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II. Track 2: Multisectoral Policy Meetings

January

Regional Outlook Forum 2006
Date: January 5, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
The Regional Outlook Forum was initiated in 1998 as an outreach program to educate the public about key developments in the region. Forum speakers include research scholars, journalists, financial analysts, and business leaders with expertise on East and Southeast Asia. In 2006, the forum attracted an audience of close to 600 and featured five thematic sessions on topical issues related to international relations, politics, and economics. In addition to the standard panels reviewing the broad strategic and economic regional landscapes every year, the forum also devoted three sessions to economic integration, terrorism, and energy.
For information, see: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/iframes/rof06paper.htm

Tsunami Warning Program and Disaster Preparedness System
Date: January 10, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Chulalongkorn University; Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) Center, Thailand; GDLN Center, Tokyo; World Bank
This was the final dialogue of a four-part videoconference series, "Tsunami Recovery Efforts: Sharing Knowledge and Experiences." Representatives from South and East Asian countries recovering from the December 2004 tsunami came together through the World Bank's videoconferencing network, the Global Development Learning Network, to develop an integrated approach for tsunami preparedness and recovery. The dialogue series (October 2005-January 2006) brought together representatives from government, universities, research institutes, NGOs, and other agencies working on disaster preparedness, hazard management, and recovery efforts in the region. In the final session, more than 100 participants in Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand discussed the tsunami warning program and disaster preparedness system.
For information, see: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20698803~menuPK:34482~pagePK:2524753~ piPK:51421526~theSitePK:4607,00.html

Japan-WHO Joint Meeting on Early Response to Potential Influenza Pandemic
Date: January 12-13, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of Japan; World Health Organization (WHO)
With the world facing a continuously growing threat from avian influenza, a meeting was convened to focus on early responses to a potential pandemic. More than 130 participants attended the meeting from 14 Asian countries (including all those affected by the H5N1 virus), donor countries and agencies, and regional and international organizations. Participants identified key issues and recommended priority actions necessary to develop a rapid response and containment capacity in Asia. Recommendations addressed early response measures if and when a potential human pandemic strain emerges, as well as regional and international coordination in such areas as early detection and reporting of events with pandemic potential and stockpiling of antiviral drugs.
For information, see: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou04/pdf/06a1-en.pdf

4th Pugwash Workshop on East Asian Security: Stability, Security and Cooperation in Northeast Asia
Date: January 12-15, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Pugwash Conferences; co-sponsored by Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament and the More than 60 participants from China, North and South Korea, Japan, the United States, Pakistan, and Europe gathered for the 4th Pugwash Workshop on East Asian Security to discuss Northeast Asian security cooperation. The meeting was held at a time when the Six-Party Talks were in jeopardy, and participants engaged in intensive discussions on the current security situation on the Korean peninsula. Sessions were also devoted to relations between the big powers and their influence on East Asian security, including the strategic interests of the United States and Russia in the Northeast Asian region. The final session focused on confidence building and the search for lasting security cooperation in the region. It was clear that a lack of trust still exists among countries in the region and needs to be overcome. All participants agreed that at present, the Six-Party process is the best mechanism.
For information, see: http://www.pugwash.org/reports/rc/ea/china2006/report.htm

Asia-Pacific Regional Implementation Meeting for the 14th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
Date: January 19-20 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); UN Food and The UN Commission on Sustainable Development, established in 1992, meets annually to ensure follow-up on the so-called Earth Summit of 1992 and subsequent international commitments. The Regional Implementation Meeting for Asia and the Pacific for the 14th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development was held to review the progress made, and identify key challenges and opportunities toward implementation of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, in the areas of (a) energy for sustainable development, (b) industrial development, (c) air pollution, and (d) climate change. The meeting also featured a panel discussion with major stakeholders on the theme of how to continue economic growth for poverty reduction without compromising environmental sustainability.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esd/rim/documents/Report_RIM.pdf
http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/2006/february06.htm

Public Symposium on Post-Disaster Recovery Lessons Learned
Date: January 19, 2006
Location: Kobe, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: International Recovery Platform (IRP) Secretariat; Asian Disaster Reduction Center; Cabinet Office of Japan; Hyogo Prefectural Government; UNDP; United Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR); and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Kobe
The Public Symposium on Post-Disaster Recovery Lessons Learned attracted more than 180 participants from 21 countries throughout the Asia Pacific region and provided a unique opportunity to learn from past post-disaster experiences. Participants sought to identify the challenges faced in the recovery process of more recent major disasters, highlighting strategies to reduce potential risk and improve reconstruction. It was noted that the challenge lies in coordinating efforts among existing initiatives and resources. A video of the symposium is available on the IRP website.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/2006/february06.htm

5th Tokyo Workshop on ODA Evaluation
Date: January 26-27, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Participants in the 5th Tokyo Workshop on ODA Evaluation included Japanese individuals concerned with ODA, as well as representatives from 18 Asian partner countries, 12 development-related international organizations, and other donor countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held this workshop annually since FY2001 with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of Japan's ODA through deepening shared recognition of ODA evaluation in Asian partner countries (an area on which Japan places importance) and through accelerating capacity development in evaluation in these states. This 5th workshop sought to reinforce monitoring and evaluation systems of partner countries by focusing on "Management for Development Results."
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2006/1/0124.html

8th Asian Security Conference: Changing Security Dynamic in West Asia-Relevance for the Post 9-11 Systemic
Date: January 30-February 1, 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses
Scholars and analysts from more than 20 countries around the world participated in the 8th Asian Security Conference, which examined the changing security scenario of West Asia and its implications for the region and the world. The conference sought answers to such questions as whether and how the political turbulence in the region is affecting international politics; how governance, polity, and regional frameworks in West Asia affect the security of the region; whether political change in the region is desirable and feasible; whether it will require greater international involvement to restructure and reshape regional political systems; whether political reforms aimed at greater political participation will lead to a rollback of Islamist radicalism or to more intransigent extremism; and what methods Islamist terrorists may adopt in the future to make their presence felt.
For information, see: http://www.idsa.in/asian-sec.htm

Countering the Support Environment for Terrorism in the Asia-Pacific Region
Date: January 31-February 2, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS)
Terrorism is a growing threat in Southeast Asia, fostered by two simultaneous trends: the spread of militant religious ideologies and the growth of transnational "enabling" factors that allow illegal mobility and access to weapons and funding. To understand the support environment for terrorism in Southeast Asia, the APCSS hosted a three-day conference involving roughly 40 participants. Among the objectives of the conference were (1) to assess and understand the ideological underpinning of terrorism in the region and the current trends; 2) to assess the transnational "enabling" factors-e.g., crime, porous borders, availability of small arms and explosives-that help sustain terrorist organizations; and (3) to assess current measures by states and regional organizations to counter terrorism and to identify any limitations that are acting as barriers to success.
For information, see: http://www.apcss.org/graphics/graphics_conferences.htm

February

International Symposium on Security Affairs 2006: Military Transformation in the 21st Century-Challenge for New Security Environment
Date: February 1, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: National Institute for Defense Studies
This year's theme focused on "Military Transformation: Challenges and Prospects." The meeting involved experts from the United States, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and other Asian countries. The goal of the meeting was to examine the transformation occurring in the US military and its impact on US-Japan relations and regional security.
For information, see: http://www.nids.go.jp/english/index.html

Asia-Pacific Alliances in the 21st Century: Waning or Rising?
Date: February 3-4, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Pacific Forum CSIS; International Policy Studies Institute, Korea; Ilmin International Relations Institute, Korea University
Some 30 senior experts and young leaders met in Honolulu for a trilateral meeting to examine the future of alliances in the Asia Pacific and, in particular, the US-ROK alliance. The conference honored former ROK Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States Han Sung-joo. Conference discussions focused on the changing external environment and the transformation of domestic politics within US allied nations. Perceptions of China and the United States were also key considerations. The young leaders agreed that they saw the region and their countries' alliances in fundamentally different ways than did their seniors. At the same time, however, most of them also believed that those alliances are still relevant, although the relationships need to change and move beyond the current predominantly military focus.
For information, see: http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/issuesinsights_v06n06.pdf

4th Asia-Pacific Round Table: Asia in an Age of Globalisation
Date: February 6-7, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Global Foundation; World Bank; in association with the government of Singapore and Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
The Asia-Pacific Round Table (APRT) is a dialogue among senior figures from international financial institutions, governments, academia, and the private sector on the most pressing challenges facing the Asia Pacific region and their possible solutions. At the 4th APRT, 100 leading policymakers and private sector leaders from around the globe participated in a two-day dialogue. Building upon relationships and discussions developed at the previous three meetings, the 2006 meeting was intended to contribute to the climate surrounding the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, held in Singapore in September 2006. The two major themes of the meeting were the concept of "Asia" in an age of globalization and the private sector perspective on Asia's continuing prosperity.
For information, see: http://www.globalfoundation.org.au/AsiaPacificRoundTable2006.html

Parliamentary Accountability and Security Sector Governance in Southeast Asia
Date: February 7-8, 2006
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung; Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces; Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace
This regional conference focused on mechanisms of parliamentary accountability in security sector governance. It enabled the presentation of particular security issues and concepts and their implications for parliamentary work in democratic transition states. The event furthermore provided the opportunity for an exchange of views and experiences in terms of security policies and the role of parliaments in different ASEAN states.
For information, see: http://www.dcaf.ch/news/_diarydetailskms.cfm?param0_219=2006&lng=en&id=25407&nav1=2

1st Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum (Japan-China-Korea Wisemen's Meeting)
Date: February 12-13, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Japan); Xinhua News Agency (China); JoongAng Ilbo (South Korea)
Economic, political, and academic leaders from Japan, China, and South Korea, speaking at the Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum, called on the three countries to cooperate more actively through political ties. In addition, they urged the creation of a framework for regional economic integration so that East Asia can make the leap forward necessary to become the world's growth engine. The forum, aimed at promoting mutual understanding and cooperation in East Asia, is also an attempt to search for development models in the region. Its themes range from trilateral economic cooperation and strategies for industrial development to environmental and energy issues. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone headed the Japanese contingent, while Qian Qichen, former Chinese vice premier, led the Chinese delegation, and Lee Hong-koo, former South Korean prime minister, served as the leader of the South Korean contingent.
For information, see: http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/FR/FEAT/nasia/index.html

2nd Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: February 13-15, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
In 2005, at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN Leaders agreed that an ASEAN Charter should be established to facilitate community building in the region. The charter was to serve as a legal and institutional framework, codifying all ASEAN norms, rules, and values. To draft this charter, an Eminent Persons Group on the ASEAN Charter was formed, comprising senior statesmen from around the region, who were to come up with recommendations. The EPG was asked to be "bold and visionary" in proposing major steps that could be taken to achieve an ASEAN Community as envisaged in the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (2003), the Vientiane Action Programme (2004-2010), and the Vision 2020 (1997). This was the second of eight meetings of the ASEAN Charter EPG.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19247.pdf

BWC (Biological Weapons Convention) Tokyo Seminar
Date: February 14-15, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Center for the Promotion of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)
Around 50 participants from government, academia, and international organizations attended the BWC Tokyo Seminar. Since entering into force in 1975, the BWC has been criticized as being insufficiently equipped to ensure the implementation of its obligations. In light of the emerging threat of bioterrorism (especially after the 2001 anthrax incidents in the United States), strengthening the convention has become a priority. The Tokyo Seminar was an opportunity for senior officials and distinguished experts to share their understanding of the current state of the convention, exchange ideas, and discuss effective approaches to the 6th BWC Review Conference, scheduled for November 2006. In conjunction with this meeting, a public symposium on "New Biological Threats and International Response" was also held on February 15.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2006/2/0202.html

Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on Scaling Up Towards Universal Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support
Date: February 14-16, 2006
Location: Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); hosted by Thai Ministry of Public Health
Representatives from 20 countries across Asia Pacific met in Thailand to map out a strategy for scaling up HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services and for moving toward universal access to treatment. The meeting was one of seven regional consultations held globally, and it brought together more than 100 leaders from governments, as well as from NGOs and community- and faith-based organizations across the region.
UNAIDS was asked by the UN General Assembly in 2005 to help facilitate an effort driven by the countries themselves to come as close as possible to the goal of universal access to treatment by 2010 for all those who need it. More than 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region have held national consultations aimed at identifying specific obstacles to scaling up toward universal access and the solutions needed to overcome them. The Asia Pacific consultation is the second regional event to take place.
For information, see: http://data.unaids.org/pub/PressRelease/2006/20060214_pr_tuathailand_en.pdf

Building Multi-party Capacity for a WMD-Free Korean Peninsula
Date: February 17, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis (IFPA); Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University; Shanghai Institute of International Studies; funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York
Government officials and foreign policy experts from six countries gathered for a one-day workshop to discuss options for reviving the stalled Six-Party process and for building institutional capacity for implementing a viable denuclearization agreement with North Korea. As part of these discussions, policymakers and academics from the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia explored options to determine potential solutions to the three key issues that will be addressed by a negotiated denuclearization agreement: (1) security assurances; 2) nuclear dismantlement and verification; and (3) economic engagement with North Korea. This was the second of three meetings held in 2005-2007 as part of an IFPA-led project.
For information, see: http://www.ifpa.org/confwrkshp/Honolulu0206.htm

3rd Asia-Pacific Security Conference: Asia Pacific Security-Enduring Concerns
Date: February 19-20, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies (IDSS) and the Asian Aerospace 2006 Pte Ltd.
The 3rd Asia-Pacific Security Conference was held in conjunction with Asian Aerospace 2006, a major annual trade expo. The conference presented an opportunity for networking as well as for a serious exchange of views about the most important security challenges facing the region. The first panel of the conference discussed US strategic policy in Asia, asking such questions as how the United States would react to the rise of China as a potential challenger to its influence in the region and, importantly, what would be the nature and style of the rise of China. In the second panel of the conference, speakers addressed the nature of the terrorist threat in Asia; its links, if any, with groups in the Middle East; and regional responses to these threats. A lunch discussion focused specifically on the terrorist threat faced by Indonesia and how the Indonesian government was responding.
For information, see: http://se2.isn.ch/serviceengine/FileContent?serviceID=7&fileid=62691F29-A0B3-9EB0-75CF-E8EF01EA7794&lng=en

Post-Disaster Assessment and Monitoring of Changes in Coastal, Ocean and Human Systems in the Indian Ocean and Asian Waters
Date: February 20-23, 2006
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources of the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; UNESCO-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Regional Secretariat for the Western Pacific
This international workshop brought together 200 natural and social scientists and educators, policymakers, marine protected area managers, and students from 93 institutions in 32 countries on five continents. The discussions focused on sharing lessons and experiences of post-disaster human and ecological rehabilitation and how to develop better approaches to coastal management. Participants examined the impacts of disasters and climate change on coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, their associated biodiversity, fisheries, coasts, and beaches and on livelihoods dependent upon these ecosystems and communities. The meeting was to result in a book that analyzes lessons learned and the role of resilience in mitigating effects of destructive events.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/2006/march06.htm
http://westpac.unescobkk.org

13th ASEAN-ISIS Colloquium on Human Rights (AICOHR)
Date: February 21-24, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Institutes for Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS); Institute for Strategic and Development Studies (ISDS); support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Taiwan Foundation For Democracy (TFD)
Leading representatives from human rights institutions and organizations in the region participated in a colloquium on the theme of "Human Rights Promotion in the ASEAN Security Community." Topics discussed included the role of human rights in political development, the challenges of human rights promotion, and the role of Track 2 initiatives in human rights promotion.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/1/year-2006/month-1/veranstaltung_id-18867/

Review of Governance in Asia
Date: February 21, 2006
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: European Institute for Asian Studies; European Alliance for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies, in collaboration with the European Alliance for Asian Studies, organized its annual Asia Update conference entitled "Governance in Asia." The conference brought together academic specialists with members of the European Parliament, officials from the EU institutions, and Asian representatives. This meeting sought to provide information and analysis on the perceptions of governance that exist in Asia. The meeting reviewed recent evidence on the transformation toward market-based democratic governance in Asia; examined the notion of "good governance" held in several Asian countries where current developments are strongly at variance with the values the EU promotes; and discussed the increasing projection of India and China as regional leaders within Asia and the implications for the EU.
For information, see: http://www.eias.org/conferences/2006/governance210206.html

Terrorism, Geopolitics and Multinational Security Cooperation in Central Asia
Date: February 22-24, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS)
The APCSS held a conference on the global war on terrorism, the momentous transformations in Central Asia, and the impact of these developments on Asia Pacific security. The conference format included panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a teleconference with US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Afghanistan. Senior defense and foreign affairs officials, prominent practitioners, and leading academics from both the United States and the region took part in the deliberations, with an equal distribution between security practitioners and area experts.
The conference addressed the complex security environment of Central Asia as the region continues to struggle with the phenomena of terrorism and religious extremism, poverty and corruption, political instability and authoritarian governance, great power suspicion and rivalry. How the region copes with these issues will extend important lessons to the larger region as well as to the world as a whole.
For information, see: http://www.apcss.org/graphics/graphics_conferences.htm

Advancing East Asian Economic Integration: Policies for Macroeconomic Adjustment, Growth and Development
Date: February 23-24, 2006
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM); Australian National University
Experts from throughout Asia and from international agencies gathered for a two-day meeting that focused on domestic macroeconomic adjustment, development, and growth; international and regional imbalances; and ways to harness the private sector for economic growth and development.
For information, see: http://www.crawford.anu.edu.au/pdf/ajrc/conferences/hanoi.pdf

7th ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights: Human Rights and Ethnic, Linguistic and Religious Minorities
Date: February 23-24, 2006
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (Sweden); support from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asia-Europe Foundation, and European Commission; co-hosted by Central European University
This meeting series was launched in 1998 with the purpose of increasing understanding and cooperation between Asia and Europe, especially with regard to human rights. The seminar highlighted the need to review the status and the instruments of protection of minority groups and members of minorities within the state and at the international level. Both Asia and Europe have to continue to seek joint, equitable, and appropriate solutions through regional and bilateral dialogue to the issues related to ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities. This two-day seminar was structured around two topics: civil and political rights of minorities and economic, social, and cultural rights.
For information, see: http://www.asef.org/index.php?option=com_project&task=view&id=369

International Symposium on Trafficking in Persons
Date: February 25, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; National Women's Education Center; and the International Organization for Migration (IOM); in cooperation with Japan Network Against Trafficking in Persons
This symposium invited speakers from various fields committed to the fight against human trafficking. It was intended to build a strong network among the experts, including public officials, law enforcers, NGOs, and academics dealing with the issue. The symposium was also aimed at advancing a better understanding of the issue among the general public.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/i_crime/people/sympo0602.html

March

Ford Project on Non-Traditional Security in Asia: 3rd Regional Plenary Meeting of the Ford Grantees
Date: March 2-3, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies (IDSS); support from Ford Foundation
One of the key events of the 3rd Regional Plenary Meeting was the launch of the publication Studying Non-Traditional Security in Asia: Trends and Issues. The concepts, frameworks, and approaches developed out of this Ford-funded research project are expected to be useful in anticipating, analyzing, and providing response mechanisms to new and emerging nontraditional security (NTS) challenges.
Session 1 of this meeting focused on human security in South Asia and on the dynamics of securitization in Asia. Session 2 looked at China's ability to deal with NTS; at the development gaps and economic security in ASEAN economies; and at globalization, pluralism, and securitization in East Asia. Session 3 looked at migration issues in South Asia and at the question of how to understand NTS in the East Asian context. The final session discussed human security in South Asia, NTS issues in fisheries in Southeast Asia, and gender and NTS in South Asia.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/FordConferenceReport.pdf

28. International Collaboration on Planning for Pandemics
Date: March 2-5, 2006
Location: West Sussex, UK
Organizers/Sponsors: Wilton Park Conferences
Recent outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe and the fear of a pending pandemic necessitate international collaboration and action. This meeting focused on such issues as the following: What more can be done to encourage all countries to share surveillance data in a timely fashion? How can cooperation between the health and veterinary sectors be improved? What systems are needed to strengthen the capacity of public health systems in Asia? How quickly can surveillance and response capacity be strengthened and at what cost? How are donor funds being allocated and used? How can access to vaccines be improved in countries that have no manufacturing capability?
Wilton Park conferences generally attract 50-70 people of various nationalities for roundtable discussions. On average, more than half are from government, while others are mostly from NGOs, business, universities, parliaments, and the media.
For information, see: http://www.wiltonpark.org.uk/themes/economic/pastconference.aspx?confref=WPS06/19

CSCAP Legal Experts Study Group Meeting
Date: March 3-4, 2006
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The Legal Experts Study Group Meeting is a sub-meeting of the CSCAP Study Group on Capacity Building for Maritime Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific. Eleven participants from seven national CSCAPs focused on trying to work out matters concerning uneven adherence to international conventions; different levels of implementation, monitoring, and enforcement by state parties; and ways to amend legal barriers to effective maritime enforcement, particularly in areas where disputed and overlapping claims of maritime jurisdiction exist.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html

Asia 2015: Promoting Growth, Ending Poverty
Date: March 6-7, 2006
Location: London, UK
Organizers/Sponsors: UK Department for International Development (DFID); cosponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank
Asia 2015 was a two-day conference hosted by DFID and cosponsored by the ADB and the World Bank. The conference sought to highlight and celebrate the success of Asia in reducing poverty and promoting development; to identify the key challenges facing countries in Asia for sustaining growth and development in the future; and to build partnerships and an international consensus on priorities for achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Asia. The conference looked in detail at three key themes: "Future Scenarios: Prospects and Challenges for Asian Development"; "Unleashing the Potential for Poverty Reduction"; and "Where Next? Setting the Agenda for Partnership to 2015."
For information, see: http://www.asia2015conference.org/

4th Conference on Northeast Asian Security
Date: March 6, 2006
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP); Korea Society
The NCAFP and the Korea Society co-hosted a North Korean delegation to discuss prospects for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. This meeting took place one day before the North Korean delegation met with US officials in New York to discuss US allegations about North Korean "illicit activities," including counterfeiting of US currency, money laundering, and drug smuggling-charges that were followed by the United States freezing DPRK assets in a bank in Macao. The talks came at a time of mounting frustration on both the US and the DPRK sides.
For information, see: http://www.ncafp.org/projects/northeast_asia/roundtables/roundmar06_zagoria.pdf

4th Disaster Management Practitioners Workshop for Southeast Asia
Date: March 8-10, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center; United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO)
The Disaster Management Practitioners Workshop for Southeast Asia (DMP SEA), first held in 1999, provides an opportunity for disaster management practitioners from governments, NGOs, international organizations, UN agencies, and donors from Southeast Asia to gather on a periodic basis to share experiences and lessons, identify emerging issues and strategies, and develop partnerships to promote community-based approaches to disaster risk management on a regional basis. The 4th DMP SEA Workshop was held in the aftermath of the great Asian tsunami and other large-scale disasters in the region and worldwide. Such events have significantly changed perceptions about vulnerability, risk, and capacity to reduce risks. The workshop is part of the Partnerships for Disaster Reduction Southeast Asia (PDRSEA), being conducted by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center and UNESCAP to promote National Strategic Planning for Community-Based Disaster Risk Management in five Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.
For information, see: http://www.adpc.net/v2007/IKM/EVENTS%20AND%20NEWS/ADPC/2006/March/dmp-brochure-final.pdf

Grand Design for Northeast Asia: Phase 3 Workshop
Date: March 10, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA)
This workshop was the third research workshop for a project jointly conducted by NIRA (Japan), Institute of Spatial Planning & Regional Economy (ISPRE, China), and the Korean Research Institute for Human Settlements, which builds on the findings of two previous phases. The main focus of this third workshop was regional cooperation in development finance and IT promotion.
In the first year of this third phase, researchers examined each country's development program and the potential problems associated with aligning those programs with the grand design in an effort to create a road map for achieving regional interdependence in Northeast Asia. They also sought to determine which of five fields (energy-environment, transport- distribution-communication, strategic development clusters, ecotourism, or development finance) should be given preference for implementation and to develop pilot program proposals around those fields.
For information, see: http://www.nira.or.jp/past/pubj/newsletter/nn08.pdf

Japan and India: Challenges and Prospects in Asia and Pacific in the 21st Century
Date: March 10, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Participants from Japan, India, the United States, and China gathered for a symposium in Tokyo. The first session examined "Challenges in Asia Pacific," considering developments and challenges from the perspective of international politics and security as well as of the international economy. The discussion focused on how Japan, India, the United States, and China assess the shifts taking place in Asia Pacific. Session 2 focused on Japan-India relations, including what Japan and India are expected to do for peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia Pacific, and how the two countries should cooperate toward that goal, including through multilateral cooperation among Japan, India, the United States, and China.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/india/sympo0603/index.html

1st World Deauville Forum
Date: March 10-11, 2006
Location: Deauville, France
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Le Monde de Demain; supported by UNESCO, OECD
The 1st World Deauville Forum focused on "World Economy for All-2006 Europe-Asia Dialogue." More than 300 participants including CEOs, government officials, academics, NGO representatives, and students shared their perspectives in identifying values and reciprocal needs on which long-term exchanges may be built. Participants also discussed the social and financial context of Asian and European companies. This conference, organized back-to-back with the International Asian Film Festival, is intended to foster exchanges to promote the values of human respect, sustainability, and social responsibility as foundations for a new, well-balanced economy in Asia and Europe.
As part of this event, ASEF organized a debate entitled "Values in Work and Consumption-Rethinking the Link between Work and Consumption in Europe and Asia," which focused on differences and similarities in the values that constitute the basis of all economic and business activities, as well as the influence of globalization on attitudes toward work and consumption.
For information, see: http://www.asef.org/index.php?option=com_project&task=view&id=300

CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Regional Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Date: March 11-12, 2006
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
Twenty-two experts convened for the 2nd meeting of the CSCAP Study Group on Regional Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding. Participants came from South Asia, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America, and had extensive professional training in government, military, civilian policing, academia, NGOs, and former and current UN and other multilateral monitoring, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding missions.
International peace operations have become increasingly comprehensive, with greater numbers and types of stakeholders involved, and the structures and mechanisms for coordinating these missions and for securing the resources to ensure their successful completion have yet to fully materialize. These organizational gaps are a challenge, but they are also an opportunity for the Asia Pacific to assume a more proactive and visible role in peace operations. The Study Group identified several political, operational, and organizational challenges to, and opportunities for, expanding and improving upon the Asia Pacific's current contributions to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/CSCAP%20Website%20Updates%20June%202006/PK%20and%20PB%202%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf
http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_pubs/task,view/id,3380/type,1/

Security in North East Asia
Date: March 13-17, 2006
Location: West Sussex, UK
Organizers/Sponsors: Wilton Park Conferences
This Wilton Park Conference examined key questions surrounding security in Northeast Asia: What are the key threats in the region? How can tensions be reduced? How are overlapping internal and external aspects of security addressed? How does security in the region relate to economic growth and interaction? What institutional framework can best support dialogue and cooperation for increased security? How are US-China relations going to evolve? What is the European Union's role?
Wilton Park Conferences generally attract 50-70 people of various nationalities for roundtable discussions. On average, more than half are from government, while the others are mostly from NGOs, business, universities, parliaments, and the media. A summary of the discussions is available on the Wilton Park website.
For information, see: http://www.wiltonpark.org.uk/themes/defence/pastconference.aspx?confref=WP806

Maritime Security Conference on Globalization and National Security
Date: March 15-16, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
More than 50 participants from government, military, and scholarly fields from throughout East and South Asia, the United States, Russia, and Europe gathered to discuss the impact of globalization on security, particularly in the context of South and Southeast Asia.
Globalization has become a buzzword, entering into mainstream dialogue and discourse, and attracting both supporters and detractors. The conference first examined whether the greater economic interdependence that comes with globalization will result in greater cooperation or will exacerbate existing rivalries and lead to conflict. Second, participants addressed how globalization affects a country's threat perception and its defense posture. Discussions then turned to how economic globalization affects the defense economy and allocation of resources to different sectors of the economy. Finally, the conference explored how globalization affects the defense industry and the acquisition and procurement policies and practices of the different states.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/Globalization&Defense.pdf

Brainstorming on ASEAN Charter
Date: March 17-18, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); ASEAN-ISIS
KAS has worked to support initiatives in developing a charter for the ASEAN Community, funding two brainstorming sessions of the ASEAN-ISIS network in Singapore and Ubud. ASEAN-ISIS was invited to make recommendations concerning the ASEAN Charter to the Eminent Persons Group. KAS also brought the Asian drafters together with their European counterparts in Berlin and Brussels in September to enable a discussion on their experiences.
For information, see: http://www.kas-asia.org/Conferences.htm#24mar2006

16th Asian Corporate Conference: Driving Global Business-India's New Priorities, Asia's New Realities
Date: March 18-20, 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Society; co-organized with Wall Street Journal and Confederation of Indian Industry; sponsored by AIG, Philip Morris International, Warburg Pincus, and other corporations
More than 1,000 senior government and business leaders from 23 countries in Asia and around the world gathered in Mumbai to examine India's rise in the global economy at the Asia Society's 16th Asian Corporate Conference. "Driving Global Business-India's New Priorities, Asia's New Realities" examined India's potential to take off as a mature business market and how India's growth will impact Asia's economic future. Roundtable discussions explored topics such as the expansion of Indian businesses worldwide, the extent and implications of Asia's renewed focus on intraregional business and trade, the effectiveness of India's economic policies, and prospects for partnerships between Indian and Chinese businesses. In addition, the conference addressed critical social issues such as urban renewal and development in India's emerging megacities, consumerism and rural development, HIV/AIDS, and education reform.
For information, see: http://www.asiasociety.org/conference06/

10th Meeting of the Expanded Senior Panel of the Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone for Northeast Asia (LNWFZ-NEA)
Date: March 19-22, 2006
Location: Shanghai, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS); Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy (CISTP) of the Sam Nunn School and Ivan Allen College of Georgia Tech in Atlanta; funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York, MacArthur Foundation, Korean Air, SIIS, and Georgia Tech (CISTP)
The 10th Plenary Meeting of the Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone for Northeast Asia was held in March 2006. Diplomatic, military, and academic specialists from China, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and the United States, and special observers from Argentina, Finland, and France met to continue in-depth discussions on the concept for a limited nuclear weapons-free zone for Northeast Asia. This forum is seen as a means to support and reinforce the Six-Party Talks.
The meeting concentrated on discussions to develop confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs) for the region. Participants explored the idea of an organization to promote security and cooperation in Northeast Asia and discussed the possibility of the Six-Party Talks evolving into such an organization. The members of the forum stressed the need for step-by-step progress as well as long-term commitment to mutually beneficial outcomes, and they also paid particular attention to the need to strengthen the NPT system.
For information, see: http://www.cistp.gatech.edu/cistp/programs/10thplenarypress_Release.pdf

East Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on Children and AIDS
Date: March 22-24, 2006
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: Vietnamese Commission for Population, Family and Children; Family Health International; Save the Children; UNAIDS; UNICEF; US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief; World Health Organization
Delegates from across East Asia and the Pacific vowed to take swift and decisive action to tackle the issue of children and HIV/AIDS in the region. More than 300 representatives from governments, international agencies, and activist groups participated in the three-day East Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on HIV/AIDS. At the end of the meeting, participants endorsed the Hanoi Call to Action, which urges countries in the region to follow specific steps to confront the impact of this disease on children. Among its recommendations, the Hanoi Call to Action urges countries to accurately assess the situation of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Currently, the nations of East Asia and the Pacific are home to an estimated 31,000 children infected with HIV, while 450,000 have lost one or both parents to AIDS. However, experts at the Hanoi conference noted that much of the region lacks precise data on vulnerable children. Delegates also stressed that countries need to defeat the pervasive stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.
For information, see:http://www.unicef.org/aids/index_31866.html
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200603/22/eng20060322_252625.html

Roundtable Discussion on Engaging ASEAN Governments on Human Rights Education
Date: March 23-25, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism; Asia Pacific Regional Resource Center for Human Rights Education (ARRC)
In July 2005, ASEAN Senior Officials asked the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism to help in implementing the human rights program areas of the Vientiane Action Programme, particularly "promoting education and public awareness on human rights in the region." As part of that effort, the Working Group, in coordination with the Asia Pacific Regional Resource Center for Human Rights Education, held a roundtable discussion to take stock of human rights education (HRE) programs and initiatives in ASEAN, identify strategies or possible engagements with ASEAN governments, identify both regional and national goals on HRE, and recommend possible HRE initiatives in ASEAN. The meeting was attended by participants from regional organizations engaged in HRE, by the national human rights institutions in ASEAN, and by members of the working group.
For information, see: http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/engaging-asean-government.html

3rd Meeting of the CSCAP Study Group on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Asia Pacific
Date: March 26-27, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The CSCAP Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Study Group was launched in 2004 as a vehicle for raising regional consciousness on important issues related to WMD proliferation. In biannual meetings, the WMD Study Group examines regional attitudes toward the Proliferation Security Initiative and other counter-proliferation efforts and regimes, the prospects for the Six-Party Talks and potential means for facilitating the Korean Peninsula denuclearization process, regional threat perceptions and security outlooks, missile proliferation, and ballistic missile defense.
Two meetings were held in 2006, in Singapore in March and in Vietnam in November. The Singapore meeting directly preceded an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) WMD Seminar, so many ARF government officials also attended the CSCAP meeting in their private capacities, helping to create closer links between the ARF and CSCAP.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/CSCAP%20Website%20Updates%20June%202006/WMD%203%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Seminar on Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Date: March 27-29, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); hosted by Government of Singapore; co-chaired with Government of China
The seminar brought together senior officials and experts from the ARF countries to share national experiences in responding to the proliferation threat, review the various aspects of the global nonproliferation regime, and discuss ways to enhance their capacity and coordinate their responses to counter these threats.
For information, see: https://www.aseanregionalforum.org/Default.aspx?tabid=67

NIRA-ADB Joint Forum: The Prospects for an Asian Bond Market
Date: March 27, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA); Asian Development Bank (ADB)
NIRA, in cooperation with the Corporate Finance and Treasury Association of Japan and the Japan Capital Markets Association, launched two study groups in July 2005 for the purpose of formulating proposals for a strategic vision toward the integration of financial and capital markets in East Asia. Following this, consultations and exchanges were held with South Korean capital market experts. Since late 2005, the team has also been exchanging views with the ADB, which has been promoting the Asian Bond Market Initiative. The results of studies conducted over the past eight months were presented and discussed with participants at a NIRA-ADB joint forum.
For information, see: http://www.nira.go.jp/newsj/kanren/170/178/index.html
http://www.nira.go.jp/newse/paper/pb/proposal.pdf

Regional Expert Group Meeting on Development Challenges for Young People in Asia
Date: March 28-30, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Division for Social Policy and Development, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs; hosted by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
Experts and representatives of universities, UN member states, UN agencies, and intergovern-mental organizations gathered to identify and discuss major youth development challenges in Asia in preparation for the World Youth Report 2007, a biennial publication that provides a regional overview of the major trends in the 15 priority areas of the World Programme of Action for Youth. For each region, four topics that are affecting the lives of young people were identified for an in-depth discussion. The four topics identified for the Asian region in 2006 were (1) globalization, (2) urbanization, (3) education, and (4) information and communication technologies.
For information, see: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/regm_asia.htm

3rd ASEAN Leadership Forum: Moving From Dialogue to Action
Date: March 30-31, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Secretariat; Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute
The ASEAN Leadership Forum is an annual meeting bringing together government, business, civil society, and intellectual leaders to take stock of the progress and achievements of ASEAN and to discuss the further challenges facing the region. It attempts to provide a venue for sharing ideas, insights, and experiences on building and strengthening ASEAN.
The 3rd ASEAN Leadership Forum explored the relationship between change manage-ment and bottom-line growth, and it examined the increasing importance of business leader-ship in ASEAN against a background of dynamic expansion and opportunity in the region. Participants debated the following critical questions: How far has ASEAN progressed? Will the new ASEAN Charter provide a compelling vision for ASEAN? What needs to be done to accelerate intraregional investment and deepen intra-ASEAN trade? What are the new opportunities and threats?
For information, see: http://www.asli.com.my/cgi-bin/prevdetails.cfm?type=conference&id=125

April

Strategic Visions for US-China-Japan Relations
Date: April 2-4, 2006
Location: Osaka, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Pacific Forum CSIS
US-Japan relations in 2006 were considered to be about as good as they have ever been. Sino-US relations saw their share of strains but remained generally cooperative and constructive, while also being candid and complex. Relations between Beijing and Tokyo, on the other hand, have seldom been worse in the postwar era and showed little sign of improving. It was in this setting that the Pacific Forum convened a workshop examining "Strategic Visions for US-China-Japan Relations." Experts and young scholars from all three countries came together for two days of frank but constructive conversation aimed at finding common ground among all three states through a better understanding of each nation's strategic vision and how it relates to the others. Sessions focused on the themes of "Examining Long-Term Visions," "Examining Troubled Japan-China Relations: Sources and Solutions," "Japan-China Tensions and the Impact on US Security," "Economic Dynamics of Trilateral Relations: Bilateral and Regional," and "Identifying Building Blocks for Strengthening Trilateral Relations."
For information, see: http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/issuesinsights_v06n11.pdf

1st Regional Conference on Building Networks to Strengthen ASEAN Human Rights Cooperation
Date: April 3-6, 2006
Location: Makari, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Philippine Commission on Human Rights; European Commission
The 1st Regional Conference on Building Networks to Strengthen ASEAN Human Rights Cooperation was an initiative of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights in partnership with the European Commission. The workshop was attended by participants representing national human rights commissions of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand; ministries of foreign affairs and other government offices from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam; the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism; and a representative of the ASEAN Secretariat; along with other guests and observers. The conference was divided into five sessions: (1) human rights cooperation in international and regional contexts, (2) developments in human rights cooperation in ASEAN, (3) human rights issues of regional importance in Southeast Asia, (4) strategy formulation, and (5) strategies for cooperation and networking.
For information, see: http://www.aseanhrmech.org/downloads/Summary%20of%20Proceedings.pdf

Forum on National Plans as Poverty Reduction Strategies in East Asia
Date:April 4-6, 2006
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: International Monetary Fund (IMF); Asian Development Bank (ADB); UN Development Programme (UNDP); World Bank
The purpose of this forum was to help governments and other stakeholders embed poverty reduction principles in national plans and budgets to produce a document and process that can be fully owned by governments and supported by donors. Participants included around 100 representatives from governments, civil society, and development agencies. The forum aimed to share experiences on implementation and build consensus among governments and donors in the region regarding the critical attributes of national plans. In particular, the forum had two objectives: (1) share experiences with formulating and implementing national plans and poverty reduction strategies among countries of the region-Cambodia, China, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam; and (2) agree on principles and discuss steps to be taken by governments to make the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of national plans, budgets, and sector strategies more participatory, poverty focused, and results oriented, and agree on what development agencies need to do to support these plans and processes.
For information, see: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/0,,contentMDK:20862416~pagePK:146736~piPK:146830~theSitePK:226301,00.html
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2006/poverty-reduction-in-EA/default.asp

3rd Asia-Pacific Business Forum (APBF): Public-Private Partnerships for Development in Asia and the Pacific.
Date: April 7-8, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors:United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and International Chamber of Commerce, Indonesia
The 2006 APBF convened approximately 400 corporate decision makers, senior government representatives, and representatives of civil society from the Asia Pacific region to discuss this year's topic, how the public and private sectors could work together to ensure sustainable economic and social development. Two substantive plenary sessions were held, one on "Strategies to Overcome Impediments to Development" and a second on "Pacific Connectivity through Public-Private Partnerships." Heads of state or government and ministers of Pacific island countries participated in the latter session. Breakout sessions were also held on "Stimulating Development through Public-Private Partnerships" in six areas of focus. The main conclusions and recommendations that emerged from the forum are intended to guide UNESCAP's future work.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/apbf/mtg/brochure06.pdf

17th Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD)
Date: April 9-11, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC), University of California at San Diego; Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
Founded in 1993, the NEACD provides an annual Track 2 forum where foreign and defense ministry officials, military officers, and academics from China, Russia, North and South Korea, Japan, and the United States are able to meet and frankly discuss regional security issues. The 17th NEACD meeting was the largest to date and was the catalyst for an intensive round of sideline meetings by senior diplomats. The US, ROK, and DPRK governments sent their chief representatives to the Six-Party Talks to participate directly in the NEACD meeting, and the DPRK dispatched its largest and most senior group of participants ever.
The meeting began with a special workshop held on April 9, before the full plenary meeting, to focus on North Korean economic and energy development in the context of the nuclear issue. This resulted in the establishment of a new Track 2 dialogue to encourage North Korea's economic engagement with the outside world. The plenary meeting then examined national perspectives on regional security, issues related to nuclear verification, and future prospects for Track 1 and Track 2 diplomacy. In light of the fact that the North Korean delegation to the NEACD was led by its chief nuclear negotiator, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, and the US delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, the meeting drew intense media attention because of its implications for the stalled Six-Party Talks.
For information, see: http://igcc.ucsd.edu/regions/asia_pacific/NEACD17.php

Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Threat and Response
Date: April 12-13, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS); US Department of State, Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism
A two-day international conference on terrorism in Southeast Asia was jointly sponsored by the IDSS (Singapore) and the US Department of State's Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. Eminent counterterrorism experts and regional specialists from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Japan, the UK, and the United States attended the conference. The meeting gave an overview of the current threats faced by states in the region and the counterterrorism initiatives in operation. Seven panels of experts discussed the internal and external factors contributing to the rise of terrorist groups and extremist networks in the region. The changing nature of the terrorist groups, the global-local tensions, and the ideology, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the jihadists were also addressed. The speakers suggested policy recommendations for creating a hostile environment for terrorist groups and their supporters at the ideological, financial, legislative, media, educational, informatics, and developmental levels.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/NEW%20TerrorismSEAConference05.pdf

Brainstorming on ASEAN Charter
Date: April 17-19, 2006
Location: Ubud, Bali, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); ASEAN-ISIS
This brainstorming session of the ASEAN-ISIS network, sponsored by KAS, was a follow-up to a March meeting held in Singapore. KAS has worked to support initiatives in developing a charter for the ASEAN Community, and ASEAN-ISIS was invited to make recommendations concerning the ASEAN Charter to the Eminent Persons Group. KAS also brought the Asian drafters together with their European counterparts in Berlin and Brussels in September to enable a discussion of their experiences.
For information, see: http://www.kas-asia.org/Conferences.htm#24mar2006

3rd Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: April 17-19, 2006
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
As part of their efforts to frame an ASEAN Charter that would reflect the philosophy of a people-centric ASEAN, the EPG on the ASEAN Charter met with civil society organizations (CSOs) on April 17, to hear their ideas on what elements should be reflected in the ASEAN Charter. Organizations taking part included the ASEAN-ISIS, the Human Rights Working Group, Solidarity for Asian People's Advocacy, the Third World Network, the Migrant Forum in Asia, and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization, among others. Discussions ranged from how CSOs and other organizations outside the formal ASEAN structure could regularly and effectively channel their views into ASEAN, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the importance of maintaining the competitiveness of ASEAN. Following those consultations, on April 18-19, the EPG held its 3rd meeting to deliberate on the principles and objectives they would recommend be included in the Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19247.pdf

3rd NCAFP Trilateral Republic of Korea-Japan-US Roundtable
Date: April 18-19, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP); Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA); International Policy Studies Institute of Korea (IPSIKOR)
Three think tanks from the United States, Japan, and Korea co-hosted a meeting of security specialists, including current and former government officials and academics. This was the third such meeting in the past two years. The purpose of these trilateral meetings is to provide an opportunity for policy analysts, officials, and former officials from the three countries to engage in frank and forthright dialogue out of the media spotlight, to talk about long-range issues as well as current challenges, and to chart a common long-range strategy for dealing with security challenges. This meeting concentrated on four topics: US-ROK relations, US-Japan relations, Taiwan, and the North Korea nuclear issue.
For information, see: http://www.ncafp.org/projects/NEasia/roundapr06_usjapanrok.htm

9th ASEM Customs Enforcement Working Group Meeting; International Conference on Customs Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
Date: April 19-21, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Korea Customs Service; Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
More than 300 participants attended this conference, including customs officials from 39 ASEM members, intellectual property right (IPR) holders, and experts from the private sector, academia, and international organizations (World Customs Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, OECD, International Criminal Court, and International Trademark Association). Drawing on this diverse group of attendees, the event served as a venue for discussions on ways to better protect IPR and countermeasures against IPR violations. Best practices of each participating country were presented on major investigation and surveillance issues such as smuggling, drugs, IPR, illegal weapons, commercial fraud, and trade security. Furthermore, participants discussed cooperative approaches to the issues and evaluated each country's implementation of two action plans, namely the "Fight Against Fraud" and "Supply Chain Security & Trade Facilitation and IPR."
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/Activities/?id=180

ASEAN-China Economic Forum: Economic Cooperation and Challenges Ahead
Date: April 20-21, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
The conference aimed to evaluate the present status, challenges, and prospects in regard to the economic linkages and cooperation between ASEAN and China. This forum was organized under the ASEAN-China Study Programme.
For information, see: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/20apr06a.pdf

Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2005: Asia Searching for Win-Win, New Role for Asia
Date: April 21-23, 2006
Location: Boao, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Boao Forum for Asia
More than 850 senior politicians, scholars, and businesspeople from roughly 40 countries and regions gathered for this annual conference, which in 2006 addressed the theme of "Asia Searching for Win-Win." The participants discussed such major topics as regional economic cooperation, the prospects of the Doha round of World Trade Organization talks, and the energy market. It also examined China's banking, real estate, and automotive industries and reforms of state-owned enterprises.
For information, see: http://www.boaoforum.org/Html/home-en.asp

2nd Annual Weatherhead East Asian Institute China Symposium: Feeding the Giant-The Domestic and Global Impact of China's Energy Needs
Date: April 21, 2006
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Center for Chinese Economy and Society, Columbia University
The Center for Chinese Economy and Society held its 2nd international symposium on contemporary China, "Feeding the Giant: The Domestic and Global Impact of China's Energy Needs." During this one-day event, scholars, policymakers, and members of the business community examined the consequences of China's quest for energy. The symposium featured four panel discussions highlighting (1) China's energy policy, (2) international security, (3) the domestic impact of China's energy crisis, and (4) the economics that are impacting both the region and the global marketplace. The goal of the symposium was to present the most current and useful scholarship on China's energy issues to an audience of interested scholars, students, business professionals, and community members.
For information, see: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/weai/documents/WEAI%20Annual%20Report,%202005-2006.pdf

NEAT Working Group on Overall Architecture of Community Building in East Asia: Regional Architectures for Non-Traditional Security and Environmental Cooperation in East Asia
Date: April 24-25, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think-Tanks (NEAT); Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR)
NEAT was established by ASEAN+3 governments at their 2002 summit in Cambodia to formulate recommendations on regional community building for consideration by the member governments. In order to fulfill its mandate, NEAT establishes Working Groups on subjects of relevance and urgency. The Meeting of the NEAT Working Group on Overall Architecture of Community Building in East Asia involved 20 participants from all 13 NEAT member countries. The group focused on three main themes: cooperation on nontraditional security issues (e.g., trafficking in illegal drugs and people, sea piracy, terrorism, arms smuggling, money laundering, international economic crime, and cyber crime); pandemic threats (especially SARS and avian influenza); and environmental issues (e.g., deforestation, forest fires, chemical pollution, air pollution, marine contamination, and global warming). These themes were chosen because their causes and effects are transnational and require regional cooperation. Jointly addressing the problems shared by East Asian countries is crucial to fostering trust for community building in the region. A report on the meeting is available online.
For information, see: http://www.ceac.jp/e/pdf/neat_04wg01.pdf

3rd Annual Asian Dialogue on HIV/AIDS: Building a Social Agenda for HIV/AIDS-Sharing Asian Experiences
Date: April 26-28, 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Society; co-presented by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and Positive Lives; funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
As India moves quickly toward a global leadership position in the 21st century, the impact of HIV/AIDS threatens to reverse its potential growth and prosperity. More than 5 million people in India are estimated to be living with the virus-second only to South Africa-and there were half a million new infections in 2005 alone. In an effort to bring fresh attention to this growing epidemic and to support India's response to it, the Asia Society hosted its 3rd Annual Asian Dialogue on HIV/AIDS, an international symposium with leaders from throughout the region. The project also included a photo exhibition, "Positive Lives, Positive Stories: An Exhibition to Change Attitudes on HIV & AIDS." The exhibition and symposium are the centerpiece of the AIDS in Asia Initiative, a three-year project launched in 2003 to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic in Asia and to mobilize Asian decision makers and their American counterparts to build a collaborative response to Asia's growing HIV/AIDS crisis.
For information, see: http://www.asiasociety.org/asiandialogue/index.html

International Symposium on Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Initiative
Date: April 27-28, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB); Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)
Biodiversity corridors experts and implementers convened for the 1st International Symposium on the Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Initiative (BCI). BCI is the flagship component of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Core Environment Program (CEP), which was designed to address the immediate and long-term stresses that rapid economic growth would otherwise have on the environment and natural resources of the region. The symposium was structured around four themes: ecosystems connectivity, local livelihoods, climate change, and sustainable financing. The objective was to share lessons learned by implementers and practitioners of biodiversity corridors outside the GMS with implementers of the CEP. Participants at the symposium included members of the GMS Working Group on Environment; delegates from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam; observers from the CEP's development partners; biodiversity corridor experts and implementers; and other representatives from NGOs and academia.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2006/bci-symposium/default.asp

3rd CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Multilateral Security Frameworks in Northeast Asia
Date: April 28-29, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The 3rd meeting of the CSCAP Study Group on Multilateral Security Frameworks in North Pacific/Northeast Asia was hosted by CSCAP China and followed on meetings held in April 2005 in Tokyo and October 2005 in Seoul. More than 30 scholars and other experts representing regional CSCAPs participated and 15 papers were presented. It was the first time that two representatives from CSCAP DPRK attended the study group meeting, and they presented a paper on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The meeting was divided into sessions on the security situation in Northeast Asia and tasks for multilateral security cooperation; theoretical frameworks, approaches, and mechanisms for multilateral security cooperation; Six-Party Talks and multilateral security cooperation; and nontraditional security threats and multilateral security cooperation. The papers were to be revised for submission to the CSCAP Steering Committee.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html_http://www.vuw.ac.nz/css/docs/CSCAP_Reports_Contributions/2006/MSF%203rd%20Mtg%20Report-TOW.pdf#search=%22cscap%20korea%22

May

39th Annual ADB Meeting
Date: May 3-6, 2006
Location: Hyderabad, India
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Approximately 2,500 delegates gathered in Hyderabad, India, for the ADB's 39th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors. The event brought together economic and financial senior government officials, ministers, academics, journalists, businesspeople, investment bankers, and representatives of international and nongovernmental organizations. Among the issues on the agenda were the development challenges facing Asia in the context of global imbalances, India's (and South Asia's) role in a region that is rapidly integrating, and the Asia and Pacific region's massive infrastructure needs.
In addition to the business sessions and seminars, other events during the week included country presentations, the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers' meeting on the sidelines, an Open Forum on ADB-NGO Cooperation, and the Governors' seminar. Complementing these, the annual seminar series addressed such themes as "Knowledge-Based Economies in the 21st Century," "Transforming Asian Economies with e-Services," "Asian Economic Integration," "Infrastructure," and "Sustainable Energy Development."
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9742-regional-Annual-Meeting/

8th ASEF Talks on the Hill: Re-righting Intellectual Property-Economic and Social Policy Challenges in Asia and Europe
Date: May 7-9, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
This 8th ASEF Talks on the Hill brought together 13-15 experts from Asia and Europe. Beginning with an overview of the philosophical and economic rationale behind the development of intellectual property rights, the meeting went on to discuss the pertinent issues faced by the countries of ASEM at the level of regional and international organizations. A case study on the specific issues of intellectual property in the healthcare sector examined the clash that can occur between sometimes opposing priorities and goals. Finally, this meeting discussed 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 that need to be recognized in the incorporation of intellectual property law and policy into various countries.
For information, see: http://www.asef.org/index.php?option=com_project&task=view&id=930
http://www.civdialogue.asef.org

Mayors' Asia-Pacific Environmental Summit 2006
Date: May 9-12, 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: City of Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne Council Tourism; Asian Development Bank (ADB); Environmental Foundation, USA; Global Environment and Technology Foundation (GETF), USA; International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), Australia & New Zealand
In the belief that the future of the Asia Pacific region will be shaped by its cities and urban regions, the Mayors' Asia Pacific Environmental Summit (MAPES) provides a unique forum for mayors and other senior local government officials in the region to promote sustainable development in their cities, share information and best practices, and build partnerships with businesses, donor organizations, and NGOs. The City of Melbourne hosted MAPES 2006, in conjunction with Australia's largest environmental conference and trade show, ENVIRO 2006.
The MAPES program focuses on promoting bold leadership and action through extensive mayor-to-mayor dialogue and "Mayors' Commitments," specific pledges to address a wide range of problem areas, such as expanding water supply and wastewater treatment facilities; improving solid waste collection, recycling, and landfill management; rehabilitating slums; and improving riverfronts and river ecosystems. A plenary session focused on water management, while other sessions addressed small-piped water networks, a zonal approach to water management, e-governance and water, and cost recovery and water tariff reforms.
For information, see: http://www.environmentalsummit.com/website/background/background.cfm

China and Emerging Asia: Reorganizing the Global Economy?
Date: May 11, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP); Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), Seoul National University; Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
This conference focused on the role of China and emerging Asia within the global economy. Participants examined such issues as China and the multilateral trading system, China's future demand for energy, China and the global environment, China's strategies for catching up economically and the implications for Korea, bond market development in East Asia and Latin America; the international financial integration of China and India, whether East Asia is safe from future financial crises, and whether trade and financial integration reinforce each other.
For information, see: http://www.kiep.go.kr/eng/seminar_view.asp?num=176640&nowPage=1

2nd CSCAP Export Controls Experts Group Meeting
Date: May 11-12, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP); Pacific Forum CSIS; funding from US Department of Energy
The CSCAP WMD Study Group has formed an Export Controls Experts Group (XCXG) to assess national export control programs, identify vulnerabilities and shortcomings, and develop recommendations for improving both individual export control capacity and mutual cooperation. The XCXG met in Beijing in May 2006 in an expansive meeting that included more than 50 representatives from Chinese industries and ministries as well as export control experts from throughout the Asia Pacific region. The XCXG was scheduled to meet next in Tokyo in February 2007, back-to-back with a Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) conference focused on export control cooperation. The XCXG is developing an East Asia export control template for inclusion in the WMD Study Group's Action Plan.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/

1st Working Group Meeting on Energy Planning and Policy
Date: May 15-16, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI)
In November 2005, an Intergovernmental Collaborative Mechanism on Energy Cooperation in Northeast Asia was established to facilitate energy cooperation and trade to enhance energy security in Northeast Asia. Under this mechanism, a Working Group on Energy Planning and Cooperation was established to identify possible future energy cooperation activities. As a first practical step, the working group will develop country reports on energy policies, data, and statistics, and will identify information gaps. The reports will form the basis for identifying collaborative projects. At this first workshop, participants agreed on the objectives of the working group to be (1) coordination of energy security policies and legislation among countries of Northeast Asia by 2020, and (2) integration of energy security into national sustainable development strategies in line with global trends.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esd/energy/dialogue/cooperation/epp1/index.asp

8th Steering Group Meeting of the ADB-OECD Anticorruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific
Date: May 17-19, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB); Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The 8th Steering Group Meeting had three main objectives: (1) to report on and discuss the implementation of the Anticorruption Action Plan for Asia-Pacific, including recent anticorruption reform projects that have taken place since the last meeting of the steering group in September 2005 and plans for upcoming reform projects in accordance with the Action Plan; (2) to finalize the steering group's self-evaluation and mutual review process on implementing the Action Plan's standards for curbing corruption in public procurement; and (3) to have a preliminary discussion on the initiative's strategy and work program for 2007-2008 (to be adopted at the 9th Steering Group meeting).
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2006/8th-steering-group-meeting/default.asp

PECC Pacific Food System Outlook (PFSO) Group 2006 Meeting
Date: May 17-18, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC)
This was the annual meeting of the PECC Pacific Food System Outlook group to discuss the draft report published annually on food forecasts and issues in the Pacific region. This year's meeting focused on the future role of biofuels, including lessons from Brazil and environmental tradeoffs.
For information, see: http://www.pecc.org/food/

UN Workshop on Small Arms and Light Weapons
Date: May 17-19, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific of the Department of Disarmament Affairs; cosponsored by governments of Japan, Thailand, Canada; the UN Department of Disarmament Affairs (UNDDA); and the UN Development Programme (UNDP)
This UN workshop was entitled "Towards the Review Conference on the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects." The objectives of the workshop were to identify specific problems with small arms and light weapons in the region, address challenges, exchange information (including experiences and best practices on the implementation of the Programme of Action), and encourage and improve regional cooperation. In order to achieve these goals, participants discussed various issues including ongoing and future actions related to illicit trade in small arms and light weapons; the implementation of an international instrument on marking and tracing; export/import control; supply and demand perspectives; gender issues; and linkages with other issues. Approximately 70 participants from governments, NGOs, and international organizations, mainly from South and Southeast Asia, attended the workshop in their personal capacities.
For information, see: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/dc3023.doc.htm

Williamsburg Conference
Date: May 18-20, 2006
Location: Wye River, Maryland, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Society; sponsored by Citigroup, Lee Foundation, ITOCHU Corporation, Kansai Electronic Power, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Tokyo Electric Power Company
The theme of the 34th Williamsburg Conference was "Asia 20/20: Focus on the Future." Roughly 50 experts from 15 countries gathered for the meeting, where they reflected not only on how far the Asia Pacific community has come over the past 50 years, but also on how to work together to address the many challenges we will face in the future. Delegates focused on the need for members of the Asia Pacific community to work together to narrow the global trade imbalance, forge regional integration, promote energy security, and tackle human security challenges. Yet they also lamented Asia's rising nationalism and growing social inequality and poverty, both of which threaten collaboration and goodwill. These patterns of convergence and divergence reflect another major conference theme, the benefits and perils of globalization. Delegates described the empowering capabilities of new technologies and the innovation they spawn worldwide, as well as the economic benefits accruing from rapidly expanding trade and investment.
For information, see: http://www.asiasociety.org/policy_business/williamsburg06.pdf

Japan-US-China Trilateral Conference and Symposium: Peace and Stability in East Asia-What Our Future Trilateral Relationships Should Be Like
Date: May 20-23, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies (CNAPS), Brookings Institution; Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Keizai Koho Center; hosted by Peking University
The Japan-US-China Trilateral Conference brought together scholars from universities and think tanks and former officials to discuss relations among the three countries under the theme "Peace and Stability in East Asia-What Our Future Trilateral Relationships Should Be Like." In addition to the conference, a public symposium was held on May 23, at which speakers stressed that a favorable Japan-China relationship is the cornerstone of stability in East Asia. They also noted that the three countries should deal with global issues such as energy problems. A total of 135 people attended the symposium.
For information, see: http://www.kkc.or.jp/english/activities/discuss6.html#2006_5

Civil Society and Government Collaboration to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Date: May 22-24, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of Thailand; in collaboration with Vital Voices Global Partnership and the US government
A regional conference was held on human trafficking that brought together representatives from NGOs and governments in the six Mekong Subregion countries, as well as representatives and participants from the US government and from international nongovernmental and governmental organizations in order to discuss the importance of government-NGO collabo-ration to combat trafficking at the regional level.
Participants offered regional perspectives on cooperative relations between NGOs and governments in responding to trafficking in the Mekong Subregion. Topics included operationalizing multi-partner collaboration in implementing comprehensive, local trafficking efforts at the local level; challenges to NGO-government and cross-border cooperation; cross-border case studies of successful NGO-government collaboration in the Mekong Subregion; and Eastern European experiences in NGO-government collaboration in prosecution and prevention.
For information, see: http://www.humantrafficking.org/events/126

APEC Study Center Consortium Conference: Strengthening Economic Partnership for Sustainable and Equitable Development in the Asia-Pacific
Date: May 23-24, 2006
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
This APEC conference focused on practical policies for strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable and equitable development in Asia Pacific. Sessions focused on such topics as approaches to the implementation of the Busan Roadmap, harmonization of APEC's economic and technical cooperation (ECOTECH) programs and its trade and investment liberalization and facilitation (TILF) programs for equitable development in the Asia Pacific," "emerging security issues in the APEC region and the framework for collective actions," "anti-corruption and good governance," "tourism, cultural exchanges, and the promotion of community awareness," "human resource development and capacity building," and "APEC reform: toward a dynamic community."
For information, see: http://www.apec.org.au/docs/06ASCC_HCMC/06_0_Program.pdf

2nd Green Growth Policy Dialogue: Role of Public Policy in Providing Sustainable Consumption Choices-Resources Saving Society and Green Growth
Date: May 23-24, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); National Development and Reform Commission of China; China Standard Certification Center
One of the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development was the need to change the way societies produce and consume. Since then, the green growth approach has been endorsed as a unique instrument for achieving MDG 1 on Poverty Reduction and MDG 7 on Environmental Sustainability. The 2nd Green Growth Policy Dialogue focused on the potential role of governments and the public sector in applying green growth approaches to improving the eco-efficiency of consumption patterns, including the legal, economic, and social instruments that governments could employ. The dialogue attempted to generate interactive discussion and debate on developing innovative approaches to the promotion of sustainable consumption patterns, with the active participation of policymakers, academia, the private sector, civil society, and NGOs.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esd/environment/mced/tggap/documents/2RPD/presentation/index.htm

North Korea: Placing Human Rights on the Security Agenda
Date: May 24, 2006
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Society; US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Refugees International
The Asia Society, Refugees International, and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom held a symposium to assess the feasibility of establishing a broader security agenda for Northeast Asia that would include a crucial humanitarian dimension. The panelists addressed the global implications of the continuing crisis in North Korea-famine, religious persecution, migration and refugees, trafficking-as well as its political, economic, and social impact on the country and the region. The panel also considered possible solutions that a united Northeast Asian security regime might provide. Finally, the speakers focused on the innovative actions and solutions that are emerging locally and globally and, in particular, explored the responsibility of the international community in their approach and response to North Korea.
For information, see: http://www.asiasource.org/asip/NKorea_humanrights.cfm

The Development of Law in Asia
Date: May 25-26, 2006
Location: Shanghai, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); Asian Law Institute, East China University of Politics and Law
The 3rd Asian Law Institute conference was held at the East China University of Politics and Law in Shanghai on the theme of "The Development of Law in Asia: Convergence versus Divergence?" Participants discussed a number of wide-ranging issues and sub-themes regarding regional legal issues in Asia: WTO and regional cooperation; financial law; jurisprudence and higher education of law; IP and e-commerce; international law and international human rights; and dispute resolution and business law. Legal experts from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, North Korea, and Germany were sponsored by KAS to participate and to share their insights on the topics.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-5/veranstaltung_id-19205/index.html

The Future of Asia 2006: 12th Nikkei International Conference
Date: May 25-26, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Nihon Keizai Shimbun; in cooperation with People's Daily (China), Kompas (Indonesia), JoongAng Ilbo (Republic of Korea), Maeil Business Newspaper (Republic of Korea), New Straits Times (Malaysia), The Straits Times (Singapore)
Current and former policymakers, economic leaders, and researchers from around the Asia Pacific gathered in Tokyo for a two-day conference, where they called for speeding up efforts for regional economic integration toward the eventual goal of forming an East Asian Community. The conference also highlighted the frosty relations between Japan and China as a major regional concern needing a quick resolution.
For information, see: http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/FR/NIKKEI/inasia/future/2006/2006news15.html

Expert Group Meeting on Eco-efficiency in Northeast Asia
Date: May 25-26, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Northeast Asia Subregional Programme for Environment Cooperation (NEASPEC), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
This expert group meeting (EGM) was held in collaboration with the China Standard Certification Center in Beijing and was attended by nominated national experts from all six NEASPEC member countries. The EGM reviewed relevant national policies, the implications of Northeast Asian countries' economic development in the context of eco-efficiency, and the conceptual dimensions of eco-efficiency. Based on the findings from the review, the EGM discussed the applicability of the eco-efficiency concept at the subregional and national levels.
Participants proposed that NEASPEC explore possibilities for undertaking activities on such topics as a subregional recycling system, harmonized eco-labeling, sound material cycle network, cross-border cooperation on energy efficiency, eco-efficiency indicators, and capacity building in cleaner production. In view of the significance of improving eco-efficiency in Northeast Asia, the EGM decided to propose that the 12th Senior Officials Meeting of NEASPEC initiate a subregional program, tentatively titled "Eco-efficiency Partnership in North-East Asia."
For information, see: http://unescap.org/esd/newsletters/documents/NewsletterJun2006.pdf

NEAT Working Group Meeting on East Asian Financial Cooperation
Date: May 26-27, 2006
Location: Shanghai, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT)
The NEAT Working Group Meeting on East Asian Financial Cooperation included the participation of scholars and experts from 12 of the ASEAN+3 countries. (Cambodia was absent.) The discussions focused on three major themes: changes in the backdrop of East Asian financial cooperation, the latest developments in East Asian financial cooperation, and prospects and policy recommendations. The working group agreed that financial cooperation is a crucial part of the regional integration process. Although the overall environment for financial cooperation has grown increasingly favorable, significant risks and obstacles remain. Participants stressed that East Asian financial cooperation should be carried out in the spirit of consensus and consultation to make headway and bring practical benefits to the people of the region.
For information, see: http://www.ceac.jp/e/pdf/neat_04wg03.pdf

4th CSCAP Capacity Building for Maritime Cooperation Study Group Meeting
Date: May 27-28, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP); in cooperation with the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA)
The main objectives of the CSCAP Study Group on Capacity Building for Maritime Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific are to refine the notion of capacity in the context of maritime security cooperation in the Asia Pacific; to identify the requirements of cooperation at the national, subregional, and regional levels; and to identify weaknesses in the present arrangements and see how these can be overcome. The study group's fourth and final meeting was held just prior to the CSCAP Steering Committee meeting. The goal was to complete consideration of what would be the final output from the study group. Participants also reviewed recent developments related to maritime security in the region, such as recent developments in security arrangements in the Malacca and Singapore Straits; cooperation among Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in the area of the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas; the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI); and the establishment of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/Maritime_Cooperation_SG_Dec05_Report.doc

20th Asia Pacific Roundtable
Date: May 29-June 1, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysia
The Asia Pacific Roundtable is a forum for informal exchanges of views among scholars and practitioners on issues of peace and security that are critical issues of concern in the region. The roundtable is unique in that it is the only institution in the world that brings together all the adversary nations in the region to talk about what they think of some of the prevailing tensions and conflicts in the region, how these tensions can be reduced, how confidence can be built, and how conflicts can be resolved. The papers from the 20th meeting of the roundtable have been published in a conference volume, Peace in the Pacific: Confronting the Issues.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/html/apr/apr_list.htm

25th CSCAP Steering Committee Meeting
Date: May 29, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
This was the biannual meeting of the CSCAP Steering Committee, which meets to review the progress of the various working groups and determine the plans for the coming year.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html

3rd FEALAC Cross Pacific Seminar
Date: May 29, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Latin American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
With the theme of "Interaction of Two Regions," the 3rd seminar of the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) focused on a comparison between East Asia and Latin America against the background of European experiences. The seminar offered perspectives from Europe, Latin America, ASEAN, and East Asia.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-5/veranstaltung_id-21022/index.html

Regional Conference on Water Financing: Addressing Financing Challenges through Good Governance
Date: May 30-31, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia; Philippine Water Partnership; support from Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asia Water Watch 2015 study estimates that annual investments of US$8 billion will be needed over the next decade to meet MDG targets for safe drinking water and sanitation alone. Additional investments are needed for irrigation services, river basin management, flood management and mitigation, and wastewater management. This regional conference addressed the urgent need for renewed political commitment to reforms in order to promote successful public and private investment in the water sector, and for the development of innovative financial products for the water sector. The conference was attended by some 200 water experts and representatives from governments, international organizations, and the private sector concerned with financing issues. Participants discussed the critical issues and financing challenges of the water sector that are currently confronting the region and tried to provide innovative solutions to these challenges.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/documents/events/2006/Water-Financing/regcon.asp

June

International Conference on Aging East Asia: Policy Responses and Regional Cooperation
Date: June 1, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Policy Research Institute, Japanese Ministry of Finance; Asian Development Bank Institute
East Asian government officials, researchers, and experts from international institutions gathered to discuss the challenges posed by aging societies and the potential for regional responses. Participants focused on current policy responses and potential regional cooperation related to three themes: (1) the current status and issues of aging in East Asia; (2) policy responses for aging in East Asian countries; and (3) suggestions from aging advanced countries.
For information, see: http://www.mof.go.jp/jouhou/soken/kenkyu/h18/adbi060601_e.htm

Regional Workshop on Educational Materials
Date: June 1, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
A regional workshop was held on educational materials for "Education for Natural Disaster Preparedness in Asia-Pacific in the Context of Education for Sustainable Development." The workshop provided a forum to share valuable insights on natural disaster preparedness and mitigation at the national and regional levels and to maximize the synergies as well as strengthen the network between education for sustainable development practitioners and other stakeholders.
For information, see: http://www.adpc.net/v2007/IKM/ADPC%20MONTHLY%20UPDATES/2006/June/June2006-A.asp

5th Annual Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue)
Date: June 2-4, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Since its inaugural meeting in 2002, the Shangri-La Dialogue has evolved into a largely Track 1 event with some Track 2 participation from security and defense experts and academics. Over the first four years of the dialogue, defense ministers from 15 countries have participated, along with other senior defense and security officials from a further 6 countries. The 5th Shangri-La Dialogue was the largest yet and featured on-the-record plenary sessions for ministers and national security advisors to clarify and expand on government policy, and to be challenged by an expert group on policies and assumptions. Off-the-record breakout groups and bilateral meetings, also involving senior officials, provided an opportunity for private discussions to analyze pertinent strategic issues and to advance policy aims.
For information, see: http://www.iiss.org/conferences/the-shangri-la-dialogue

Cross-Strait Challenges and Third Party Engagement: US-Japan-Taiwan Trilateral Meeting
Date: June 4-6, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
This meeting was part of CSIS's ongoing Cross-Strait Initiative, designed to promote dialogue and understanding on key issues related to the PRC and Taiwan. The meeting was organized to facilitate understanding on the Taiwan Strait issue among important Asian regional powers, and to provide Taiwan with an opportunity to interact with and hear directly from influential representatives from those nations. The meeting addressed recent developments in US-Japan defense cooperation, Japanese security policy, and Japan-Taiwan relations. There was also an exchange of views on the Taiwan Strait issue.
For information, see: http://www.csis.org/isp/taiwan/

Climate Change and Energy Security: The Role of ASEM in Facilitating Co-operation between Europe and Asia
Date: June 8, 2006
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); Finnish Institute of International Affairs; Center for International Energy Security, School of International Studies, Renmin University, China
Energy security has become increasingly important for both Asia and Europe. At the same time, awareness of the importance of addressing climate change has grown. Before the 2004 ASEM Summit, the Council for Asia-Europe Cooperation (CAEC) published a report that pointed to the potential for the two regions to take the lead on this issue. In preparation for the 2006 ASEM Summit, this workshop looked at two dimensions of the energy issue: climate change and energy security. Twenty leading experts from ASEM countries participated, along with policymakers from the two regions.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/Activities/

PAFTAD Conference Series: PAFTAD 31-Multinational Corporations and the Rise of a Network Economy in the Pacific Rim
Date: June 10, 2006
Location: Guadalajara, Mexico
Organizers/Sponsors: Pacific Trade and Development Forum (PAFTAD)
PAFTAD 31 was held in Guadalajara-known as Mexico's Silicon Valley-with a focus on multinational corporations and the rise of a network economy in the Pacific Rim. Over the past 12 years, various observations have been made in regard to the changing modes of operation of multinational corporations and their role in production networks. These issues and their implications for Pacific regionalism were explored by the participants.
For information, see: http://www.eaber.org/intranet/publish/paftad/index.php

5th Asia-Europe Roundtable Preparatory Workshop
Date: June 12-13, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
Ten prominent Asian and European experts from academia, international NGOs, research centers, think tanks, and government gathered for a one-and-a-half day meeting to discuss the question, "How do regional communities in Europe and East Asia help in the process of post-conflict reconstruction?" This was considered as a possible topic for the 5th Asia-Europe Roundtable, which was to be held in Seoul in 2007.
For information, see: http://www.asef.org

Regional Workshop on Enhancing the Capacity and Role of NGO Networks in Disaster Risk Reduction
Date: June 13-15, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Disaster Reduction & Response Network (ADRRN); cosponsored by the United Nations OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
More than 40 members of the ADRRN and representatives from the UN and NGOs in Asia Pacific joined together to address the role of a regional network and how to move forward with coordination in disaster reduction and response. The workshop highlighted the great need for Asia Pacific-led NGOs to play an active role in the disaster risk reduction and response field. On June 14, UN Assistant Secretary-General Margareta Wahlstrom led the conference participants in a discussion of current issues facing the humanitarian community. She emphasized the growing need for humanitarian coordination, capacity building, and reform. The conference facilitated further partnering and coordination among NGOs and strengthened the ability of participants to work together to build a strong network of stakeholders in disaster risk reduction and response in the Asia Pacific region.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/asiapacific-highlights.htm

International Conference on Human Security: Advancing Human Security
Date: June 13-14, 2006
Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Thoughts; International Committee of the Red Cross
This conference sought to better understand and advance the concept of human security. The 1994 UN Human Development Report noted that "human security is not a concern with weapons-it is a concern with human life and dignity," and it identified seven specific human security components: economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security. Sessions at this conference focused on regional security in Asia; gender, conflict, and human security; responding to humanitarian action through interfaith dialogue; and health for human security.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/html/bureaus/bureaus_bfpss.htm#bfpss_highlights
http://www.ipdm.uum.edu.my/web/human%20security/hsecurity_preface.htm

World Economic Forum on East Asia
Date: June 15-16, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: World Economic Forum; co-organized by Japan Association of Corporate Executives
The World Economic Forum on East Asia is the East Asian version of the annual get-together of the world's political and business leaders in Davos. Participants met to discuss the theme "Creating a New Agenda for Asian Integration." The meeting was attended by politicians, business leaders, and academics, who pinpointed top priorities for the region, including creating or assigning regional institutions to discuss energy, security, and environmental issues; addressing the impact of Indian and Chinese growth on the future competitiveness of Southeast Asia; increasing energy efficiency in major consuming countries and industries; and sustaining Japan's recovery while cutting its fiscal deficit and to resolve Japan's historical and territorial disputes with China and Korea.
For information, see: http://www.weforum.org/en/events/ArchivedEvents/eastasia/index.htm

Workshop on the Human Impact of Tsunami and Disaster Risk Reduction
Date: June 16-17, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS); Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Belgium; supported by UN/ISDR; UNESCO-IOC; United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
A workshop was held to present studies from Sri Lanka and India on the human vulnerability to tsunamis, addressing the existing gaps in risk and vulnerability assessments. Researchers, policymakers, and disaster management experts shared research findings and experiences from their work in tsunami-affected countries. The workshop also identified national and regional needs and priorities for future research and policy initiatives in order to sustain long-term disaster risk reduction work in the region.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/ppew/tsunami/project-overview/dp-voices.htm
http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/asiapacific-highlights.htm

2nd International Workshop and Japan-US-Asia Dialogue: An East Asian Community and the United States
Date: June 20-21, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Global Forum of Japan (GFJ); Pacific Forum CSIS; Council on East Asian Community (CEAC); supported by Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP)
This workshop was attended by 78 participants from throughout Asia and the United States. Participants exchanged opinions on matters of importance related to the future of Japan-US-Asia relations. The first session focused on the theme, "An East Asian Community after the First East Asia Summit," while the second session looked at "An East Asian Community and the United States."
For information, see: http://www.gfj.jp/jpn/dialogue/21/main.pdf

National Defense University Pacific Symposium: China's Global Activism-Implications for US Security Interests
Date: June 20, 2006
Location: Washington DC, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: National Defense University
China's economic liberalization and rapid development have been major stories in recent decades, and China has begun efforts to translate its economic weight into political influence on the international scene. This activist foreign policy involves not only expanded foreign aid and investment but also political outreach, military diplomacy, and participation and leadership in multilateral organizations. From the American perspective, China's activism represents an opportunity for engagement and a potential threat to US security interests. This symposium explored the issues posed by China's global activism and potential responses by US policymakers. Senior government officials and distinguished experts examined the relationship between China's international activities and US security interests, beginning with an overview of the context and specific nature of China's activism, continuing with more specific discussions of China's military modernization and various regional perspectives on China's foreign policy, and concluding with an analysis of the policy implications that China's activism holds for the US government. Papers are available online.
For information, see: http://www.ndu.edu/inss/symposia/pacific2006/agenda.htm

Pacific Health Summit
Date: June 20-22, 2006
Location: Seattle, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Western and Asian governments are connected by shared global health challenges such as the financing of healthcare, the emergence of infectious disease, the increasing incidences of chronic diseases, and the effects of aging populations. To help Western and Asian governments learn from each other and share solutions to these common challenges, NBR and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center convened the 2nd Annual Pacific Health Summit, bringing together more than 250 leaders in science, policy, public health, medicine, and industry from 18 economies. The summit allows world leaders to discuss global health issues, to share experiences, and to build effective partnerships and working networks. Themes discussed at the summit included how to pay for a healthier tomorrow, preparing for (and surviving) the next killer pandemic, the impact of information technology on global health in the 21st century, preparing for the global obesity epidemic, how to prioritize so that today's best science becomes tomorrow's affordable medicine, and keeping people healthy versus curing disease.
For information, see: http://pacifichealthsummit.org/

Gender and Human Rights Conference
Date: June 21-22, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Women's Action & Resource Initiative (WARI)
WARI held an international conference on gender and human rights in Southeast Asia. The two-day conference featured 20 presentations by experts from the United States, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Australia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and other countries.
For information, see: http://www.humantrafficking.org/events/134
http://geocities.com/wari9/conference2006.htm

The East Asian Financial Markets: The Next Frontier
Date: June 22-23, 2006
Location: Hong Kong, China
Organizers/Sponsors: World Bank; Hong Kong Monetary Authority
This conference enabled policymakers, regulators, and private sector participants to discuss the findings of a World Bank regional financial sector development study undertaken in collaboration with several partners in the East Asia region, and to consider steps needed at the national and regional levels to accelerate the development of vibrant East Asian financial markets that can meet the real needs of the sector. The conference was a combination of plenary and breakout sessions that focused on four general themes: (1) regional initiatives to promote financial integration and the broadening and deepening of the financial sector; (2) the contractual savings industry and the asset management industry and their role in developing capital markets; (3) developing securitization and derivatives markets for risk management and risk sharing; and (4) developing the securities markets.
For information, see: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20883450~menuPK:64256349~pagePK:2524753~ piPK:51421526~theSitePK:4607,00.html

Kitakyushu Initiative for a Clean Environment: International Workshop on Local Initiatives Addressing Transformation of Lifestyles towards Achieving Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific
Date: June 23, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (Japan); supported by Japanese Ministry of Environment and City of Kitakyushu
First adopted at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development (MCED), held in Kitakyushu, Japan, in 2000, the Kitakyushu Initiative for a Clean Environment has a mandate to achieve tangible progress in environmental quality in urban areas in Asia Pacific. Activities have been conducted from 2000 to 2005 to promote local initiatives to control air and water pollution and minimize waste. These activities are channeled through a network of 61 cities in 18 countries in the region.
This one-day workshop was organized as a pre-event to ECO Asia 2006 (see below) and included the participation of representatives from local governments and initiatives from the Asia Pacific region to discuss the theme of transforming lifestyles to achieve sustainable development. The focus was on local government policies and grassroots activities addressing the transformation of lifestyles that aims at improving environmental quality and vitalizing local economic livelihoods. The objectives of this workshop were to share information and experiences and to further promote such initiatives for discussion by ministers at ECO Asia.
For information, see: http://www.ecoasia.org/congress/2006_second/08.pdf

14th Environment Congress for Asia and the Pacific (ECO Asia 2006)
Date: June 24, 2006
Location: Saitama, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of the Environment
Environment ministers and senior officials of Asia Pacific countries; representatives of international organizations, local governments, research institutes, and NGOs; and other experts gathered for ECO Asia 2006. Discussions focused on three themes: (1) vitalizing actions by citizens, (2) invigorating actions by communities and local governments, and (3) promoting collaboration toward sustainable societies among countries in Asia Pacific. Participants emphasized the need to develop mechanisms to implement the Eco-Action Partnership for Asia. Further collaboration should be promoted to strengthen appropriate frameworks for regional and subregional environmental monitoring, early warning systems, and research activities, all of which will facilitate timely action to deal with environmental crises and to rehabilitate degraded environments.
A number of related activities were held in parallel to ECO Asia 2006, such as the Saitama Environmental Forum 2006 and the GEA Virtual Globe Environmental NPO/NGO Meeting. In addition, an awards ceremony was held for the ECO Asia Foreign Students' Essay Contest.
For information, see: http://www.ecoasia.org/main/2006june.html

DPRK Energy Experts Working Group Meeting
Date: June 26-27, 2006
Location: San Francisco, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Nautilus Institute; co-hosted by Preventive Defense Project, Stanford University, and Center for the Pacific Rim, University of San Francisco; funding from US Department of Energy and Korea Energy Economics Institute
This study group meeting served to inform the Nautilus DPRK energy sector analysis update. Experts in attendance at the meeting provided recent data and insights to help make the Nautilus database as reflective as possible of actual conditions in North Korea. This in turn provided crucial input to the analysis, which seeks to inform the parties to the Six-Party Talks regarding possible approaches to DPRK energy sector redevelopment. In addition, the study group meeting served as an opportunity for experts on the DPRK to exchange views on the appropriate "next steps" in DPRK energy sector redevelopment. The participants also discussed potential activities and means by which the various parties concerned with Korean peninsula affairs might engage and work with the DPRK to help resolve the country's energy problems, and in so doing, begin to address the regional and global insecurities.
For information, see: http://www.nautilus.org/DPRKEnergyMeeting.html

EU-Asia Relations: Cooperating on Regional Security and Integration
Date: June 26-27, 2006
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: European Institute for Asian Studies; Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
This workshop on EU-Asia relations brought together leading Asian and European academics to discuss current developments in Asian regional integration from a security perspective and to analyze the scope and limits of EU-Asian security cooperation in the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Among the issues covered at the workshop were the following: What lessons can be learned from the EU experience for its Asian partners with regard to regional security cooperation? What role does ASEM play as an interregional forum to discuss Asian regional security issues? How does the principle of noninterference in other nations' internal affairs hinder further Asian regional integration in the area of security? Will the ARF be able to move beyond the state of confidence-building measures and implement preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention mechanisms and instruments? Is OSCE-style security cooperation at all possible in the framework of the ARF?
For information, see: http://www.asia-alliance.org/index.php?q=node/5#attachments
http://213.207.98.213/files/active/0/IIAS_aff_EA_WS_Berlofsky7.pdf

Regional Workshop on ICT for Effective Disaster Management
Date: June 26-28, 2006
Location: Ahungalle, Sri Lanka
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of Sri Lanka; in cooperation with Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO), TRC, Inmarsat, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and Lanka Business Online
This three-day forum explored how stakeholders can effectively use information communication technology (ICT) to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and reduce the vulnerability of communities, nations, and regions. Representatives from civil society and national authorities from Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, as well as from telecommunication groups and corporations, engaged in discussions with international and regional organizations to explore ways to cooperate in empowering local communities to respond effectively to disasters and to reduce their vulnerability. A strong message that came out of the workshop was that while advanced space technology and telecommunications systems are important to make early warning systems reliable and timely, the traditional knowledge and practices and people-centered aspects are the only real means to disseminate warnings effectively within the community and to ensure that warnings are understood and acted upon.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/asiapacific-highlights.htm

4th Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: June 27-29, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The 4th meeting of the EPG on the ASEAN Charter focused on defining the ASEAN Economic Community and reconstructing the organization (including new Secretariat responsibilities), and featured consultations with regional civil society organizations, private business sector representatives, and academics.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19247.pdf

International Expert Consultative Meeting on Drought Risk Reduction
Date: June 27-29, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR); Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs
This meeting brought together 35 participants, including officials and experts from dozens of nations and international organizations with responsibility for drought-disaster reduction. Participants reviewed the activities and priorities for building drought-resilient societies and strengthening drought-risk reduction in the context of the Hyogo Framework for Action. The meeting focused in particular on (1) policies and governance, (2) risk assessment, (3) mitigation measures, and (4) international and regional cooperation. A broad range of principles, priorities, activities, methodologies, and case studies were developed for effective international and regional cooperation on disaster risk reduction in the region. The ultimate goal of the exercise was to develop an international program on drought risk reduction as the basis for establishing the International Center for Drought Risk Reduction in Beijing.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/asiapacific/ap-highlights/asiapacific-highlights.htm

ASEAN Regional Forum of Expert and Eminent Persons (ARF EEPs)
Date: June 29-30, 2006
Location: Jeju Island, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); co-hosted by the governments of Malaysia and South Korea
Malaysia and the Republic of Korea jointly hosted the Inaugural Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum of Expert and Eminent Persons (ARF EEPs). The establishment of the ARF EEPs was mandated by the 8th ARF Ministers' Meeting, held in 2001, to provide policy recommendations on issues such as confidence-building measures, the development of preventive diplomacy, and approaches to conflicts in the region. The EEPs from all 25 ARF member countries participated in the meeting. The EEPs are respected individuals with a wealth of experience in political and security issues in the region. Discussions focused on a wide range of issues affecting the region and produced recommendations on appropriate strategies for enhancing peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region. The recommendations were submitted to the 13th ARF Ministers' Meeting on July 28, 2006.
For information, see: http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=26&vid=200
http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/Default.aspx?tabid=67

5th Workshop on ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights
Date: June 29-30, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; hosted by government of Malaysia
Malaysia hosted the 5th Workshop on ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Human Rights. The two-day workshop, consisting of eight sessions, provided a forum for continuous dialogue on the establishment of a regional human rights mechanism. The discussions identified steps, programs, and frameworks necessary to realize the implementation of the Programme Areas on Human Rights contained in the Vientiane Action Programme, adopted in 2004 by ASEAN leaders. Participants at the workshop included representatives from relevant government agencies and national human rights institutions of the 10 ASEAN countries. Various international and local organizations were also invited to attend as observers.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/research.htm
http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=26&vid=202

Europe and Asia: Comparing Approaches to Economic Integration
Date: June 30-July 1, 2006
Location: Bruges, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations University, Centre for Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS); London School of Economics; GARNET
GARNET is a "Network of Excellence" comprising 42 European research centers and universities and focusing on the theme of "Global Governance, Regionalization, and Regulation: The Role of the EU." This workshop examined the implications of the rapid growth of free trade agreements in Asia and how the EU should respond. The following key questions were considered: Are the new generation of FTAs going to take over from the existing regional projects, such as ASEAN and APEC, and create a looser network of FTAs, or are they little more than politically motivated negotiations that will ultimately have no major impact? To what extent are the FTAs consistent with the politics of the region? What developments in the financial/monetary field might underpin FTAs? Do the FTAs represent a means of promoting a wider form of regional integration in Asia? Should the EU consider FTAs with individual Asian countries or hold to its region-to-region policy?
For information, see: http://www.ifri.org/frontDispatcher/ifri/manifestations/interventions___l_ext_rieur_1042052171194/publi_P_manif_asie_garnetbruges_1161954197730

2nd NEAT Working Group on Energy Security Cooperation in East Asia
Date: June 30, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT); East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore
The second meeting of this NEAT working group, which followed an inaugural meeting held in May 2005, was attended by delegates from all 13 ASEAN+3 countries. The goals of the working group are three-fold: promote energy conservation, energy consumption efficiency, and energy security in East Asia; share and learn from the experiences of energy-efficient ASEAN+3 countries; and support an East Asian Community through regional energy cooperation. At this meeting, participants concentrated on energy conservation and the lessons that can be drawn from the more energy-efficient ASEAN+3 countries, as well as the maritime dimension of energy security. The meeting was particularly timely in light of continuing oil price increases and global concern over energy security. The final report was presented along with the other working group reports at the 4th annual NEAT meeting in August 2006.
For information, see: http://www.ceac.jp/e/pdf/neat_04wg01.pdf

July

2nd ASEM Interfaith Dialogue
Date: July 3-6, 2006
Location: Larnaca, Cyprus
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); Governments of Cyprus and Malaysia
The 2nd ASEM Interfaith Dialogue was held in Cyprus, focusing on the theme of "interfaith understanding and cooperation for a peaceful world." The dialogue brought together political and religious leaders, academics and intellectuals, and experts in the field of interfaith and inter-religious relations to participate in three parallel working groups on (1) interfaith understanding, (2) the role of media in promoting interfaith dialogue, and (3) religion and multiethnic societies. The three-day dialogue process was timely, given the backdrop of crisis in interfaith and intercultural relations-notably the controversy surrounding the publication of drawings depicting the Islamic prophet Mohammad. The dialogue resulted in the Larnaca Action Plan, a list of practical advancements that builds on the Bali Declaration adopted a year before. The plan highlights best practices and calls for more concrete actions on the part of various actors in society.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/Activities/?id=164

APEC Symposium on Total Supply Chain Security
Date: July 6-7, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Counter Terrorism Task Force; Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS); Singapore Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Trade and Industry; APEC Secretariat
In 2005, the APEC leaders supported a call by Singapore for APEC to put greater focus on the issue of supply-chain security to protect trade against the threat of international terrorism. The objectives of the resultant symposium were (1) to raise awareness among APEC economies of the importance of enhancing supply-chain security, and (2) to bring together experts from government, industry, international organizations, and academia to share their experiences and knowledge on the issue.
In total, 388 participants from all 21 APEC economies and from a number of non-APEC economies and international organizations attended the symposium. Fifty-six percent of the participants were from the private sector. The areas covered by the symposium included threats to and vulnerabilities of the global supply chain, government and industry perspectives on the principles of and approaches to supply-chain security, the role of international organizations, and challenges for the future.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/APEC_Report.pdf

CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Human Trafficking
Date: July 8-9, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The Study Group on Human Trafficking was established at the CSCAP Steering Committee meeting in 2004 and held two meetings in 2005. Human trafficking involves systemic and continuing exploitation and provides a direct threat to the security of the region. To address this threat effectively, a holistic approach is needed. Individual states can do a great deal, but a successful effort requires more resources than most regional states can currently allocate. National efforts therefore need to be supplemented by the involvement of other regional states and institutions, civil society, as well as extra-regional states and agencies. The study group advocates the development of a dialogue between regional governments and civil society as a means of fostering such a unified approach, and it is seeking to add value to the work being done by other government agencies such as ASEAN and the ASEAN+3, and to the Bali Ministerial process.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html

East Asian Regional Cooperation in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
Date: July 10-11, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE), Friends of the Global Fund, Japan (FGFJ); cosponsored by the Chinese Center for Disease Control; Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
More than 100 government, business, NGO, and philanthropic leaders from around the world came together for a major conference in Beijing to examine East Asian regional cooperation in the fight against communicable diseases. The meeting was organized by the JCIE in its capacity as Secretariat for the Friends of the Global Fund, Japan, and was cosponsored by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Global Fund. Participants discussed the regional spread of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS; China's response to these diseases; and effective strategies for promoting cross-border cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.jcie.or.jp/fgfj/e/activities.html#Beijing

1st Asia Europe Economic Forum: European and Asian Perspectives on Global Imbalances
Date: July 13-14, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Bruegel (Brussels European and Global Economic Laboratory); Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); People's Bank of China; Keio University; Seoul National University; Korea Institute for International Economic Policy
The Asia Europe Economic Forum was founded by a consortium of research institutes that include Bruegel, the Institute of World Economics and Politics (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), the Global Security Research Center (Keio University), the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, and the Center for International Commerce and Finance (Seoul National University). The goal of the forum is to organize a series of conferences in Asia and Europe, the first of which took place in Beijing. A broad range of participants, including active and former senior policymakers, recognized academic experts, and private sector specialists, discussed European and Asian perspectives on global imbalances. The discussants analyzed growing account imbalances, assessed the risks of their abrupt unwinding, and discussed policy options for Europe and Asia. A report was published and is available online.
For information, see: http://en.iwep.org.cn/Corporation/infoDetail12.asp?cInfoId=180&dInfoId=149
http://www.bruegel.org/Public/SimplePage.php?ID=1703

Maritime Piracy in Southeast Asia
Date: July 13-15, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
In recent decades, Southeast Asia has seen a new resurgence in maritime piracy. Reported pirate attacks have more than tripled over the past decade, and over 35 percent of the reported attacks in 2005 occurred in Southeast Asian waters. Hosted by the Media Program Asia of KAS in Singapore, this workshop brought together journalists and maritime experts to discuss various topics related to piracy, such as its social causes and its possible relationship to maritime terrorism. Focus was placed on the problems and challenges that journalists face when trying to objectively report on the topic.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-7/veranstaltung_id-20375/index.html

Inaugural Meeting of the Independent Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific
Date: July 15, 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Organizers/Sponsors: Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS)
In 2006, a new body to study the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS in the Asia Pacific region was launched. The Independent Commission on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific consists of 10 leading economists, scientists, civil society representatives, and policymakers from across the region. Over a period of 18 months, the commission analyzed the impact and developmental consequences of the AIDS epidemic in the region and what this might mean to the socioeconomic environment in the medium and long term. The commission's findings were summarized in a report with recommendations for measures designed to mobilize leaders to adequately respond to the epidemic in the region. UNAIDS provided the commission with logistical support in its initial months and contributed funding as well. A series of subregional consultations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific were held to gain input from local experts in various fields.
For information, see: http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2006/20060717-asiapacific.asp

Labour Migration Workshop for Asian Countries
Date: July 17-20, 2006
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Organizers/Sponsors: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Labor migration officials of 10 Asian countries met in Islamabad for a training workshop on administering overseas employment programs. The specific focus of the workshop was the role of marketing and labor migration opportunities in EU member states. Delegations from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the workshop. The meeting was organized by the IOM as part of a two-year regional program on facilitating labor migration between Asia and the EU (funded by the European Commission). The objective of the program is to facilitate legal labor migration by enhancing the capacity of governments and the private sector to place workers legally in the EU, to develop regional cooperation among labor-sending countries, and to warn about the risks of illegal labor migration.
For information, see: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/eventAS/cache/offonce?entryId=8926&titleHolder=Labour%20Migration%20Workshop%20for%20Asian%20 countries%20in%20Islamabad

UNESCAP Workshop on Regional Follow-Up to the 7th Session and Preparation for the 8th Session of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly on the Elaboration of a Convention on the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
Date: July 20-21, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
This two-day workshop was designed to inform civil society and government leaders of the latest progress in the global process of elaboration of a Convention on the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities. The workshop provided a set of effective preparatory strategies for global discussion and negotiation at the 8th Session of the Ad Hoc Committee in New York in August 2006. The workshop's agenda covered (1) the latest status of the process toward an international convention, a report from the 7th session of the Ad Hoc Committee, and preparation for the 8th session; (2) questions about international monitoring; 3) forward-looking strategies for after the adoption of the convention in the Asia Pacific region; and (4) the alignment effects of the convention, other international agreements and frameworks, and domestic disability legislation.
For information, see: http://www.worldenable.net/convention2006/Default.htm

East Asia a Decade after the Crisis
Date: July 21-22, 2006
Location: Canberra, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Australian National University (ANU); University of California, Berkeley
Roughly 25 participants from Asia Pacific and the United States gathered to discuss the state of the regional economy a decade after the financial crisis. Sessions focused on banking sector reform, corporate governance reform, regional financial cooperation, exchange rates, regional trade, and issues of democratization, poverty, and welfare. The second day of the meeting focused on country studies: "Constitutional Reform, Constitutional Crises, and the Politics of Economic Recovery in Thailand and the Philippines"; "Institutions, Economic Recovery, and Macroeconomic Vulnerability in Indonesia and Malaysia"; "Korean Political Economy 10 Years After the Crisis"; and "The Triangle of Tensions: China, Japan, and the United States in a Changing Asian Region."
For information, see: http://www.crawford.anu.edu.au/events/ev_conf.php

NEAT Working Group on Trade-FDI-Technology Linkages in East Asia
Date: July 21, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT); Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)
Fourteen experts from 10 Asian countries gathered to discuss the international trade structure in East Asia and policies and measures to promote further East Asian economic integration. The meeting addressed the need to promote Asian integration by establishing more appropriate linkages among the trade-FDI-technology structure, financial and capital flows, and exchange rate policy coordination in East Asia. Participants discussed such issues as the characteristics of production networks; the international division of labor among China, ASEAN, NIEs, and Japan; the consistency between FTAs and EPAs on the one hand and the promotion of East Asian economic integration on the other; policy issues for developing institutional, human, and physical infrastructure to promote trade-FDI linkages in East Asia; and what exchange rate regime can best facilitate efficient trade-FDI linkages and production networks in East Asia. The final report was submitted to the August 2006 General Meeting of NEAT.
For information, see: http://www.rieti.go.jp/users/neat/en/pdf/finalreport.pdf

International Law and the Prosperity of Asia
Date: July 26, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs; International Law Association of Thailand
The Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the International Law Association of Thailand, organized an international symposium that drew distinguished lawyers and scholars from various Asian countries to brainstorm on possible avenues for Asian cooperation on international law. Participants exchanged views on four international law issues: "International Law of Security, Prosperity, and Dispute Settlement-the Current Debate and Asia"; "International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights: Asian Perspectives"; "Law of the Sea in Asia"; and "International Trade and Economic Law: Prospects and Challenges for Asia."
For information, see: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=4484

Southeast and Northeast Asia Subregional Workshops on Trade and Environment Dimensions in the Food Sector
Date: July 26-27, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
For many developing countries, processed food has emerged as a new sector with great export potential. This trend, however, has come together with an increase in the number, complexity, and stringency of environmental and health-related requirements for food products, mainly due to increased consumer awareness and major food safety crises. Countries in the region often lack awareness and information on prevailing standards in their major export markets. In order to effectively address these challenges and improve the quality and competitiveness of the products, there is a need to develop sound, coherent policies that address both the trade and environmental dimensions.
In that context, UNESCAP organized subregional workshops for Southeast and Northeast Asia (July 2006) and South Asia (September 2006), with a focus on the trade and environment dimensions in the food and food processing industries. The workshops analyzed the linkages between environmental standards and regulations, market access, export competitiveness, and domestic environmental sustainability.
For information, see: http://planet.unescap.org/esd/newsletters/documents/NewsletterSep2006.pdf

14th International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections Asia Pacific International Conference
Date: July 27-30, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections; Malaysian Medical Association; Academy of Family Physicians Malaysia; Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia; Malaysia Ministry of Health
The program highlighted the control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS, with special reference to regional cultural practices and economic constraints. The conference's theme was "STI: Challenges and Strategies."
For information, see: http://www.iusti.org/newsletter/2006-august-newsletter.pdf

NEAT Working Group on East Asian Investment Cooperation
Date: July 28, 2006
Location: Weihai, Shandong Province, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT)
The NEAT Working Group Meeting on East Asian Investment Cooperation brought together scholars and experts from 11 of the ASEAN+3 countries. The discussions focused on three major themes: changes in the investment environment and greater investment cooperation in East Asia; systemic and institutional streamlining in East Asian investment cooperation; and priority areas of East Asian investment cooperation. The working group reached consensus on a number of issues: they agreed that there is an increasingly urgent need for East Asian investment cooperation, and that while the overall environment for East Asian investment cooperation has been improving, there are still difficulties. Disagreements arose in terms of the relative roles of governments and markets, the appropriate model for investment cooperation, the appropriate institutional framework, and the impact of China's policy adjustments.
For information, see: http://www.ceac.jp/e/pdf/neat_04wg04.pdf

East Asia Investment Forum 2006
Date: July 29-30, 2006
Location: Weihai, Shandong Province, China
Organizers/Sponsors: China National Association for International Studies (CNAIS); China Enterprise Confederation; Shandong Provincial Government; Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT)
The objective of the East Asia Investment Forum 2006 was to explore the potential of intraregional cooperation in investment. More than 300 business leaders, high-ranking government officials, and experts from East Asian countries attended this forum. Based on a successful meeting in 2005, the 2006 forum focused on practical issues of regional investment cooperation, such as the prospects for investment in renewable energy, energy saving, and environmental protection; investment opportunities in the development of China's countryside; and new opportunities in the manufacturing and financial sector in East Asia. With dynamic interaction among participants from government, business, and academic circles, the forum served as an effective platform for facilitating information sharing and cooperation among regional investors.
For information, see: http://www.eaif.net

Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction: Context for Indian Ocean Tsunami Early Warning Systems (TEWS)
Date: July 30, 2006
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR); United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); UNESCO-IOC; and members of the UN ISDR Asia Partnership
Within the IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG-IOTWS), five intersessional working groups are conducting work on data collection and exchange, hazard identification and modeling, and the establishment of warning centers. At the second session of ICG-IOTWS in December 2005, a group of representatives of aid and disaster relief agencies stressed the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction and development expertise into the work of the ICG. The group proposed a draft terms of reference for a sixth working group on mitigation, preparedness, and response. The chair invited ISDR to undertake consultation on the matter and report back to the third ICG-IOTWS meeting on July 31-August 2, 2006.
In order to finalize this consultative process and further refine the terms of reference, ISDR convened a workshop on disaster risk reduction that sought to identify ways for the technical, disaster management and development communities to interact better. All IOC member states were invited to attend and 37 representatives of countries, UN agencies, and NGOs participated.
For information, see: http://www.unisdr.org/ppew/tsunami/project-overview/dp-voices.htm

11th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum
Date: July 31-August 3, 2006
Location: Suva, Fiji Islands
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Pacific Forum; Fiji Human Rights Commission
Hosted by the Fiji Human Rights Commission, the program included a one-day closed session of the forum council and a three-day meeting open to observers from governments, NGOs, the UN, and other international organizations. A major theme of the meeting was international labor standards and the role of national human rights institutions. Discussion focused on incorporating international labor standards into national codes and the application of these standards to issues of trafficking and migration. The meeting also included an interactive dialogue between representatives from national human rights institutions and NGOs on strategies to protect and promote the rights of human rights defenders. A highlight of the final day of the meeting was the presentation of the Advisory Council of Jurists' interim report on the right to education, which was followed by a panel discussion and presentations from experts in the field.
For information, see: http://www.asiapacificforum.net/about/annual-meetings/11th-fiji-islands-2006

International Conference on Japan-SAARC Cooperation
Date: July 31, 2006
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Organizers/Sponsors: Dhaka University Japan Study Center; supported by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Some 500 delegates, including 10 from Japan and 30 from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, took part in this conference, which was organized by the Japan Study Centre at Dhaka University with the help of the Japanese embassy. The conference brought together some of the best minds from the SAARC region and Japan in order to highlight the issues where Japan can work together with SAARC states to advance a common agenda of cooperation. The conference also aimed to raise awareness of common interests in the emerging regional order and of convergence of domestic and regional priorities and needs. Areas that participants recommended for future Japan-SAARC cooperation included disaster preparedness and management, environmental protection, and the expansion of infrastructure facilities for goods and services. They also proposed the establishment of a regular Japan-SAARC forum.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/saarc.html
http://www.newstoday-bd.com/metropolis.asp?newsdate=7/31/2006

August

7th Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference Japan
Date: August 4-5, 2006
Location: Awaji, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference Japan
The Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference Japan, an international symposium and forum for the discussion of critical themes, was established to clarify a "new vision for the Asia Pacific" pertaining to symbiosis among the diverse cultures of the Asia Pacific region, and to aim for policy proposals that can be broadly applied in societies. Members of the Awaji Conference include academics, intellectuals, business leaders, journalists, and others who possess a deep understanding and interest in the Asia Pacific region. The 7th Asia Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference, focused on the theme of "Falling Birthrates and Aging Society Looming in Asia."
For information, see: http://www.awaji-conference.com/e_main3.html

IDSS 10th Anniversary Conference on the Nature of Policy Relevant Knowledge in Asian Security Affairs
Date: August 5-6, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
What constitutes policy-relevant knowledge in Asian security affairs? This was the main question addressed by the conference, organized to celebrate IDSS's 10th anniversary. The two co-conveners of the conference, Professors Amitav Acharya and Khong Yuen Foong of IDSS, sought to generate a debate on the nature of policy-relevant knowledge in Asian security affairs. The conference brought together a distinguished group of current and former policymakers, scholar-practitioners, and scholar-theorists to address the issues. Participants were invited to use a current, past, or hypothetical policy issue and indicate what forms of knowledge he or she would most like to obtain when approaching that issue or making a decision. They were also requested to highlight one exemplary policy-relevant work that they found most helpful to policymaking.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/10Anniversary.pdf

2006 Senior Policy Seminar
Date: August 7-9, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: East-West Center (EWC)
The Senior Policy Seminar brings together senior and influential policymakers, government officials, and academic experts from the United States and the Asia Pacific region for discussions on the economic, social, and strategic dynamics and the future of US policy in the region. Topics in the 2006 seminar included (1) tense relations in Northeast Asia, (2) whether the economic growth wave is sustainable, and (3) the ferment in Asian Islam.
For information, see: http://www.eastwestcenter.org/semedu-program.asp?program_ID=8&Topic=Leaders%20ZZ%20Policymakers&Area=Seminars

2006 EWC-KOTI Conference: Toward the Integration of the Northeast Asian Transport Market
Date: August 14-15, 2006
Location: Sapporo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: East-West Center (EWC); Korea Transport Institute (KOTI)
The EWC and KOTI have been conducting research on the transport system as a vital component for the economic integration and future prosperity of the Northeast Asian region. The EWC-KOTI research initially assessed the existing infrastructure and the existing imbalances and inefficiencies in the transport system. They found that joint efforts among the countries in Northeast Asia will be essential to resolve the inefficiencies created by physical, legal, institutional, and technical barriers. Focusing on China, Japan, and Korea, researchers then identified barriers, their causes, and potential means of overcoming them.
Building on that research, the current phase of the EWC-KOTI research is developing a practical action plan for integrating the transport market in Northeast Asia. The 2006 conference focused on issues of standardization of transport and logistics statistics, on building a Northeast Asian regional database, and on strategies and linkages of the region's countries in developing multimodal transport.
For information, see: http://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/past-east-west-center-events/?class_call=view&conf_ID=907&mode=view

UNDP-UNESCAP ARTNeT Consultative Meeting on Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration
Date: August 17-18, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Trade and Investment Division; UN Development Programme (UNDP)
The Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network (ARTNeT) is an open regional network of national-level research institutions specializing in trade and investment policy and facilitation issues. The purpose of this joint UNDP-UNESCAP ARTNeT consultative meeting was to provide a regional forum for discussion of selected trade facilitation issues-notably trade facilitation and regional integration-based on draft research papers and preliminary findings resulting from the implementation of the trade facilitation component of the ARTNeT Research Program 2006. The meeting was attended by representatives from the ASEAN nations as well as Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Russia. The research papers were complemented by country briefs and other expert presentations, and the discussions were designed to result in recommendations on specific trade facilitation-related issues.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/mtg/tfri.asp

8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP)
Date: August 19-23, 2006
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Organizers/Sponsors: Hosted by government of Sri Lanka; sponsored by AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific (ASAP), Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), Standard Chartered Bank, and Sri Lankan corporations
The theme of the 8th ICAAP was "Waves of Change, Waves of Hope." Within that theme, the meeting was designed to enhance the local, regional, and global responses to HIV/AIDS. Participants sought to form partnerships between stakeholders at all levels; to showcase successes and share best practices; to empower political, community, and business leadership; to ensure that communities that are infected, affected, and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS are free from stigmatization, marginalization, and discrimination; and to promote equal access to prevention, support, treatment, and care for all.
More than 2,000 participants attended the four-day event, which featured four "tracks": political and community leadership and partnerships for change; basic and clinical sciences and epidemiology; scale up of prevention, treatment, care, and support; and socioeconomic, religious, and cultural barriers and ways forward. The meeting also addressed three crosscutting themes: human rights and human security; gender and sexuality; and GIPA (Greater Involvement of People living with AIDS).
For information, see: http://www.icaap8.lk/

Counter-Terrorism and Migration: Regional Challenges-Regional Responses
Date: August 21-15, 2006
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: International Organization for Migration (IOM); co-organized by the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Cambodia
This regional gathering, which was attended by senior immigration officers and officers working in the field of counterterrorism from nine ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore), sought to strengthen the awareness of migration- and terrorism-related challenges in Southeast Asia and to identify areas for future cross-border cooperation on the issues of migration, security, and border control. The conference focused on establishing and consolidating a framework linking current knowledge and threat and risk analysis to operational responses and future regional cooperation.
This was the fourth gathering of a three-year, UK-funded project, "Strengthening Regional Security through Cambodia's Enhanced Border Control Capacity." The project consists of national training programs and multilateral workshops on migration and border control as key tools in enhancing security and combating terrorism.
For information, see: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/eventAS/cache/offonce?entryId=9799&titleHolder=Counter-Terrorism%20and%20Migration:%20Regional%20Challenges%20- %20Regional%20Responses

18th UN Conference on Disarmament Issues: Alarming Nuclear Proliferation Crisis and Regional and International Peace and Security
Date: August 21-23, 2006
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations (UN)
This international conference involving policymakers and researchers examined the current challenges to the nonproliferation regime, the status and future prospects for the DPRK nuclear program, concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program, the challenge posed by the nuclear black market, and ways of strengthening the Non-proliferation Treaty and disarmament efforts.
For information, see: http://disarmament.un.org/rcpd/2006.htm

5th Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: August 22-24, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 5th meeting of the EPG on the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19247.pdf

Maritime Security and Technology Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
Date: August 22-24, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS)
The primary objective of this conference was to discuss challenges and opportunities in technology cooperation in Asia-Pacific maritime security. Additional objectives included a discussion of the lessons learned and best practices in improving the maritime technology environment in the region; an assessment of the possibilities for system- and region-wide approaches toward establishing Maritime Domain Awareness and interoperability of platforms; and a discussion of existing and future models and approaches for maritime security technology cooperation. At the core of the conference was the notion that technology cooperation in maritime security means the development of regional alliances in the realm of scientific and technical knowledge that will serve to strengthen existing partnerships and be instrumental in creating new ones.
For information, see: http://www.apcss.org/graphics/graphics_conferences.htm

4th NEAT Annual Conference
Date: August 22-23, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT); Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia
The 4th NEAT Annual Conference was held in Malaysia under the sponsorship of ISIS. About 70 think tank representatives and intellectuals from ASEAN+3 countries participated in the annual conference. Reports were presented from the seven NEAT working groups. In addition, since the year 2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN+3 Summit, and since the adoption of the second "Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation" (the first statement, adopted in 1999, formed the charter of the ASEAN+3) has been a big issue for the countries in East Asia, the "objective, principle, and value of an EAC" became a focal point of discussions on the inputs from NEAT to the ASEAN+3 Summit in 2007.
For information, see: http://www.ceac.jp/e/e-exchange_neat.html

ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum
Date: August 23-24, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Inc. Forum
The ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum is a highly interactive meeting that brings together outstanding Southeast Asian men and women who are expected to play key leadership roles in government, business, and civil society in the next 5 to 10 years. Participants engage in dialogue and debate on key issues and challenges facing the region.
The 2006 meeting brought together over 200 Southeast Asian leaders from seven ASEAN countries under the theme "Securing Southeast Asia's Place in the World." Participants discussed and debated ASEAN's approach to regional integration, the global economy and renewed focus on Asia, democracy and business, anticipating and responding to crises, the impact of the continued re-emergence of China and India, and sustaining economic reforms. They also explored what these issues mean for business and politics within the region.
For information, see: http://www.asean100forum.com/a100_programs_2006.php

ASEAN Roundtable 2006: Revisiting the Bali Concord II
Date: August 24-25, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
At the time of this roundtable, almost three years had passed since the ASEAN Concord II (better known as the Bali Concord II) was launched. The ASEAN Roundtable 2006 brought together academics and experts to take stock of what had been done to date in regional integration and to discuss approaches to realize the ASEAN Community by 2020.
For information, see: http://www.iseas.edu.sg/iframes/iframe_res.htm
http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-8/veranstaltung_id-20646/index.html

2nd Workshop on Political Transitions and Political Change in Southeast Asia
Date: Ugust 28-29, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies (IDSS); Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
This workshop was a follow-up to one held in November 2005, and its objective was to better understand the changes in the political architecture of the states in the Southeast Asian region. The workshop examined how to establish a stable democratic regime whenever political transitions occur, if that is the intended culmination of these transitions. In addition, it investigated what these political upheavals bring about and how to make these transitions work for the people. Sessions focused on "Political Transition and Democratic Resilience in Indonesia," "Thailand: From Competition Authoritarianism towards Electoral Democracy," "The Challenge for Democratic Consolidation in Post-War Societies: The Cambodian Experience," "The Travails of Democratic Consolidation in the Philippines," "Networked Autocracy: Consolidating Singapore's Political System," and "Political Transition in Malaysia."
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-8/veranstaltung_id-21896/index.html
http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/political-transition_2nd_workshop.pdf

MOFA Japan-UNU Seminar: People Building Peace-Human Resource Development in Asia for Peacebuilding
Date: August 29, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); United Nations University (UNU)
With peace operations ongoing on a significant scale in many parts of the world, and threats of new or renewed conflict continuing to arise, the peacebuilding agenda is drawing increasing global attention. In this conference, participants offered insights and concrete suggestions for peacebuilding-related human resource development in Asia, and discussed the potential for collaboration among countries and institutions within Asia as well as those outside the region.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/pko/seminar0608-p.html
http://c3.unu.edu/unuvideo/index.cfm?fuseaction=event.home&EventID=95
http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/event/sem_un.html

Mainstreaming Policies and Investment in Low Carbon: Opportunities for New Approaches to Investment and Flexible Mechanisms
Date: August 30-31, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); with the UK Department for International Development (DFID); UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); Energeia Institute; Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
UNESCAP hosted this workshop devoted to climate change, which was the Asia Pacific regional response to the G8 Plan of Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Sustainable Development. It initiates the Asia Pacific process to support the Gleneagles Dialogue process and particularly to embed the discussion on investment for climate-resilient, low-carbon economies within Asian regional institutions. Participants included 40 representatives from the energy, environment, and finance sectors of 12 countries, as well as representatives from the World Bank, the ADB, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and several other international and regional organizations. Issues were considered in the context of new approaches to the use of carbon finance and the Energy Investment Framework. Participants assessed the key trends, opportunities, and barriers, and they reviewed possibilities for innovative policy options and mechanisms.
For information, see: http://planet.unescap.org/esd/newsletters/documents/NewsletterSep2006.pdf

Managing for Development Results in the Asia Pacific Region
Date: August 30-September 1, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB); Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development-Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC); Community of Practice in Managing for Development Results (CoP-MfDR)
The CoP-MfDR is a virtual learning network that promotes knowledge exchange among public managers, organizations, civil society organizations, and practitioners on how to manage better for development results. It was launched in March 2006 with a face-to-face event in Manila. About 25 results practitioners from 11 Asia Pacific countries attended the event. Currently the CoP-MfDR has about 50 members. From March, online discussions were conducted on the challenges of and lessons from results management. The overall purpose of this meeting was to exchange MfDR experiences, assess the pilot implementation of the CoP-MfDR, and propose next steps. Invitees included results practitioners, government officials, and NGOs.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2006/MfDR-Asia-Pacific-Region/default.asp

STOP Trafficking Asia-Pacific International Forum
Date: August 30, 2006
Location: Vladivostok, Russia
Organizers/Sponsors: Primorsky Krai Administration; Winrock International partners
The theme of this meeting was "Uniting the Efforts of the State and Nongovernmental Organizations of the Asia-Pacific Region Countries in Preventing Human Trafficking: Best Experiences and Ways to Cooperate." The goals of the event were to raise public awareness of the problem, to promote cooperation among Asia Pacific countries, and to work out specific antitrafficking measures based on Russian and international best practices.
Around 200 representatives of krai (province) administrations, law enforcement bodies, medical and psychiatric institutions, educational establishments, and local and international NGOs participated in the forum. The participants discussed such topics as criminal legislation standards in regard to human trafficking, Russian and international NGO activities on preventive and rehabilitation measures, and victim referral systems. The forum resulted in a resolution that recommended concrete ways to address the problem in the Asia Pacific region, such as establishing a crisis center for victims of human trafficking and organizing a permanent inter-agency working group.
For information, see: http://www.humantrafficking.org/events/151
http://winrock.ru/eng/news116_01.htm

September

16th New Generation Seminar: Building a Resilient Asia Pacific Community-Disaster Risk Reduction Tools and Strategies for Decision-makers
Date: September 3-17, 2006
Location: Hawaii, Louisiana, and Washington DC, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: East-West Center (EWC); support from the Freeman Foundation
This is an annual program for rising young leaders from the United States and Asia Pacific, who participate in a two-week educational and dialogue program. The program is developed around a thematic focus and provides participants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of regional developments and challenges, increase their contacts with counterparts in the region, and become more effective international leaders. The program opens with a one-week seminar in Honolulu followed by a one-week study tour. The 2006 group traveled to New Orleans and Washington DC to explore decision making at all stages of a disaster, including prevention, response, and rebuilding.
For information, see: http://www.eastwestcenter.org/semedu-program.asp?program_ID=6&Topic=Leaders%20ZZ%20Policymakers&Area=Seminars

Asia-Pacific Security Forum
Date: September 4-5, 2006
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Pacific Forum CSIS; Institute for National Policy Research (Taiwan); Institute for Strategic and Development Studies (Philippines); and Asia Centre (France)
Since 1997, the Pacific Forum has conducted this annual forum that brings together about 30 senior experts to examine regional and global issues, including (but not limited to) cross-Strait relations. The meeting venue alternates between Taipei and other locations. The 2006 meeting was held in Cebu, Philippines, and focused on three themes: (1) nationalism, democracy, and security in East Asia; (2) the search for energy and resources in Asia Pacific; and (3) regional security organizations in Asia Pacific. In addition to bringing together experts, the meeting also included members of the Pacific Forum CSIS Young Leaders Program, who participated in the meeting and shared their views on these issues.
For information, see: http://www.csis.org/pacfor/programs/

Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change: Climate Change and Development-Asia-Pacific Regional Approach to Climate Friendly and Climate Change-Resilient Society
Date: September 5-8, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of the Environment; Australian Greenhouse Office; Indonesian Ministry of Environment; and Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan
The Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change is a regional meeting sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan that has been held annually since 1991 to convene climate change specialists from government, international and regional organizations, academia, the private sector, and NGOs/CSOs of the Asia Pacific region. The objective is to share informa-tion, experience, and views on climate change and to facilitate further activities to address climate change in the region. Discussions focused on useful policies and measures to integrate climate change issues into development planning, tools to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of ongoing and future efforts, and opportunities offered in working on climate change.
For information, see: http://www.ap-net.org/seminar/archives/16th.html

15th Northeast Asia Economic Forum (NEAEF)
Date: September 5-7, 2006
Location: Khabarovsk, Russia
Organizers/Sponsors: Northeast Asia Economic Forum (NEAEF); Khabarovsk Krai Government
The conference was attended by leading researchers and government experts and focused on energy, transportation, and grand design; the Northeast Asian Development Bank; and international exchange and the role of tourism. Participants called for greater efforts to facilitate intraregional energy trade. They also agreed on the need for a "Grand Design for Northeast Asia" that would improve multimodal transportation and logistic systems in the region to promote cooperation and sustainable development. Also, to promote regional development, they agreed on the importance of a subregional bank for international cooperation to finance essential infrastructure, and applauded the new initiatives to create a Northeast Asian Development Bank.
For information, see: http://www.neaef.org/conferences/
http://www.nira.go.jp/newsj/kanren/180/183/index.html

6th Asian International Forum in Fukuoka
Date: September 6-7, 2006
Location: Fukuoka, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Fukuoka Prefecture; Fukuoka City; Organizing Committee of the Asian International Forum in Fukuoka
This forum was established in commemoration of the Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit, Fukuoka Finance Minister's Meeting in 2000. The Asian International Forum in Fukuoka started in 2001 and has been held annually, bringing scholars from Asian, EU, and US research institutes together to debate various issues, share knowledge and expertise, and promote development, prosperity, and mutual understanding in Asia.
The theme in 2006 was "Development and Challenges in Asia: Regional Alliance." Keynote addresses discussed the "Political Issues of East Asia and Japan" and "The Return of Asia." Other sessions focused on strategic industrial development in Asia, economic development and environmental problems, highly skilled and educated human resources for sustainable economic development, and advocacy for Kyushu and Fukuoka.
For information, see: http://www.asiaforum.jp/english/archives/06/index.html

1st Policy Consultation Forum of the Seoul Initiative on Green Growth: Promoting Sustainable Infrastructure Development
Date: September 6-8, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Korea Environment Institute; Korea Ministry of Environment
Members of the Seoul Initiative Network on Green Growth gathered along with other experts to share experiences and ideas on how to effectively promote sustainable infrastructure development for green growth. Roughly 100 participants from ministries of environment and other relevant ministries of 17 UNESCAP member states attended, as did experts from the World Bank, ADB, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Asian Institute of Technology, NGOs, the private sector, and research institutions.
The Policy Consultation Forum reviewed various options and policies to promote eco-efficient and environmentally sustainable infrastructure development and its systematic approaches focusing on water, waste, energy, and transport infrastructure in Asia Pacific. The forum also took stock of a vast range of experiences and models in the area of eco-efficient and environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Participants underlined the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in achieving Green Growth and recognized that improvement in the awareness of eco-efficiency concepts is urgently needed among policymakers and decision makers.
For information, see: http://planet.unescap.org/esd/newsletters/documents/NewsletterSep2006.pdf

The Emergence of India: Implications for the Asia-Pacific Region
Date: September 6-8, 2006
Location: Montana, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana; Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Signaling the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center's decision to include India as an important part of its geographic focus, the 2006 Mansfield Conference focused on India's impressive emergence as an economic, military, and strategic power and how India's rise has influenced both the region and India's bilateral and multilateral relations with China, Japan, and the United States. The conference was cosponsored with the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation and was followed by an offsite retreat in which conference participants could elaborate on their conference presentations in a private setting. Sessions focused on the emergence of India; the strategic implications of India's emergence in Asia; and the development of a new regional framework in Asia Pacific and the opportunities that exist for collaboration.
For information, see: http://www.umt.edu/mansfield/conferences/01topresent.htm

ASEM@10: Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe
Date: September 7-8, 2006
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF); Finland Ministry for Foreign Affairs; International Institute for Asian Studies; European Institute of Asian Studies; Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
This conference gathered 60 representatives from NGOs, the business sector, academia, media, youth organizations, and research institutes to review the state of Asia-Europe relations with a focus on civil society partnerships and business links. It was the second of a series of informal civil society consultations organized by ASEF and its partners (the last one was held in Barcelona in June 2004).
ASEM@10 was an integral side-event to the ASEM6 Summit and featured plenary sessions and two workshops seeking to generate civil society input into the ASEM agenda on specific topics where policymakers, the business sector, and the rest of civil society have a common stake. The outcomes of the workshop discussions were reported at a concluding plenary, which was open to ASEM officials and participants of the ASEF Editors' Roundtable.
For information, see: http://www.asef.org/index.php?option=com_project&task=view&id=678

4th International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP): Peace and Prosperity in Asia
Date: September 7-10, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); Hanns Seidel Foundation; Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
ICAPP was established by like-minded parties in Asia, led by the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democratic Party of the Philippines, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, which recognized the importance of sustained dialogue among political leaders to meet the common challenges the region faces in the 21st century. The objectives of ICAPP are to promote exchanges and cooperation between political parties from different Asian countries and with various ideologies, to enhance mutual understanding and trust among Asian countries, and to promote Asia's regional cooperation through political parties. Discussions focused on such themes as regional security and political stability, poverty reduction and good governance, and building an Asian community.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/month-9/year-2006/index.html

1st ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development
Date: September 8-9, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; International Council on Social Welfare, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region (ICSW SEAP); Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; funding from Japanese Government
This groundbreaking GO-NGO Forum between ASEAN officials and NGO representatives aimed to establish a permanent ASEAN GO-NGO mechanism on social policy and practice. Prior to the forum, ICSW held a one-day preparation meeting with all members from the SEAP region to define objectives and identify key issues. This was followed by a two-day ASEAN GO-NGO Forum where participants agreed on a series of recommendations for ASEAN GO-NGO engagement and cooperation in dealing with poverty, human trafficking, drug prevention, and migration.
For information, see: http://www.icsw.org/publication/rnl.htm#seap

5th Japan-ASEAN Dialogue: Prospect for Japan-ASEAN Strategic Partnership after the 1st East Asia Summit
Date: September 8, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Global Forum of Japan (GFJ); Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR); ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS); support from Japan/ASEAN Exchange Projects; in cooperation with Yomiuri Shimbun; ASEAN Promotion Centre on Trade, Investment and Tourism; Council on East Asian Community (CEAC)
The dialogue, with 138 participants, examined three themes: (1) the state of the East Asian Community concept and ASEAN integration; (2) strengthening economic partnership for consolidating ASEAN; and 3) promoting nontraditional security cooperation. Participants recommended that Japan further support ASEAN on natural and human resource issues, economic policy capacity building, and infrastructure development to help narrow disparities in the region. They also noted that Japan and ASEAN should strive to overcome any gaps in perception concerning such issues as economic partnership and security cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.gfj.jp/jpn/dialogue/22/main.pdf
http://www.ceac.jp/e/e-exchange.html

3rd Session of the Committee on Managing Globalization (Part 1)
Date: September 12-14, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
UNESCAP's Committee on Managing Globalization is tasked with addressing issues within the focused subprogram areas of (a) international trade and investment, (b) transport infrastructure and facilitation of tourism, (c) environment and sustainable development, and (d) information, communications, and space technology.
The committee began its third session by examining a crosscutting issue for managing globalization related to trade and transport: promoting dry ports as a means of sharing the benefits of globalization with inland locations. The meeting looked at a series of trade and investment issues, including ways to enhance trade and investment integration of UNESCAP developing members and associate members, and at transport and tourism issues, such as sustainable development of tourism.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/cmg/2006/CMG3-I/index.asp

1st Berlin Conference on Asian Security: Security Regionalism in the Asia-Pacific
Date: September 13-15, 2006
Location: Berlin, Germany
Organizers/Sponsors: German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP); German Federal Ministry of Defence; Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta
This was the inaugural meeting of the "Berlin Group" Conference on Asian Security. Participants from Europe, the United States, and Asia gathered to discuss the Five Power Defense Arrangements, US maritime security initiatives, regional maritime security initiatives, the Six-Party Talks on the North Korean nuclear issue, comparisons of various Track 1 and 2 dialogues (e.g., the Shangri-la Dialogue, NEACD, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ASEAN, ARF, ASEAN+3, East Asian Summit), and the potential European role in the region.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/research.htm
http://www.swp-berlin.org/de/common/get_document.php?asset_id=4510

EU-Asia Relations: Perspectives of Political and Security Policy in a Global Context
Date: September 14, 2006
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Brussels; European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Security Strategy stresses the importance of an effective multilateral system and acknowledges the role of regional organizations to strengthen global governance. In recent years, the need for intraregional and interregional cooperation has become more and more evident. With that in mind, a workshop (followed by a public forum) was held to promote discussion among researchers from Asia and Europe, as well as representatives of the EU institutions, on the extent to which the concept of multiregionalism operates in the context of EU-Asian affairs and how this relationship can contribute to achieving European security objectives. Following on the 6th ASEM Summit in Helsinki, the meeting focused on the question of the growing interrelationship between regionalism and security questions in EU-Asian relations.
For information, see: http://www.asia-alliance.org/?q=taxonomy/term/11

China's Rise: Global Perspectives
Date: September 15-16, 2006
Location: Hong Kong, China
Organizers/Sponsors: University of Hong Kong, Centre of Asian Studies; Tsinghua University; Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)
Since 1999, Hong Kong University has organized a series of conferences and seminars on China's domestic development, as well as on China's role in the world, to encourage dialogue and scholarship on key topics. This conference represents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of China's rise on different regions throughout the world. About 20 outstanding speakers from different fields spoke on China's rise as seen from Russia, India, Latin America, and the West, as well as from East Asia and Southeast Asia.
For information, see: http://www.hku.hk/cas/Event/15Sep2006.html

2nd Trilateral Forum: China as a Global Player
Date: September 16-17, 2006
Location: Shanghai, China
Organizers/Sponsors: National Intelligence Council (USA); School of Advanced International and Area Studies, East China Normal University; Centre for China Policy Analysis; Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva; Institute for International Strategic Studies, London (IISS)
This forum brought together Asian and Western policymakers and experts to provide a platform of open dialogue about the role of China in the world, how China is seen as a global actor by the foreign policy establishments of great powers, and how China as an international player deals with great powers. Panels focused on great power relations in Asia; nonproliferation (with reference to Iran and North Korea); bilateral ties (China-EU, China-US, and China-Japan); and China and the broader world, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
For information, see: http://hei.unige.ch/news/files/CCPAForum.pdf
http://www.ifri.org/files/centre_asie/TrilateralForumShanghaiAgenda.pdf

Meeting on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore: Enhancing Safety, Security and Environmental Protection
Date: September 18, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: International Maritime Organization (IMO); government of Malaysia; in cooperation with the governments of Indonesia and Singapore
The Meeting on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore was attended by delegations from the three littoral states (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) and 28 other states, as well as by observers from ASEAN and nine NGOs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss recent developments relating to the safety, security, and environmental protection of the straits, with the aim of developing mechanisms and programs to facilitate cooperation in keeping the straits safe and open to international shipping. One-third of the world's trade and half of the world's oil supply are carried through the straits by some 60,000 vessels each year.
The meeting adopted the Kuala Lumpur Statement, in which participants agreed to support a proposed cooperative mechanism on safety of navigation and environmental protection in the straits. They also agreed to support continuous efforts to promote dialogue and facilitate close cooperation between the littoral states, user states, the shipping industry, and other stakeholders.
For information, see: http://www.imo.org/About/mainframe.asp?topic_id=1320&doc_id=7007

Transnational Islamist Movements in Asia: Networks, Structure, and Threat Assessment
Date: September 19-20, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research; Hudson Institute, Center for Eurasian Policy
An international conference was held on transnational Islamist movements in Asia. Prominent Islamic scholars, counterterrorism experts, and regional security specialists from Australia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Spain, and the United States participated in the meeting. The key objective was to evaluate the evolving terrorist threat in Asia and to understand how global political and religious issues are transforming traditionally localized conflicts in many parts of the region. In this respect, the influence of events in the Middle East and developments within the global Muslim community on local Asian terrorist groups was explored. The conference covered three key issues: (1) the history of Islam and conflicts in the Asia Pacific region; (2) the evolution and the dynamics of transnational terrorist movements in Asia; and (3) the impact of transnational terrorist movements on the conflicts in countries in the region, such as India, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/trans%20Islamist%20Movemt.pdf

WTO/UNESCAP/ARTNeT Advanced Regional Seminar on Multilateral Negotiations in Services for Asian and Pacific Economies
Date: September 19-21, 2006
Location: Kolkata, India
Organizers/Sponsors: World Trade Organization (WTO), UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network (ARTNeT)
The objective of this meeting was to review recent developments and emerging agreements in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations on services, to deepen participants' understanding of issues of particular relevance to the negotiations, and to assess implications of trade liberalization in selected service sectors important for the region. Presentations covered such issues as banking and insurance liberalization in Malaysia, financial integration in ASEAN and the lessons from the EU, and the services trade in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/activity2.asp
http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/negoservice.asp

China-ASEAN High-Level Seminar
Date: September 23-24, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: China Foreign Affairs University
The High-Level Seminar on China-ASEAN Relations was one of the key events held to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue partnership. Participants included government officials and experts from China, the 10 ASEAN member countries, and the ASEAN Secretariat. Following an opening session, three discussion panels were held on the topics of "Achievements in the Development of China-ASEAN Partnership," "Major Issues in Furthering China-ASEAN Partnership," and "China-ASEAN Partnership: Prospect, Goals and Roadmap."
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/research.htm

Risks and Responsibilities: Male Sexual Health and HIV in Asia and the Pacific International Consultation
Date: September 23-26, 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Organizers/Sponsors: National AIDS Control Organization of India; Government of India
The main objectives of this consultation were (1) to generate and share knowledge on epidemiological, technical, social, policy, rights, and resources issues relevant to male-to-male sexual behaviors and HIV in Asia Pacific; (2) to identify obstacles and challenges that impede the design and implementation of specific HIV programs and services for men who have sex with men (MSM); and (3) to inform the formulation of strategies for improving and scaling up of strategic HIV prevention, treatment, care and support interventions, and services specifically for this target group.
The theme of the consultation, "Risks & Responsibilities," signifies the increased risks that MSM face through sexual practices and cultural vulnerabilities, and the risks of not addressing these with adequate, appropriate, and sufficiently funded HIV prevention, treatment, and support interventions. This also flags the responsibilities of men for protecting themselves and their partners, and the responsibilities of governments, donors, and other stakeholders in ensuring resources and environments that enable quality HIV programs and services for prevention, treatment, care, and support.
For information, see: http://www.risksandresponsibilities.org/displaymore.asp?itemid=534&chkey=141&subchkey=0&chname=Welcome%20to%20Delhi%20from%20NACO

6th Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: September 24-26, 2006
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 6th meeting of the EPG on the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19247.pdf

10th PIIC Seminar on International Security
Date: September 24-29, 2006
Location: Xiamen, China
Organizers/Sponsors: China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR); Beijing Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics; International School on Disarmament and Research on Conflicts (Italy)
The 10th PIIC Seminar on International Security was held in Xiamen, Fujian Province. More than 100 scholars from 20-odd countries, including China, the United States, European countries, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and India, were present at the workshop. Panels examined key issues in international security, with particular emphasis on South and Northeast Asia. Topics included "Strategic Cooperation, Security, and Stability in the New Era," "WMD Proliferation and Mechanisms to Curb It," "Regional Stability and Nuclear Energy Cooperation," "Nuclear Weapons: Security Keeper or Destroyer," "Nuclear Weapons: Where to Go Further," "Can We Still Have A Stable and Peaceful Outer Space?" and "Counter-Terrorism: A Century's Challenge."
For information, see: http://www.cicir.ac.cn/en/info/detail.php?strCode=en_communion&lngID=363

Brainstorming on ASEAN Charter
Date: September 25-29, 2006
Location: Brussels, Belgium; and Berlin, Germany
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); ASEAN Institutes for Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS)
KAS has worked to support initiatives in developing a charter for the ASEAN Community, funding two brainstorming sessions of the ASEAN-ISIS network in Singapore and Ubud. ASEAN-ISIS was invited to make recommendations concerning the ASEAN Charter to the Eminent Persons Group. KAS also brought together ASEAN-ISIS leaders from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines with their European counterparts in Berlin and Brussels to facilitate a sharing of their experiences.
For information, see: http://www.kas-asia.org/Conferences.htm#24mar2006

IDSS-Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies Conference: Security Cooperation and Governance in Southeast Asia-Responding to Terrorism, Insurgency, and Separatist Violence in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines
Date: September 26-28, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS); Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS)
Nearly 90 experts from Asia, the United States, Europe, and Russia gathered for a three-day conference on security cooperation and governance in Southeast Asia. The conference was an effort to extend the collaboration between the two organizing institutions, which share common objectives and functions, as well as to investigate an issue of great importance to Asia and the United States. In addressing terrorism, insurgency, and separatist violence in three different countries, participants sought to achieve a comprehensive assessment of the current status and prospects for the resolution of these three types of security threats facing contemporary Southeast Asia, to explore the relationships and dynamics linking the three threats without introducing too much synergy where it is not appropriate, and to identify regional needs in addressing the security threats.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/SecurityCorp&GovNew.pdf
http://www.apcss.org/graphics/graphics_conferences.htm

The Opportunity and Challenge in Economic Interactive Cooperation of East Asia
Date: September 26, 2006
Location: Shanghai, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of World Economy, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS); Shanghai Small Business (Trade Development) Service Centre; Research Centre for Foreign Investment, SASS
More than 30 Chinese and foreign experts, scholars, and businesspeople attended this seminar, which addressed various dimensions of issues of common concern, such as problems in regional economic cooperation in East Asia and China's role; opportunities and challenges in economic interaction among the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao due to regional economic integration; problems and solutions in the Sino-Korean economic partnership, in the Sino-ASEAN economic partnership, and in the Sino-Japanese economic partnership; and Shanghai's enterprises investing in East Asian countries.
For information, see: http://english.sass.org.cn/newsevents/?newstype=0053006A007C0078004A007B006A007300790078&newsid=00380035003A

Symposium on a Free Trade Agreement among China, Japan, and Korea
Date: September 29, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Development Research Center; National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA); Korea Institute for International Economic Policy
Researchers involved in an ongoing project met to examine a possible free trade agreement among China, Japan, and Korea (a "CJKFTA"). Following an assessment of the macroeconomic impact of a CJKFTA and a survey of businesses in 2003, the three institutes conducted sector studies covering the agriculture, automobile, electronics, fisheries, textile, and steel sectors, and sections of the service sector in 2004 and 2005. Continuing their study of a CJKFTA in 2006, the institutes decided to extend the previous sector studies to cover a broader area of the service sector. They also decided to examine other important issues, including rules of origin (ROOs) and sensitive sectors in the existing FTAs concluded by China, Japan, and Korea. The final report presented a general perspective on regional trade agreements in Northeast Asia, the major findings of the joint study for 2006, as well as conclusions and policy recommendations.
For information, see: http://www.nira.go.jp/newse/paper/joint6/houko_E.pdf
http://www.nira.go.jp/pubj/newsletter/nn10.html

October

1st ARF Seminar on Energy Security
Date: October 5-6, 2006
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
This was the first seminar within the ARF focused on energy security, and the meeting was attended by representatives of the ASEAN secretariat and ARF member countries. The mix of participants from different backgrounds-including outside experts and industry representatives-provided the variety of experience needed to address energy security issues. Participants recognized that energy security has become a priority for many governments, and that the factors driving these high prices-strong demand growth from emerging economies, limited spare production capacity, inadequate refining capacity worldwide, supply disruptions caused by natural disasters, concerns with terrorism, political instability in regions with concentrations of oil and gas, and concerns about future hydrocarbon availability-will remain for the foreseeable future. Participants shared the view that governments should take a holistic approach to enhancing energy security in an increasingly interdependent world. There was recognition that this interdependence also opened opportunities for greater regional and international cooperation on difficult energy issues. Security of transit routes by land or by sea as a key aspect of energy security also received broad recognition.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/PublicLibrary/ARFChairmansStatementsandReports/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Workshop on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Control and Eradication in ASEAN
Date: October 9-11, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Secretariat; Asian Development Bank (ADB); World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
The ASEAN Secretariat held a workshop on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) control and eradication. The ASEAN Secretariat is one of the partners for the implementation of the ADB Regional Project on Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza, which was launched in March 2006. Participating as resource speakers were regional representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization.
One major output of the workshop was the development of a Model Outbreak Response System, a system of harmonized operational procedures and regional policies on capacity, resource, and information sharing and networking. The system is expected to be a reference point for countries to develop their country-specific systems. The workshop hopes to address the gaps within the HPAI surveillance and information system and diagnosis in line with the Regional Framework for the Control and Eradication of HPAI in ASEAN. Two more workshops for ASEAN countries will be organized.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2006/HPAI-Control/default.asp

Regional Cooperation: Experience in Europe and Practice in East Asia
Date: October 10-11, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS)
Participants discussed various models of international cooperation, such as bilateral trade agreements versus free trade areas or multilateral cooperation. Other issues for debate were the building of a regional identity across geographical borders, the necessity of a "master plan" for regionalization, as well as the importance of the process as a peer process. The sessions focused on (1) progress and challenges to East Asian cooperation; (2) East Asian economic integration; (3) conflict prevention and conflict solution in the region; (4) ASEAN and Chinese views of East Asia cooperation; (5) the process of European integration; (6) East Asian regional cooperation and lessons from Europe; (7) the consequences of China's economic development for East Asian cooperation; and (8) the overall prospects for East Asian cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.eias.org/resources/BEIJING%20Conference%20Agenda_Regional%20Cooperation-2.pdf http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/37/2/year-2006/month-10/veranstaltung_id-22331/index.html

3rd Session of the Committee on Managing Globalization (Part 2)
Date: October 10-12, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
The UNESCAP Committee on Managing Globalization continued its third session by examining such issues as technology for sustainable economic growth in the face of rising oil and natural resource prices; information, communication, and space technology issues; issues related to environment and sustainable development; and planning and evaluation for the committee's continued work. The group also considered draft resolutions and decisions for submission to UNESCAP's 63rd session.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/cmg/2006/CMG3-I/index.asp

Capacity Building for New International Architecture in Trade and Investment
Date: October 12-13, 2006
Location: Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute for International Studies and Training (IIST); jointly hosted by University of Hawaii; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
This workshop was held as part of the APEC Human Resources Development Project, which aims to promote understanding of the new international architecture in trade and investment, such as FTAs and RTAs. During the two-day workshop, country papers from 12 experts were presented, addressing the distinctive situations of FTA/RTA negotiations in the authors' economies. In Session 1 of the workshop, experts from ASEAN, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States explained policies and current economic conditions in their countries concerning trade and investment agreements. In Session 2, discussions were held on major issues relating to FTAs/RTAs, such as problems concerning consistency with the WTO, dispute settlement systems, rules of origin, and the potential for forming an East Asian Community. In Session 3, opinions were exchanged on the future direction of the new international architecture in trade and investment.
For information, see: http://www.iist.or.jp/e/contents/hrd/cb-hawaii-e.html

2nd Conference of East Asian Institutes Forum: East Asian Economic Integration-Progress and Impediments
Date: October 13-14, 2006
Location: Jeju Island, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)
Representatives from economic research institutes in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as from the ADB, joined for a one-and-a-half day meeting on East Asian economic integration. Sessions examined the prospects for and impediments to an East Asia FTA, developments in financial cooperation in the region, regional economic integration and development cooperation, and the roles of East Asian institutes in regional economic integration.
For information, see: http://www.kiep.go.kr/kiepNews/seminar_out_view.asp?num=74669

18th Hokkaido Conference for North Pacific Issues: Issues of Framework Building for Regional Cooperation in the North Pacific-Focusing on the Relationship between Russia and Nations in Asia
Date: October 18-19, 2006
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: North Pacific Region Advanced Research Center (NORPAC)
Participants from Russia, China, Korea, the United States, Canada, and Japan gathered to discuss issues related to the North Pacific and particularly Russia's relations with the region. Sessions focused on Russia's role in Asia, its relations with China and Korea, its energy development, and its ties to Japan.
For information, see: http://www.norpac.or.jp/main2/18conf/18conf.htm

Dialogue on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia
Date: October 19, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA); Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia; Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysia
Some 20 representatives of regional civil society organizations from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand met in Singapore to discuss critical issues surrounding the current haze pollution that is affecting countries in Southeast Asia. The meeting responded to growing concern among Indonesia's neighbors with what is seen as inaction on the part of the Indonesian government. It was also an attempt to identify and recommend key actions that regional NGOs can take, while also urging their home governments to effectively implement existing commitments.
In light of the challenges Indonesia has faced recently-e.g., terrorism, natural disasters, tensions in Aceh, and avian flu-participants recognized that Indonesia alone does not have the resources required to solve this issue. In addition to greater regional cooperation, participants called for more information sharing with and among regional NGOs and local communities, an updated study on the socioeconomic impact of the haze, and greater inter-NGO and NGO-government dialogue.
For information, see: http://www.siiaonline.org/news_brief_17_oct_2006_-_regional_civic_institutions_to_dialogue_on_transboundary_haze_pollution _in_southeast_asia

Education Forum for Asia 2006
Date: October 20-22, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Education Forum for Asia; Boao Forum for Asia; China Scholarship Council
The Education Forum of Asia was created to promote more relevant, dynamic, and higher quality education in Asia. It seeks to improve access to basic education, and to assist populations in adjusting to the rapidly changing work environment. At the 2006 forum, education professionals and policymakers from across the region gathered to focus on such topics as education on environmental protection, science and innovation, vocational education, arts education, student exchange, and high school bilingual education.
For information, see: http://www.asia-edu.org/

4th CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Multilateral Security Cooperation in North Pacific/Northeast Asia
Date: October 23-24, 2006
Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The fourth and final meeting of this CSCAP Study Group was hosted by CSCAP USA and was attended by 25 experts, including representatives from eight CSCAP member committees (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and the United States). Given the context of the October 9 North Korean nuclear test, the majority of the discussion focused on that situation.
One objective of this meeting was to draft recommendations on how to promote multilateral security cooperation in Northeast Asia, which were to be submitted to the CSCAP Steering Committee in December 2006. There was disagreement within the group, however, over the substance and wording of those recommendations, most of which were proposals for responding to North Korea. Although there had been talk of continuing the study group, in light of the escalation of regional tensions, participants believed that regional security cooperation remained a distant prospect and that CSCAP's energies should be devoted to other projects, including one specifically dedicated to the North Korean nuclear crisis.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/css/docs/CSCAP_Reports_Contributions/2006/MSF%204th%20Mtg%20Report%20TOW.pdf

Health without Borders Regional Project Workshop
Date: October 25-27, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); funded by government of the Netherlands
This workshop was organized under the UNESCAP project "Health without Borders: Improving Health and Reducing HIV/AIDS Vulnerability among Long-Distance Road Transport Workers through a Multisectoral Approach." The project aimed to improve the health of long-distance road transport workers traveling along Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) road transport corridors selected under the project. The goals were to share the outcomes of the project among project partners; present project outcomes to a wider range of stakeholders; and produce concrete policy recommendations regarding the health issues of truck drivers in the GMS.
Participants listened to analyses of the situation in Lao PDR and Vietnam and then discussed issues related to the themes of working conditions (e.g., cross-border mobility, absence from home, company practices, and health services), collaborating across borders, and integration of health concerns into transport services and policy. The meeting produced a set of recommendations (available online) that will inform the second phase of the project.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esid/hds/projects/healthwithoutborders/files/HwB%20Workshop%20report.pdf

14th Osaka City University (OCU) International Academic Symposium on Asian Regional Integration by Learning from Europe and the Euro: The Possibilities of the East Asian Community
Date: October 27-29, 2006
Location: Osaka, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Graduate School of Economics, Osaka City University; Delegation of the European Commission to Japan; Organizing Committee of International Symposium for Asian Regional Integration by Learning from Europe; Council on East Asian Community (CEAC)
The decision in the 1980s that the European single market required a single currency led to the successful launch of the euro in 1999. Euro notes and coins were launched in 2002. The euro today is part of the daily lives of 310 million Europeans from 12 EU member states, representing about one-sixth of the world GDP and one-fifth of world trade. Macroeconomic stability was among the main achievements of the euro. However, the euro's impact has extended beyond the euro area, becoming the second most important international currency, for example in the international debt market.
Following on from two earlier symposiums on the euro (held in Tokyo in 2001 and 2004), this symposium looked at what the European experience can offer to Asian countries as they consider the future of an East Asian Community.
For information, see: http://www.econ.osaka-cu.ac.jp/ocuis2006/e/index.html

Democracy and Human Security in Southeast Asia
Date: October 27-28, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS), Chulalongkorn University; Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
Leading regional experts gathered to help ISIS commemorate its 25th anniversary by participating in a conference on democracy and human security in Southeast Asia. Papers examined the current progress in and obstacles to democracy and human security in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as taking broader looks at such themes as "co-governance and human security" and "democracy and change in developing nations."
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-10/veranstaltung_id-21431/index.html

The Role of China and Japan in Asia's Integration Process: More than Economic Partners?
Date: October 30-31, 2006
Location: Shanghai, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS); Japanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB); Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
A symposium on "The Role of China and Japan in Asia's Integration Process-Beyond Economic Partners?" was held, focusing on five topics: (1) the challenge and results of the "Kuala Lumpur process"; (2) how Asia can achieve economic integration; (3) the function of civil society in Asia's integration process; (4) how to achieve peace and development in Asia; and (5) the construction of East Asia communities.
For information, see: http://english.sass.org.cn/newsevents/?newstype=0053006A007C0078004A007B006A007300790078&newsid=003800360035

8th Europe-East Asia Think Tank Dialogue: Strengthening Regional and Inter-regional Cooperation in Responding to Rising Extremism and Resurging Nationalism
Date: October 30-November 4, 2006
Location: Berlin, Germany
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); co-organized by the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies and the European Institute of Asian Studies
This dialogue is an annual event jointly organized by KAS and selected East Asian think tanks to promote intellectual exchange and research collaboration between Track 2 representatives from East Asian and EU countries. This year's dialogue focused on regional and inter-regional cooperation in response to extremism and nationalism. Topics for discussion included recent political developments in East Asia and the EU; the regional economic outlooks in Europe, East Asia, and the United States; institution building through the EU Constitution and the ASEAN Charter; regional approaches to the rise of Islamic extremism; interregional cooperation beyond ASEM 10; and future prospects for EU-East Asian cooperation. In addition, participants met with members of the German Bundestag, foreign ministry officials, and business representatives, and they joined in a roundtable at the Center for Applied Policy Research in Munich.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-11/veranstaltung_id-22284/index.html

WTO/ESCAP/MOFCOM Workshop: The Post-Doha Research Agenda for Developing Countries
Date: October 30-31, 2006
Location: Macao, China
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Trade and Investment Division; World Trade Organization (WTO); Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM)
The main objective of this conference was to assess the current state of the art in trade-related research and compare it with the needs of developing and the least developed countries, especially in the UNESCAP region. The first session examined multilateral governance of global trade and sustainable development and the future of the WTO system. The next session looked at the clash between regionalism and multilateralism in the Asian context. The third session focused on service trade liberalization as a development opportunity. The fourth session asked whether the concept of making trade work for poverty reduction is a reality or a fantasy. Session five looked at nontariff barriers and whether the WTO can find a solution.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/postdoha.asp

FES/WTO Asia Regional Dialogue: WTO at Crossroads?-Experiences and Expectations around the Doha Agenda
Date: October 30-31, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES); World Trade Organization (WTO)
Is the WTO Doha Development Round dead or only temporarily stalled? Will the multilateral trade negotiations be salvaged or will bilateral and regional free trade agreements become the trade tools of the future? How did the Doha Round get into its current deadlock and what could and should be done to revive the negotiations? These were some of the main questions raised during a two-day regional dialogue entitled "WTO at Crossroads?-Experiences and Expectations around the Doha Agenda." The dialogue brought together representatives of the WTO secretariat and different stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region, including representatives of civil society organizations and international organizations, academics, officials, and businesspeople.
For information, see: http://www.fesspore.org/templates/fes/pdf/home/WTO%20Report.pdf

November

3rd ARTNeT Consultative Meeting of Policy Makers and Research Institutions
Date: November 1-2, 2006
Location: Macao, China
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Trade and Investment Division
The objective of this meeting was to report the ARTNeT research findings to policymakers and to approve the ARTNeT research program for 2006-2007. Participants discussed presentations on the ARTNeT thematic study on trade facilitation, selected ARTNeT short-term studies, the ARTNeT regional study on services trade, online and analytical tools for trade policymakers, and the demands of policymakers for trade-related research.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/mtg/consult3.asp

2nd Working Group Meeting on Energy Planning and Policy
Date: November 1-2, 2006
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Korea Energy Economics Institute
In November 2005, an Intergovernmental Collaborative Mechanism on Energy Cooperation in Northeast Asia was established to facilitate energy cooperation and trade to enhance energy security in Northeast Asia. Under this mechanism, a Working Group on Energy Planning and Cooperation (WG-EPP) was established to identify possible future energy cooperation activities. This was the second meeting of the WG-EPP, following on the inaugural meeting held in May 2006. Subsequently, work had begun on four country reports. The objective of the second meeting of the WG-EPP was to assess the progress of those activities as well as to identify matters or issues that need the attention and consideration of the Senior Officials Committee on Energy Cooperation in Northeast Asia at its second session, to be held in December 2006. The second WG-EPP meeting was attended by representatives and experts from China, Mongolia, South Korea, and Russia. Representatives from the US government attended as observers.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esd/energy/dialogue/cooperation/epp1/index.asp

Seminar on the New Strategic Triangle between China, Europe, and the United States in a Changing International System
Date: November 2-3, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICR); Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); Atlantic Council of the United States; European Policy Centre
An international seminar on "The New Strategic Triangle: China, Europe and the United States in a Changing International System" was attended by more than 50 experts and scholars from the United States, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, as well as by Chinese government officials and researchers.
For information, see: http://www.cicir.ac.cn/en/info/detail.php?strCode=en_communion&lngID=409

10th Regional Consultative Meeting on Good Urban Governance
Date: November 2, 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
Good urban governance is an important area of work for UNESCAP. Good governance has become a core concept in most strategies implemented by the UN and its partner organizations, and it has been identified as critical for the success of poverty reduction efforts. Recently, the scope of the Regional Consultative Meeting has been broadened to cover not only good urban governance but also other issues related to urban poverty and human settlements. The meeting was open to any organization working on urban governance issues in Asia Pacific and aimed to provide updates on current and future regional activities and to find mechanisms for complementing or reinforcing each other's work. Representatives from 11 organizations attended the meeting, where they discussed the preparations for the 4th World Urban Forum (WUF4), to be held in China in 2008. They also discussed the preparation of the State of Asian Cities Report, which will be presented at WUF4.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/pdd/calendar/rcmgg/good-govern.asp

Asian Energy Security Workshop 2006
Date: November 5-7, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Nautilus Institute; Energy and Environmental Technology Center (EETC), Tsinghua University
Held as part of the Asian Energy Security (AES) Project, this workshop was attended by participants from all of the Northeast Asian nations, as well as from Australia and the United States. The workshop emphasized collaborative research on different paths to address energy security issues in Northeast Asia. The AES workshop started with updates from participants on the overall energy policy and security situations in their countries, as well as on their work in modeling different energy futures for their country using a common software tool (LEAP) that all groups have been working with. The second day focused on modeling of nuclear energy paths, where applicable, and on plans for future collaborative work and dissemination of project results.
The AES workshop shared a one-day "Scenarios" event with Nautilus's East Asia Science and Security Collaborative Project. This small-group exercise explored the theme "Will the global nuclear energy partnership reduce WMD proliferation in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030?"
For information, see: http://www.nautilus.org/energy/2006/beijingworkshop/index.html

International Conference on Sustainable Growth in the Asia Pacific Region
Date: November 6-7, 2006
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kyoto University
About 30 experts from Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Vietnam, the ASEAN Secretariat, ADB, IMF, and the World Bank exchanged views on possible ways to develop an information-sharing mechanism to address new issues that are rapidly emerging in this era of globalization. Conference participants agreed that to effectively address challenges for the sustainable growth of the Asia Pacific region it is necessary to continuously monitor and analyze the real economic, social, and environmental trends in an accurate and speedy manner. The participants agreed to cooperate in building an Economic Information-Sharing Mechanism of the Asia-Pacific (EiSMAP), an Internet-based information-sharing network that will provide basic economic and sustainability-related data. They will also cooperate to promote policy research related to newly emerging issues.
For information, see: http://www-gs.kogaku.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ermap/documents/seimei.pdf

1st Joint Asian Security Dialogue Roundtable: East Asia after the North Korean Nuclear Test
Date: November 9, 2006
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Organizers/Sponsors: Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI); French Institute of International Relations (ifri)
Experts from China, France, Japan, and the United States participated in a roundtable on the implications for East Asia in the aftermath of the North Korean nuclear test.
For information, see: http://www.ifri.org/frontDispatcher/ifri/manifestations/interventions___l_ext_rieur_1042052171194/publi_P_manif_asie_geneve_116289447539

AsianBio 2006: 3rd Asian Biotechnology Conference-Biotechnology Opportunities for Developing Countries
Date: November 9-10, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS); Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines; Philippine Government; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics; National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines; Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development
The expansion of the biotechnology industry in the Asian region during the last decade has raised many possibilities that have attracted the interest of many sectors of society. In order to create a venue to discuss biotechnology as an engine of economic growth and development, RIS of India decided to organize an annual Asian Conference on Biotechnology and Development. It is intended to be a venue where major stakeholders-government, academia, farmers, business, media, and the international community-can converge, discuss issues, and establish linkages.
The conference theme for 2006 was "Biotechnology Opportunities for Developing Countries." Participants presented updates on the current status and progress of modern biotechnology; shared experiences in the fields of biotech policy, regulatory development, intellectual property rights and bioethics, and biocommercialization; identified niches in biotechnology where developing countries can play an active role; and explored collaboration in specific areas.
For information, see: http://www.ris.org.in/

Seminar on Strengthening Nuclear Security in Asian Countries
Date: November 9, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
About 100 participants from 19 countries gathered for the seminar. The chairman's conclusions reported that the seminar participants recognized (1) that a threat to nuclear security exists; (2) that strengthening nuclear security is given high priority as an integral part of nuclear energy development; (3) that the international community should respond to threats through international legal instruments such as the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism; (4) that international cooperation is needed to prevent terrorist acts; and (5) that a further meeting should be convened in two years' time to review the improvement of nuclear security.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2006/11/1110-3.html

US-China-Japan Trilateral Conference
Date: November 10-11, 2006
Location: Virginia, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies (CNAPS), Brookings Institution; Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Keizai Koho Center; Peking University
Scholars from the United States, China, and Japan convened at the Airlie Center in Virginia for the third in a series of unofficial trilateral meetings. The American scholars first proposed these meetings in response to the alarming deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations in the spring of 2005, and their initiative was enthusiastically endorsed by scholars from China and Japan, who hosted the first two such conferences (in July 2005 and May 2006 respectively).
The three delegations discussed strategic views and approaches of their respective countries in the region and addressed numerous issues, including the sources of friction between China and Japan; attitudes toward the history of the last century; Chinese and Japanese public views toward each other; Iraq, Iran, and the greater Middle East; regional security issues; development of regional institutions; energy; the recent US elections; and economic cooperation. Delegates expressed only their personal opinions, but all three groups briefed officials in their respective governments following the meeting.
For information, see: http://www.brook.edu/fp/china/events/20061110.htm

1st Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Forum
Date: November 10-12, 2006
Organizers/Sponsors:
ASEAN; Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Korea Foundation; Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS) The 1st Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Forum was held at CSIS in Jakarta, Indonesia. About 50 distinguished representatives from the legislative, business, media, cultural, and academic sectors from Korea and ASEAN exchanged ideas on various subjects. Topics included evaluation of and prospects for the region's overall environment, overview of Korea-ASEAN cooperation and major tasks, and strengthening cooperation in East Asia.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/research.htm
http://www.kf.or.kr:8080/eng/notice/photoView.jsp?boardIdx=79

Kyoto Culture Symposium 2006
Date: November 10, 2006
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Boao Forum for Asia; Japan Foundation
Globalization, which enables an ever-widening flow of information, money, and people, has been drastically changing our lives. While longing for the end of conflicts and for more regional integration, many people also hope to preserve their own culture. How can Asia, a region of diverse peoples and cultures, construct common values while nurturing their individual cultures? The Japan Foundation jointly organized an open symposium, "Globalization and Asian Values," with the Boao Forum for Asia to explore Asian cultural identity. Sessions examined the themes of globalization and culture, and the roles of culture for East Asian community building.
For information, see: http://www.boaoforum.com/2006wenhua/rc-en.asp

Expert Group Meeting on the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement and Regional Economic Cooperation
Date: November 12, 2006
Location: Kolkata, India
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Trade and Investment Division
The objective of this meeting was to discuss and explore the long-term strategy of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), previously known as the Bangkok Agreement. Signed in 1975, the APTA is the oldest preferential trade agreement among developing countries of the Asia Pacific region. Participants discussed the results of the third round of negotiations (the results of which were implemented as of September 1, 2006) and benefits for prospective APTA member countries; issues related to rules of origin, with specific reference to the APTA; and perspectives from potential APTA members, including interventions by potential APTA members on their respective trade policies and country positions on APTA. A roundtable discussion was also held on regionalism vs. multilateralism and the role of APTA.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/aptarec.asp

Re-thinking European Integration and East Asia Cooperation
Date: November 13-14, 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF); China Foreign Affairs University; China National Association for International Studies (CNAIS)
To facilitate the understanding of the rapidly changing situations in both Europe and Asia and to reassess European integration and East Asia cooperation, this conference highlighted the latest developments in both regions. The conference brought together around 50 experts from Asia and Europe from the academe, media, and research institutes, as well as officials from foreign ministries, EU institutions, and Asian regional organizations. The meeting aimed to enhance links among experts on regionalization processes from the 39 ASEM member countries and to increase understanding, trust, and sharing of experiences and methodology.
Issues discussed at the conference included the 2005 East Asian Summit and the rapid development of East Asian cooperation; EU enlargement, its subsequent implications, the increasing importance of European integration, and parallels with East Asian Community building in Asia; ASEM enlargement; and functional cooperation in economic, security, and education matters.
For information, see: http://www.asef.org/index.php?option=com_project&task=view&id=681

Forum on After Beijing: Gender Issues in Southeast Asia-Have Women Moved Up, Moved On, or Moved Out?
Date: November 13-14, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS); Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
This forum discussed gender issue developments since the UN's 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women. Organized in partnership with ISEAS, the forum looked at women's leadership and decision-making roles in ASEAN politics and society. It also examined the implications for women with regard to religion and government policies. Presentations topics included Asian women and politics-what action beyond Beijing?; envisioning women within the ASEAN community of caring societies; decision making and political leadership; women and religion; gender-sensitive policies; and women at work-employment opportunities and family life.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-11/veranstaltung_id-23086/index.html

13th Asia Pacific Security Seminar: Military in Transition and Asia-Pacific Security
Date: November 14-20, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)
The 13th Asia-Pacific Security Seminar addressed the theme of "Military in Transition and Asia-Pacific Security." Participants came from 22 countries in the region. A keynote speech, entitled "Promotion of Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region," shed light on changing roles of the military in the new security environment. Participants then addressed three issues: emerging new threats and their implications for national defense policy; international peace operations; and addressing diversity through leadership, organization, and management.
In meeting these new challenges, the participants agreed on the need for continued efforts to promote security dialogue among the Asia Pacific countries. The results of the seminar were reported at the next ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meeting of the Heads of Defense Universities, Colleges, and Institutions.
For information, see: http://www.nids.go.jp/english/index.html

The Future Institutional Architecture of Asia
Date: November 15-17, 2006
Location: St. Michaels, Maryland, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Stanley Foundation
Roughly 30 participants from Australia, China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States gathered to discuss how to build an open and inclusive regional architecture for Asia. Participants included scholars, journalists, and government officials.
The discussions addressed such questions as, How have views regarding regional multilateralism evolved in the postwar era? Will regional mechanisms and institutions become arenas for competition or cooperation? What drives the debate about regionalism? What are the differing perspectives on the East Asia Community and on the US role in regional institutions?
For information, see: http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1233/

JEF-AEI Meeting
Date: November 16-17, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Japan Economic Foundation (JEF); American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
Twenty-four experts from the United States, Japan, and China gathered for the annual JEF-AEI Meeting. Sessions focused on the economic outlook of Japan and the United States; Japan and US trade relations in the context of Asian regional integration; the political outlook in Japan and the United States; Japanese, Chinese, and US joint security issues; economic and financial policies of China, Japan, and the United States; and China in the global economy.
For information, see: http://www.jef.or.jp/en_act/act_jef_aei.asp#

Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit: Shaping an Asia-Pacific Century-Challenges and Choices
Date: November 17-19, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Society; Sejong Institute
A new generation of leaders representing a broad range of disciplines and 23 countries from across the Asia Pacific region and the United States gathered for the Asia Society's 1st Annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit. This delegation of young leaders (under 40) examined the role of values-based leadership and developed innovative, shared approaches to address global challenges and the region's most pressing issues. The summit featured breakout sessions, panel discussions, performances, and a live blog, all of which addressed vital issues related to economic development, poverty eradication, universal education, conflict resolution, HIV/AIDS and public health crises, environmental degradation, and human rights.
For information, see: http://www.asiasociety.org/programs/Asia21/press.html
http://www.iias.nl/portal/index.php?q=asia_society_asia_21_young_leaders_summit_shaping_an _asia_pacific_century_challenges_and_choices

Pursuing Security in a Dynamic Northeast Asia
Date:November 17-18, 2006
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)
This conference was held to recognize the contributions of Dr. Kenneth Pyle, one of America's foremost experts on Northeast Asia. The meeting was intended to provide a substantive component to the gala events honoring the dedication of the Kenneth B. and Anne H.H. Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies at NBR. Through discussion among senior policymakers and leading Asia scholars, the conference sought to identify and analyze the long-term issues that affect the future security architecture and ultimately the stability of Northeast Asia.
For information, see: http://nbr.org/programs/northeast/PyleCenter/index.htm

China, India, and the United States: Competition for Energy Resources
Date: November 19-21, 2006
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Organizers/Sponsors: Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research
The Annual Energy Conference of the Center for Strategic Studies of the UAE focused this year on competition for energy resources among China, India, and the United States. More than 100 scholars from China, India, Japan, the United States, and Middle East countries participated in the conference. Participants discussed the relationship between demand outlook and supply potential looking ahead to 2030; China's economic growth and energy security; India's economic development and energy agenda; the US energy strategy; relations between Gulf producers and emerging consumers; Gulf producers' policies; the energy race between China and India, its causes, and potential opportunities for cooperation; energy alliances in the ASEAN+3 region; the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Asia-USA triangle of strategic relations; and an assessment of competition from major non-GCC producers, including Iran, Russia, and Venezuela.
For information, see: http://www.cicir.ac.cn/en/info/detail.php?strCode=en_communion&lngID=409
http://www.ecssr.ac.ae/CDA/en/Activities/ActivitiesListEventMoreInfo/0,1717,2662,00.htm

Regional Seminar on Strengthening the Capacity of National Machineries for Gender Equality to Shape Migration Policies and Protect Migrant Women
Date: November 22-24, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Gender and Development Section
The Gender and Development Section of UNESCAP organized a regional seminar as a follow-up to the High-Level Dialogue of the UN General Assembly that took place on September 14-15, 2006. The meeting explored ways in which national machineries and mechanisms for the advancement of women and gender equality can better influence migration-related policy and law making and address concerns of migrant women. Topics for discussion at the seminar included the social and economic impact of migration; the impact on children left behind as well as those accompanying a parent; brides as migrants; the impact of conflict-related migration on national development in post-conflict peace building and its gender dimensions; displacement due to disasters, environmental degradation, and development projects; protecting women migrants' rights and health; and strategies for addressing migration-related issues at national, regional, and international levels. Participants included academic experts and representatives of national machineries for gender equality, international organizations, and NGOs.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esid/GAD/Events/RegSem22-24Nov06/index.asp

4th East Asia Forum (EAF)
Date: November 22, 2006
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: Council on East Asian Community (CEAC)
The East Asia Forum (EAF) is an international organization established based on proposals in the reports of the East Asia Vision Group and the East Asia Study Group. The Korean government took the initiative and held the 1st EAF in 2003. The EAF assembles business, academia, and government representatives at the Track 1.5 (semigovernmental) level from ASEAN+3 countries and seeks to provide a knowledge base for regional integration in East Asia. The theme of the 4th EAF was "East Asia Integration, Towards Building East Asia Community: Challenges and Prospects." Roughly 100 participants attended, and they were split into three groups for discussions. The first group, formed by government officials, examined "Common Goals and Future Direction of East Asia"; the academic group dealt with the theme "Ways to Integrate to Build the East Asia Community"; and the business group deliberated on the theme "The Role of Business Circles in East Asia Economic Integration."
For information, see: http://www.ceac.jp/e/e-exchange_eaf.html
http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/bulletindetail.php?contentid=2110

APISA International Workshop on Human Security in Asia: Socio-economic Challenges and Policy Options
Date: November 23-24, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA)
Human security is a dimension of international security that has gained increasing importance in international discourse on the subject of what constitutes "security." This APISA workshop examined and assessed the phenomenon of human security and how it is evolving under pressures of "globalization" and "glocalization"-i.e., local reactions, responses, and adaptations to global processes with a view to defending core values and identities. Participants discussed whether state responses have been adequate in protecting and enhancing human security; whether there should be a greater role for civil society in safe-guarding human security in Asia; how international humanitarian law can assist in sensitizing nations and regimes to this critical dimension of human development; and what the key problems, challenges, and policy options are for the 21st century for Northeast Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
For information, see: http://www.apisanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=54

Building an East Asian Security Community: Challenges and Opportunities
Date: November 24-25, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: University of the Philippines
This conference identified and mapped the current interstate security issues and examined the prospects for security cooperation in various areas among ASEAN+3 countries in order to draw out implications for building an East Asian Community. Fourteen respected security experts from Asia Pacific made presentations at the meeting. The panels focused on the following topics: conceptualization of security communities for East Asia; comparing security perspectives and strategic cultures in East Asia; the impact of great power relations on security community building; exploring security cooperation on traditional and nontraditional security concerns; and the prospective role of external actors in East Asian security cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.up.edu.ph:16080/~ac/landa.htm

International Conference on Recycling Economy and Sustainable Development
Date: November 24-25, 2006
Location: Shenzhen, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Boao Forum for Asia; Shenzhen Municipal Government
More than 400 officials, entrepreneurs, and scholars from China, the United States, Britain, Japan, and South Korea attended this conference, which sought to learn from successful experiences in recycling and conservation in order to promote the sustainable development of developing Asian countries. The conference participants discussed policy and development trends affecting recycling efforts, as well as research and development in the area of new sources of renewable and clean energy.
For information, see: http://www.boaoforum.com/xhjj/rc-en.asp

7th Trilateral Commission Pacific Asia Regional Meeting
Date: November 25-27, 2006
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Trilateral Commission; Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
The Trilateral Commission, founded in 1973, is a nongovernmental forum of leading private citizens from Europe, North America, and Pacific Asia that aims to promote mutual understanding and closer cooperation on common problems facing these three major democratic, industrialized regions of the world. The commission, which operates through three regional secretariats, coordinates task forces on a variety of pressing issues in international affairs. It meets in regional groups as well as in an annual three-day plenary to discuss these studies and to share perspectives on common political, economic, and foreign policy challenges. JCIE serves as the Pacific Asia secretariat.
The Pacific Asia Regional Meeting was held in Bali, where more than 30 participants gathered to discuss such topics as security challenges in East Asia, including the North Korean situation; regional energy security; the implications of new leadership for Japan's foreign policy direction; and the geopolitical implications of the re-emergence of China, Russia, and India.
For information, see: http://www.trilateral.org/PAGP/REGMTGS/06bali.htm

WTO at the Crossroads: The Challenges Ahead
Date: November 25-26, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); Asian WTO Research Network; supported by Institute for International Studies and Training (IIST); Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University; Eastern Asia University; International Institute for Trade and Development; Thailand Research Fund; Stockholm Environment Institute
An international symposium entitled "WTO at the Crossroads: The Challenges Ahead" and an APEC workshop were held over a two-day period. Opinions were exchanged with experts from different sectors at the meeting, which constituted the final phase of APEC's Human Resources Development project aiming to promote understanding of the new international architectures in trade and investment, such as FTAs and RTAs. The symposium was divided into five sessions on WTO-related issues such as sustainable development, trade in services, the current status of RTAs, and the new international architecture in trade and investment. Discussions also focused on the feasibility of an APEC-wide FTA and the possible implications for the WTO.
IIST also held a workshop after the symposium, where experts examined and discussed the final report of IIST's APEC project, which had been conducted since 2005.
For information, see: http://www.iist.or.jp/e/contents/hrd/cb-bangkok-e.html

5th Asian Public Intellectuals Workshop: Are We Up to the Challenge? Current Crises and the Asian Intellectual Community
Date: November 26-30, 2006
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Nippon Foundation
As Asia moves into the 21st century, it faces political, economic, and social challenges that transcend national boundaries. To meet these challenges, the region needs a new pool of intellectuals who are willing to be active in the public sphere and can articulate common concerns and propose creative solutions. In response, the Nippon Foundation, in cooperation with major academic institutions in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, initiated the Nippon Foundation Fellowships for Asian Public Intellectuals (API Fellowship Program). Each year, the fellows gather to share their projects and engage in active discussions.
This year's sessions focused on human rights, ecological destruction and modern resource management, young and old in the modern world, human learning in the contemporary world, bridging tradition and modernity, art in a borderless world, identity and self-determination, self-perception in a changing Southeast Asia, and culture and national pride.
For information, see: http://www.api-fellowships.org/body/archives.php

2006 International Energy Conference for Sustainable Asia
Date: November 26-29, 2006
Location: Selangor, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: World Federation of Engineering Organizations
Participants from throughout Asia gathered to discuss energy demand and supply outlooks in Asia, long-term energy technology outlooks, and the potential for new and renewable energy.
For information, see: http://www.wfeo.org/documents/download/2006_IEC_FINAL_Programme.pdf

12th APAP Forum: Development of Trilateral Cooperation among East Asia, North America, and Europe in Global Governance-Prospects and Challenges
Date: November 27-28, 2006
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
The Asia Pacific Agenda Project (APAP) has been a centerpiece of JCIE's Global ThinkNet program since 1996. With funding from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JCIE has organized a multinational consortium of policy research organizations and academic institutions that sponsor joint policy research projects and hold workshops, seminars, and an annual forum to discuss their research findings. The 12th APAP Forum focused on the development of trilateral cooperation among East Asia, North America, and Europe in global governance. Participants from each region gathered to assess the level of regional cooperation in East Asia and ways in which interregional relations with Europe and North America can be strengthened. Panels were organized to explore how regional community building can contribute to better governance, what is needed to advance regional community building, the global impact of regionalism, and ways of ensuring that community building can help enhance Asia's contributions to the international community.
For information, see: http://www.jcie.or.jp/thinknet/apap/

CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Asia Pacific
Date: November 27-29, 2006
Location: Danang, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
In 2004, the Pacific Forum and USCSCAP took the lead in developing the CSCAP WMD Study Group as a vehicle for raising regional consciousness on important issues related to WMD proliferation. Its primary focus is the creation of an Asia Pacific Handbook and Action Plan to Prevent WMD Proliferation. In biannual meetings, the WMD Study Group is also examining regional attitudes toward the Proliferation Security Initiative and other counter-proliferation efforts and regimes, the prospects for the Six-Party Talks and potential means for facilitating the Korean Peninsula denuclearization process, regional threat perceptions and security outlooks, missile proliferation, and ballistic missile defense. Two meetings were held in 2006, in Singapore in March and in Vietnam in November.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.org/new.htm

Expert Group Meeting on Localizing the Millennium Development Goals through Community-Based Monitoring Systems
Date: November 28, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
UNESCAP, in collaboration with the IDRC, organized an Expert Group Meeting on Localizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through Community-Based Monitoring Systems, which was held in conjunction with the Committee on Poverty Reduction. The meeting brought together prominent experts in this area to discuss the Community-Based Monitoring System as a tool to assess the achievement of the MDGs at the local level and informal sector. The topic of this meeting was related to the agenda items of the Committee on Poverty Reduction, in particular, poverty and the informal sector.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/pdd/calendar/EGM_CBMS/index.asp

7th Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: November 28-29, 2006
Location: Brunei, Darussalam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Following six meetings and extensive consultations with ASEAN heads of state, economic and finance ministers, and civil society organizations, the EPG was expected to iron out the remaining issues at this Brunei meeting and finalize its final report and recommendations, which were to be presented to the ASEAN leaders at the ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, Philippines the following month. Once approved by the leaders, a high-level group of ASEAN experts was to be designated to prepare the ASEAN Charter along the lines and direction set forth in the EPG report.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19247.pdf

Committee on Poverty Reduction 3rd Session
Date: November 29-December 1, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
At the 3rd Session of the Committee on Poverty Reduction, members discussed poverty and the informal sector, statistical challenges in assessing the achievement of the MDGs and other internationally agreed development goals, strengthening national statistical capacity by promoting the 2010 round of population and housing censuses, and future committee program plans and evaluation. The committee considered draft resolutions and decisions for submission to UNESCAP at its 63rd session.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/pdd/CPR/CPR2006/index.asp

14th Conference of the East and Southeast Asia Network for Better Local Governments
Date: November 29-December 1, 2006
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: East and Southeast Asia Network for Better Local Governments; Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
The primary objective of the East and Southeast Asia Network for Better Local Governments (ESEA) is the promotion of innovations in local government management. The network also seeks to actively engage in the promotion of best practices through continued information exchange and replication mechanisms among network member countries. This 14th meeting of the network included the participation of local administration experts and representatives of ESEA. The theme for the meeting was "Decentralization in the Asia Pacific."
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/month-12/year-2006/index.html
http://www.logodef.org/esea.htm

4th Conference of Asian Constitutional Court Judges: Constitutional Jurisdiction between State, Culture, and Religion-Striking the Right Balance
Date: November 29-30, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); hosted by Supreme Court of the Philippines
On the initiative of the KAS, the first conference of Asian Constitutional Court Judges was held in Jakarta in September 2003, followed by meetings in Bangkok (2004) and Ulaanbaatar (2005). The 2006 conference was hosted by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and focused on the balance between different constitutional guarantees. Religious and other cultural influences on the interpretation of those constitutional rights are of special concern. Session themes included "Conflict of Interests between Different Basic Rights," "Balancing Different Constitutional Values," "Recent Developments and Important Decisions in Constitutional Matters in Asia," and "Perspectives for an Asian Conference of Constitutional Courts."
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-11/veranstaltung_id-23373/index.html

Conference on South Asia-East Asia Economic Cooperation and Pan-Asian Integration
Date: November 29-30, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB); Singapore Centre for Applied and Policy Economics, National University of Singapore (NUS); Institute of South Asian Studies, NUS; Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS); Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
The first day of this conference focused on the presentation of studies conducted by the ADB on South Asia-East Asia cooperation and potential cooperation in select sectors. The second day's program was organized by RIS and ISEAS and was devoted to issues in broader economic integration and the agenda of the East Asia Summit. The first session on "Approaches for Pan-Asian Economic Integration" had presentations on the relevance of and approaches for a broader Asian community; Japanese perspectives on a comprehensive economic partnership in East Asia; and ASEAN's role in fostering pan-Asian economic integration. It was followed by a panel discussion on regional economic cooperation in Asia and an agenda for the East Asia Summit. The conference had the participation of a large number of policymakers, businesspeople, and academics based in Singapore and other Asian countries.
For information, see: http://www.ris.org.in/
http://www.ris.org.in/diary_january2007.pdf

Strengthening Health Systems for Economic Growth and Achieving MDGs in the Asian and Pacific Region: Expert Group Meeting
Date: November 30-December 1, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
The meeting involved detailed discussions among experts in the fields of health economics, health financing, and health systems reform concerning the draft of a technical background paper on the health MDGs. The paper had been prepared by UNESCAP in collaboration with ADB and UNDP. Also discussed was the draft of a document on "Development of Health Systems in the Context of Economic Growth to Achieve MDGs in Asia and the Pacific" for the UNESCAP 63rd Commission Session.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esid/hds/index.asp

Asia-Europe Environment Forum: Combine or Combust-Cooperating on Chemicals and Hazardous Substances Management
Date: November 30-December 1, 2006
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Environment Forum; Hanns Seidel Foundation; Institute for Global Environmental Strategies; UN Environment Programme (UNEP); Swedish Environmental Secretariat for Asia
Approximately 50 high-level participants and speakers representing all 38 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries from the research/academia, civil society, industry, and government sectors involved in various aspects of the management of chemicals and hazardous substances participated in this two-day meeting. Participants considered the following questions: What has been done by Asian and European governments with respect to the management of chemicals? How are they incorporating the chemicals portfolio into their current policies? How can Asian and European governments build on their experiences in the management of chemicals prior to the adoption of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management to forge further cooperation and narrow the capacity gap between the two regions? What kind of overall practical framework can Asia and Europe work together to create in the management of chemicals and hazardous substances?
For information, see: http://env.asef.org/Roundtables_ChemicalsandHazardousSubstancesManagement_Introduction.htm

Asia-Pacific Conference: East Asian Free Trade Area (EAFTA) and its Basic Framework
Date: November 30-December 1, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Japan Economic Foundation (JEF); Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
This was the fifth meeting of a discussion initiated by the Japan Economic Foundation on the EAFTA. The symposium was quite relevant in light of developments in East Asia cooperation over the preceding 12 months, including FTA agreements between Japan and Malaysia and between Japan and the Philippines. An FTA between Japan and Indonesia had been signed in principle the week before the meeting.
The key question for the meeting participants applied to ASEAN's role as driver of the EAFTA: Will these bilateral FTAs or EPAs enhance or impede the process toward an EAFTA? Sessions focused on the recent FTA movements in the East Asian region and future prospects toward the EAFTA, Japan's proposal for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA), and an analysis of the options-an East Asian Community or the EAFTA.
For information, see: http://www.jef.or.jp/en_act/act_asia.asp

2nd East Asian Symposium on Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Date: November 30-December 1, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Korean Environmental Economics Association; Ecology Research Center of Dongguk University; Chinese Society for Environmental Economics; Japanese Society of Environmental Economics and Policy Studies; Taiwan Agricultural and Resource Economics Association (TAREA)
The symposium's goals were to (1) facilitate academic cooperation in environmental and natural resource economics in East Asia; (2) discuss and exchange academic experiences and practices on sustainable development in East Asia; (3) promote research cooperation in environmental and natural resource economics in East Asia; and (4) discuss the practical procedures of establishing the East Asia Association of Environmental Economics.
The meeting consisted of two plenary sessions-one focusing on rethinking sustainable development in East Asia and the other on environmental economics in East Asia-and about 12 parallel sessions on such issues as energy and environmental economics, population and sustainability, megacities and pollution, higher education and sustainability, water management, and the theory behind environmental taxes.
For information, see: http://www.keea.org/

United States Asia Pacific Council 4th Annual Washington Conference: Fundamental Change in Asia and United States Response
Date: November 30, 2006
Location: Washington DC, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: United States Asia Pacific Council (USAPC)
The USAPC held its 4th Annual Washington Conference. A group of distinguished academics, legislators, diplomats, and policy commentators provided insights into how the Asia Pacific's changing security dynamics, political relations, and trade and investment patterns will challenge US policy toward the region in the years ahead. Analysts also considered the implications of the 2006 mid-term Congressional elections on US relations with the region.
For information, see: http://www.usapc.org/
http://www.usapc.org/Resource-Blog/newsletterJan07.pdf

December

Forum on New Politics amidst Rising Expectations in Southeast Asia
Date: December 1, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS); Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
How are Southeast Asians, as peoples and as governments, reacting to a world that increasingly demands politicians to be more open, to better explain policies, and to face critical public opinion? How will these and other changes impact governance in the region? Distinguished speakers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand presented their views at this seminar on "The New Politics amidst Rising Expectations in Southeast Asia."
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-12/veranstaltung_id-23326/index.html

4th East Asia Congress: East Asian Community Building-Strategic Issues, Critical Imperatives
Date: December 3-5, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia
The East Asia Congress is aimed at crystallizing the concept of an emerging East Asian community of peace, prosperity, and progress by providing a platform for dialogue among high government officials, business leaders, scholars, and the media. It is part celebration, part mobilization, and dedicated to formulating initiatives for the future. The 2006 congress focused on "strategic issues and critical imperatives" related to community building. Session topics focused on increasing East Asian political cohesiveness, enhancing East Asian economic integration, and closing the East Asian development gap.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/events.htm#events_fourth
http://www.isis.org.my/html/eaec/eaec_pubs.htm#eaecpub_congress4

Addressing Poverty: Pro-Poor Growth and Financial Inclusion in Asia Pacific
Date: December 4-6, 2006
Location: Canberra, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Development Studies Network, Australian National University (ANU); Foundation for Development Cooperation; support from ANZ Bank, World Bank, International Centre of Excellence in Asia-Pacific Studies (ANU), UNU-WIDER, Overseas Development Institute (ODI), AusAID, NZAID, and the National Museum of Australia
This international colloquium reviewed new understandings of pro-poor economic growth, community-based economies, and the role of the private sector in contributing to policies and practices that will support the move out of poverty in the Asia Pacific region. Special focus was placed on pro-poor economic models for the Pacific. The colloquium brought together 50 key international researchers working in pro-poor growth-economists, anthropologists, community leaders, development workers, and policymakers from governmental and nongovernmental organizations, UN and regional agencies, and universities.
As an associated event, ODI presented a workshop to provide researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from the region with an opportunity to learn the latest theory and practical methods for bridging research and policy with a focus on effective economic policy for improving the livelihoods of the very poor.
For information, see: http://www.crawford.anu.edu.au/pdf/events/development_studies.pdf

Workshop on ASEAN-Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) Regional Capacity Building in Disaster Response and Preparedness
Date: December 4-8, 2006
Location: Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) eCentre; ASEAN
The UNHCR eCentre, in cooperation with the Disaster Management Committee of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hosted this workshop, which was the initial activity of the three-year ASEAN-Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) Regional Capacity Building Programme. The program seeks to enhance the capacities of ASEAN member countries in disaster risk reduction and disaster response and preparedness.
Participants included senior officials representing all 10 ASEAN countries, the UN, and civil society who are involved in training policies; training planning and programs in disaster response and preparedness; and disaster response policies, programs, and planning responsibilities. The workshop included short presentations on existing capacity-building programs in participants' countries, allowing for comparison of current practices, identification of gaps, and prioritization of steps toward improving and harmonizing regional capacity-building efforts.
For information, see: http://www.the-ecentre.net/news/training/index.cfm?fuseaction=view&id=175&type=previous

NEAT Working Group Meeting on an East Asian Cooperation Framework for Migrant Labour
Date: December 6-7, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of East Asian Think Tanks (NEAT); Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia
The focus of this one-and-a-half day meeting was on three areas: (1) protection of the rights and fair treatment of migrant workers, (2) control and abatement of unsanctioned migration, and (3) provisions for the orderly repatriation of irregular migrants. All 13 NEAT members are represented in the working group.
For information, see: http://www.isis.org.my/events.htm#events_fourth http://www.ceac.jp/e/pdf/neat_05wg05.pdf

East Asian Economic Integration and US-Japan Relations
Date: December 6, 2006
Location: Washington DC, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Asia Society
East Asian economic integration has progressed significantly as companies have diversified production to take advantage of the region's growth. This process continues to be paralleled by and extended through formal trade negotiations centered on ASEAN. Though there appears to be strong support among states to form a free trade area within the region, there is a lack of consensus on both the substantive scope and geographical boundaries for the area. Additionally, there seem to be divergent approaches on how to go about institutionalizing such an architecture, particularly between Japan and China.
This one-day conference examined the implications of East Asian economic integration, with a particular focus on the potential impact on the United States, Japan, and their bilateral relationship. Speakers also examined the prospects for an East Asian FTA, and presenters offered perspectives from China, Southeast Asia, the United States, and Japan.
For information, see: http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1155/

India and China Rising: Issues and Impact on the Global Economy
Date: December 6-7, 2006
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Tokyo Club Foundation for Global Studies
Roughly 30 experts from government, research institutions, and the private sector gathered to consider the impact of the emergence of India and China as economic powers. Sessions looked at India's past and future growth, financial sector reforms and their probable impact, and challenges for developing India's infrastructure. Participants also considered how China might achieve the goals of the 11th five-year plan through reforms, what strategies China should adopt for financing its future development, and the future of China's high-tech industry. Finally, they examined the impact of the two countries on the global economy.
For information, see: http://www.tcf.or.jp/seminars/2006/20061206-07.html

2006 ASEAN Business & Investment Seminar
Date: December 7-11, 2006
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC)
The 4th ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN-BIS) was held on the theme of "One Vision, One Identify, One Community," with the sub-theme of "One Caring and Sharing Community-Bringing ASEAN Business to the World." The ASEAN-Business & Investment Summit has been held annually since 2003 and is the ASEAN Business Advisory Council's (ASEAN-BAC) premier platform for private sector feedback and interaction with the region's political leaders to facilitate the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community. ASEAN-BIS brings together private and public sector organizations, government representatives, and captains of industry from within and outside ASEAN for dialogue and networking.
For information, see: http://www.asean-bac.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=34

3rd CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Regional Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Date: December 8-9, 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The CSCAP Study Group on Regional Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding convened its third and final meeting. Study group members shared a range of national perspectives on issues they felt demanded greater attention at the global, regional, national, and civil society levels. The group identified four such issues and proposed tentative solutions for further consideration: (1) coordination between the region and the United Nations; (2) a greater role for regional organizations; (3) development of a peacebuilding and reconstruction program within the ASEAN Secretariat; and (4) training inconsistencies and lack of communication among the region's national peacekeeping facilities. Participants discussed such specific issues as the ASEAN monitoring mission in Aceh, and defining exit strategies.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html

5th ASEAN People's Assembly (APA): Towards an ASEAN Community of Caring Societies-The Role of the People in ASEAN Community Building
Date: December 8-10, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)
The 5th APA brought together representatives from various civil society groups and think tanks and key policymakers in Southeast Asia and other regions that have an interest in promoting people-oriented development in the process of ASEAN community building. Focused on the theme "Towards an ASEAN Community of Caring Societies-The Role of the People in ASEAN Community Building," plenary sessions focused on terrorism in Southeast Asia, challenges and future directions for ASEAN, and linking ASEAN leaders with the people. Fifteen panel discussions examined such themes as press and media freedom in Southeast Asia; peace and social conflicts in Southeast Asia; human rights mechanism in Southeast Asia; toward effective observance of the rule of law; environment and energy security in Southeast Asia; human development, health, and poverty in Southeast Asia; and culture and arts in ASEAN.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/year-2006/month-12/veranstaltung_id-20997/index.html

Strengthening Asian Economic and Financial Integration
Date: December 8, 2006
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Organizers/Sponsors: Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER); Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)
This meeting brought together presenters from Japan and Taiwan to discuss ways of strengthening Asian economic and financial integration. The first session examined the trade and investment relationship among Japan, China, and Taiwan, while the second session focused on prospects for an Asian currency unit.
For information, see: http://www.rieti.go.jp/en/events/06120801/info.html

2006 East-West Center Association International Conference: Building an Asia Pacific Community for Sustainable Development
Date: December 8-10, 2006
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: East-West Center Association (EWCA); Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations
More than 500 East-West Center alumni from 36 countries attended the EWC/EWCA International Conference on "Building an Asia Pacific Community for Sustainable Develop-ment." The conference included more than 40 panel discussions ranging from air pollution to Vietnamese-US relations and to infectious diseases.
For information, see: http://www.eastwestcenter.org/alumni/ewca-conferences/past-conferences/international/2006-hanoi-vietnam/

ASEAN Civil Society Conference (ACSC) 2006
Date: December 10-12, 2006
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Solidarity for Asian People's Advocacy (SAPA)
This three-day conference gathered together more than 300 participants from countries in the ASEAN region and from elsewhere in Asia Pacific, Australia, Europe, Africa, and South America. They came from various civil society groups to discuss issues confronting civil society in the context of ASEAN. The conference served as a platform for tackling the implications and dilemmas of regional integration and was the culmination of a series of national civil society consultations initiated by the SAPA working group.
The event, organized by the SAPA Working Group on ASEAN, examined the theme "Creating a Caring and Sharing Community-Enhancing People's Participation in Governance and Development." In addition to panels on the democracy deficit in Southeast Asia and on the ASEAN Charter and the shaping of ASEAN regionalism, participants finalized a statement to be presented to the ASEAN leadership.
For information, see: http://www.mfasia.org/mfaStatements/2ndACSCprogram.pdf

Workshop on Interdependent Koreas: Engagement for Peace in Bilateral, Regional, and Global Contexts
Date: December 11-12, 2006
Location: Hiroshima, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Hiroshima Peace Institute
This was the first workshop for participants in a research project involving Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, and American scholars who are examining how inter-Korean relations have progressed and what requisites should be met for sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula. With the expansion of South Korea's engagement with the North through trade, investment, and humanitarian aid, North Korea has become more reliant on South Korea in economic affairs. The actors who are involved in this process of engagement are not limited to the two governments but extend to business groups and NGOs. With North Korea's nuclear test, however, inter-Korean relations became increasingly complicated. This project aims at appraising whether or not the original goal of South Korea's engagement policy-i.e., "buying peace"-has been achieved and what the requisites are for the achievement of this goal.
For information, see: http://serv.peace.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp/English/

Shaping the Future: Prospects for Asia's Long-Term Development over the Next Two Decades
Date: December 11-22, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
This conference brought together economists from international agencies and research organizations in Asia and elsewhere to discuss Asia's prospects in the next two decades, focusing on the issues of trade, integration, and major development challenges. Sessions focused on the following themes: "Routes for Asia's Trade Integration," "Social Development in the Long Run," "Asia's Commodity Future: Agriculture and Energy," "Catalyzing Growth and Integration," and "Asia's Long-Term Growth and Trade-Country Perspectives."
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/documents/events/2006/shaping-the-future/default.asp

2nd Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum
Date: December 11-12, 2006
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD); Japanese Ministry of the Environment; Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia)
The 1st Regional EST Forum was conducted in Aichi, Japan, in 2005 and resulted in the Aichi Statement. The 2nd Regional EST Forum was held as part of the Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2006 week in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Regional EST Forum is a joint initiative of UNCRD and the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, which provides a strategic/knowledge platform for sharing experiences and disseminating among Asian countries best practices, policy instruments, tools, and technologies in relation to various aspects of EST. The Regional EST Forum is comprised of (1) high-level government representatives and (2) a subsidiary expert group of international experts in various thematic areas related to EST. Participating countries include the members of ASEAN and Mongolia, China, South Korea, and Japan. The experts of the forum provide strategic guidance to the participating countries in the relevant EST areas, including the formulation of national EST strategies.
For information, see: http://www.cleanairnet.org/caiasia/1412/article-70544.html

Committee on Emerging Social Issues 3rd Session
Date: December 12-14, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Emerging Social Issues Division, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
The Asia Pacific region faces new and continuing challenges from global and regional development trends that impact deeply on individuals, families, and communities. Many in this region face barriers to equal participation and full enjoyment of the right to development because of gender, age, disability, income, or other factors. Threats to "human security" (e.g., HIV/AIDS and human trafficking), as well as new regional challenges (e.g., aging populations and international migration) have an impact on overall socioeconomic development.
The Committee on Emerging Social Issues is responsible for helping UNESCAP members in designing and implementing effective policies and strategies to promote equal opportunities for the productive participation of all social groups and the overall improvement of the quality of life. This session featured discussions on regional responses to the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development; population and social integration; gender and development; health and development; program planning and evaluation; and draft resolutions for submission to UNESCAP's 63rd session.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esid/committee%202006/index.asp

ITU/UNESCAP Joint Regional Workshop on Disaster Communications
Date: December 12-15, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); International Telecommunication Union (ITU); supported by the Australian Government and Rohde & Schwarz GmbH
This regional workshop was part of ITU and ESCAP's respective efforts to build capacity on preparedness for disaster communications, particularly in those countries that are prone to natural disasters. It aimed to provide guidance on technical, policy, and institutional issues in the develop-ment of networks, systems, and possible regional cooperation in the future for communications to support disaster management. The event focused on improving rapid responses in emergency situations, especially in least developed, developing, and small island developing states in Asia Pacific. Delegates from member states discussed disaster threats, strategies, and initiatives for improved disaster response and considered what assistance is required to improve disaster management in their countries. Speakers included experts from UN agencies, other international organizations, government agencies, civil society, and telecom companies.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2006/dec/g59.asp

2nd Asia-Pacific IDRL Forum: International Disaster Response Laws, Rules and Principles (IDRL)
Date: December 12-14, 2006
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The IDRL program organized the second in a series of regional consultations to be held in 2006 and early 2007 in direct preparation for the 30th international conference. As determined at the 28th international conference, the overall purpose of regional forums is to engage in a consensus-building dialogue with major stakeholders involved in disaster response, allowing stakeholders to have direct input into the recommendations that would be submitted for adoption in 2007. The Asia-Pacific Forum was attended by 120 high-level participants, including representatives from national societies, governments, international organizations, corporations, and NGOs, as well as independent experts. Through panel presentations, plenary discussions, and working group sessions, participants explored the current IDRL frameworks at the international and regional levels and analyzed the main operational challenges identified by the different stakeholders involved in disaster response. Participants reflected upon core principles of IDRL and potential legal follow-up action at the international and national levels.
For information, see: http://www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_appeals.pl?annual06/MAA0000402.pdf

Sentosa Roundtable: No Community Without Contentment-In Search of Pathways to Peace in Asia
Date: December 12-13, 2006
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)
The Sentosa Roundtable is a three-year-long policy dialogue involving prominent academics, activists, and policymakers on regional community and order in Asia. The first of these roundtables was held in December 2006, sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan. An annual forum for exploring new ideas and approaches to the management of peace and security in the region, the roundtable aimed at ascertaining the prospects for, the problems of, and the pathways to security community in Asia. The participants included a group of respected academics and nongovernmental policy experts from the region, former government officials, and Singapore-based analysts. The roundtable concluded that while sources of security have facilitated an emerging sense of community among states in the region, the road to forming a security community in Asia is nonetheless fraught with ample sources of insecurity that could easily breed dissatisfaction and discontentment, possibly leading to competition if not conflict among regional states.
For information, see: http://se1.isn.ch:80/serviceengine/FileContent?serviceID=PublishingHouse&fileid=5C184CB4-A853-6638-BD63-EC5E8AF9721F&lng=en
http://www.idss.edu.sg/publications/conference_reports/SentosaRoundTableReport.pdf

Good Governance in Asia: An Inductive Approach
Date: December 13-14, 2006
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA); supported by Swedish International Development Agency
Governance is a central issue in contemporary public sector management debates. The debate is in part inspired by findings that some countries consistently perform better than others and the answer, it is suggested, lies in the quality of their public institutions. The implication is that developing countries can promote their own development by adopting "right" institutional reforms. However, the case for governance is not incontrovertible. The star economic performers of Asia in the last several years-China, India, and Vietnam-can hardly be said to have followed standard good governance practices and yet they have prospered. The same can be said of the earlier Asian tigers and cubs. It is arguable that the principles of good governance should be inductively rather than deductively derived. The purpose of the workshop was to examine actual case studies in governing institutions in a range of sectors and countries in Asia with the purpose of drawing policy lessons.
For information, see: http://www.apisanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=54

26th CSCAP Steering Committee Meeting
Date: December 13-14, 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific (CSCAP)
CSCAP-New Zealand convened the 26th Steering Committee in Wellington, which included 41 influential and leading thinkers from 18 CSCAP member countries and regional strategic studies think tanks.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html

5th UN-Republic of Korea Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-proliferation Issues: Beyond the Stalemate-Revitalizing Efforts to Curb the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Means of Delivery
Date: December 13-15, 2006
Location: Jeju Island, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations (UN); government of South Korea
Approximately 25 participants from governments, academic and research institutes, and NGOs-mainly from the Asia and the Pacific region-and international organizations attended the 5th UN-ROK Conference on Disarmament and Non-proliferation Issues, participating in their personal capacity. This conference examined the threats and challenges to disarmament and nonproliferation regimes in a global context, including WMD terrorism and how to prevent it, multilateral approaches to sensitive nuclear fuel cycle activities, mechanisms for strengthening export controls, and threats and challenges to disarmament and the nonproliferation regime in the regional context of Northeast Asia.
For information, see: http://disarmament.un.org/rcpd/jeju2006/jeju2006.html

Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2006
Date: December 13-15, 2006
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia); Indonesian Ministry of Environment; Yogyakarta Province; Yogyakarta City
BAQ 2006 drew over 1,000 participants from local and national government agencies, academic institutions, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Discussions were held on general air quality management; reducing emissions from mobile sources; stationary, area sources, and indoor pollution; and the benefits of climate change mitigation and urban air quality management. Workshops were also held on such issues as the health effects of air pollution in Asia; the impact of climate change on agriculture, biodiversity, food security, and water resources; and initiatives and cooperation to combat regional air pollution. As part of this event, a governmental meeting was held, as was a forum on environmentally sustainable transport.
For information, see: http://www.cleanairnet.org/baq2006/1757/channel.html

Prospects for Regional FTA(s) in Northeast Asia
Date: December 14, 2006
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP); Northeast Asian Economic Association of Korea
Korean, Japanese, and Chinese experts gathered to discuss the obstacles and variables entailed in creating regional FTA(s) in Northeast Asia.
For information, see: http://www.kiep.go.kr/eng/seminar_view.asp?num=177305&nowPage=1

CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Facilitating Maritime Cooperation in the Asia Pacific: The Roles of Maritime Security Forces
Date: December 15-16, 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Organizers/Sponsors: Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific (CSCAP)
The first meeting of this newly created CSCAP study group was attended by 25 participants from 15 member CSCAPs and two keynote speakers. The main topic of the meeting was the roles of maritime security forces. The specific objectives were to explore contemporary concepts of maritime security in the Asia Pacific region and the implications for the roles of security forces, the implications of these concepts for regional cooperation, the contributions of maritime security forces to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and possible means for enhancing regional cooperation among maritime security forces.
For information, see: http://www.cscap.ca/archives.html

2nd Roundtable Discussion on Human Rights in ASEAN: Challenges and Opportunities for Human Rights in a Caring and Sharing Community
Date: December 18-19, 2006
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs; Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism
The roundtable was attended by participants representing governments, national human rights institutions, and civil society groups from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, UNESCO, and observers from funding organizations. The roundtable was divided into five sessions covering the following topics: (1) Is ASEAN Making Progress on Human Rights? (2) Efforts to Implement the Human Rights Program Areas of the Vientiane Action Programme; (3) Human Rights and the ASEAN Charter; (4) Networking of National Human Rights Institutions: Efforts to Address Common Human Rights Issues and Concerns; and (5) Plenary Discussion on the Roundtable Conclusions and Recommendations.
For information, see: http://www.aseanhrmech.org/downloads/summary_of_proceedings_final.pdf

APISA Workshop: Strengthening Local Governance Capacity for Disaster Preparedness in Asia
Date: December 19-20, 2006
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA)
Asia led all regions in the number of natural disasters it suffered in 2004, accounting for 38 percent of the total. Over the last 30 years, 50 percent of the death toll from disasters came from Asian countries. The UNDP stressed in a 2005 report that better preparation for natural disasters could save millions of lives. This workshop principally aimed to contribute to the reduction of disaster vulnerabilities by generating a research, education, and policy agenda to strengthen local governance capacity for disaster preparedness in Asia. The panels of the workshop included such topics as examinations of local capacity, environmental governance, and disaster preparedness; community participation and vulnerability assessment; local disaster monitoring, hazard mapping, and early warning systems; gender, decentralization, and disaster management; and harnessing ICT for disaster preparedness and education.
For information, see: http://www.apisanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=54

Communicating Disasters
Date: December 21-22, 2006
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: TVE Asia Pacific; UN Development Programme (UNDP)
This regional meeting targeted media professionals, disaster researchers, managers, and development communication specialists from the main tsunami-affected countries in Asia. The event was held on the eve of the disaster's second anniversary. The meeting was organized by TVE Asia Pacific and UNDP. The objective was to focus on the role of media professionals and their use of ICT before, during, and after a disaster; to share lessons learned among media professionals and key players in disaster risk reduction based on the experience of the tsunami disaster; and to come up with guidelines for engaging the mass media and new media for more effective communication before, during, and after disasters. The discussions, findings, and conclusions of the meeting were expected to be published.
For information, see: http://www.adpc.net/v2007/NEWs/2006/December/Communicating%20Disasters,%2021-22%20Dec,%20Bangkok.asp

International Conference on Developing Vietnam-China "Two Economic Corridors, One Belt" within the ASEAN-China Cooperation Framework
Date: December 22-23, 2006
Location: Hai Phong, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: Centre for ASEAN and China Studies, Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences; Hai Phong People's Committee
The purpose of this conference was to study the role of "two economic corridors, one belt" to develop ASEAN-China cooperation in general and develop Vietnam-China relations in particular. Forty participants from China, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam attended this conference. They agreed that there had been great progress over the 15 years since Vietnam-China relations were normalized and the ASEAN-China dialogue relationship was established. Therefore, establishing "two economic corridors, one belt" was seen as an accurate and useful strategy for strengthening Vietnam-China economic cooperation within the ASEAN-China cooperation framework.
For information, see: http://www.cacs.org.vn/webplus/viewer.asp?pgid=4&aid=162

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