peoples of Asia and Europe.

The practical consequences of the differing interpretations and ideas are of particular significance when foreign organisations have a hand in local environment projects, or as the rights of indigenous peoples are being debated in international bodies. This conference will reflect upon bridging the cultural divide and the real world implications.