The 13^th ASEM Summit (ASEM13) was successfully held on 25-26 November 2021 via videoconference.

The ASEM Summit brought together:

• Heads of State/Government of 51 European and Asian countries
• High-level representatives of ASEM countries from Asia and Europe
• The President of the European Council
• The President of the European Commission
• The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

The Summit was hosted by the Kingdom of Cambodia and chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Discussions focused on the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth”.

Leaders sought to strengthen multilateralism and shared growth between the two continents on a wide range of areas, including:

• Peace and stability
• Environment
• Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery
• Cooperation on Digital Connectivity

In 2021, ASEM celebrated its 25th anniversary and reaffirmed the comprehensive partnership between Asia and Europe. At the Summit, “Leaders took stock with satisfaction of the progress made and achievements gained since its inception in 1996, and were committed to further enhancing the cooperation, partnership and connectivity between Asia and Europe.” “They resolved to work together for peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development, resilience and prosperity, and the promotion and protection of human rights, on the basis of the UN Charter to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Three Outcome Documents resulted from ASEM13. The Chair’s Statement should be read in conjunction with the Phnom Penh Statement on the Post-COVID19 Socio-Economic Recovery and The Way Forward on ASEM Connectivity.

Alongside ASEM13, 8 side-events took place:

1. 13th Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF13)
2. 11th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP11)
3. ASEM Cultural Festival (#ASEMfest) at ASEM13
4. 1st Asia-Europe Economic and Business Forum (AEEBF1)
5. 4th ASEF Young Leader Summit (ASEFYLS4)
6. 10th ASEF Editors’ Roundtable (ASEFERT10)
7. Asia-Europe Forum on Women, Peace, and Security

For more information about ASEM13 read our December newsletter.

The 14th ASEM Summit (ASEM14) will be held in Europe in 2023.