The 12th Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF12) on “Building New Solidarities: Working for Inclusive, Just & Equal Alternatives in Asia & Europe” was held on the sidelines of the 12th ASEM Summit (ASEM12) where heads of State and Government from across Asia and Europe met to discuss their future priorities and plans. Similar to ASEM12, the Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF) held its 12th biennial forum from 29 September to 1 October 2018. It was an exciting series of interlinked dialogues, workshops, actions, policy debates and open spaces.
The overall aim of this forum was to understand and learn from struggles and resistances over the past two decades in Asia and Europe that have confronted and challenged neoliberalism, corporate led globalisation and global capitalism in its various phases. Therefore, AEPF12 aimed to tackle strategies on major themes which represent AEPF’s hopes for citizens of Europe and Asia:
- Food Sovereignty & Resources Justice
- Climate Justice & Just Transition
- Trade Justice & Corporate Accountability
- Social Justice for a Democratic, Participatory & Transformative Social Protection
- Democratization, Human Rights & Migration
- Peace-building & Human Security
Progress towards the realisation of these People’s Visions, or Alternatives, is at the heart of a way out of the multiple crises confronting people, states and institutions. The multiple crises, which have been caused by the policies of many governments have generated increasing social polarization between states and peoples. These crises are exacerbating poverty, inequality, joblessness, intolerance and the raise of populism. We are increasingly experiencing corporations structuring and determining our lives and livelihoods. Many citizens are responding by developing local initiatives. AEPF is looking to encourage and strengthen cooperation and solidarity of these people-centred networks and activities.
