Cultural harmony is commonly understood as the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among diverse groups of people with different beliefs, traditions and ways of life within society. In a world shaped by rapid technological change, spread of misinformation and social polarisation, cultural harmony has become increasingly fragile and yet more essential than ever. Differences in values, social norms and even communication styles can easily give rise to misunderstanding and division. However, with openness and creative collaboration, cultural diversity can be channelled into constructive exchange that fosters mutual understanding and facilitates the exchange of ideas, skills and perspectives that enrich individuals and nations alike.

For Asia and Europe, cultural harmony plays an important role in supporting cooperation and a long-term partnership. The two regions are closely interconnected economically and face shared challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, public health and economic resilience. Cultural cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union provides practical examples of how cultural harmony is supported through education, artistic collaboration and exchange initiatives, complementing their political and economic relations.

The Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF), as the permanent institution of the ASEM process, also contributes to people-to-people dialogue by organising cultural festivals, artist residencies, and seminars such as the ASEM Human Rights Seminars and ASEF Journalists Seminars, which promote mutual understanding in areas related to governance and press and communications. ASEF also supports creative collaboration initiatives that connect various Asian and European stakeholders, from youths to academics to professionals and officials. To address the rise in cultural divisiveness across the globe, continued efforts to promote cultural harmony and engagement have become even more important.

Cover photo credit: ‘That’s All Folks!’, AECFest 2025 Main Festival Shanghai China © Adlina Mohd Anis

Sources:

David Ocon and Lluis Bonet, 21 September 2024, ‘Enhancing ASEAN-EU relations through cultural cooperation: Realities and unexplored potential’, Singapore Management University (SMU)

Zhang Donggang and Zang Fengyu, 18 June 2024, ‘Cultural harmony leads to better future’, China Daily

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World Economic Forum (WEF), 10 January 2024, ‘Global Risks Report 2024’, WEF

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Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF), May 2023, ‘Recalibrating the Compass: New Approaches to Asia-Europe Cultural Relations’, ASEF

World Economic Forum (WEF), 14 May 2019, ‘Explained, the economic ties between Europe and Asia’, WEF