One of our main activities is organising and hosting Luncheon Briefings on pertinent topics of EU-Asia relations. Beginning with an informal lunch, the Briefings usually last for 1.5 hours, including questions.

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Lucheon Briefing are invited to contact EIAS Direct Dr Willem van der Geest.

Trade Unions – The Missing Link in the ASEM Structure?
31 August, 2006 from 13h00 – 14h30

Speaker: Mr Guy Ryder, Secretary General, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)

This September, Asian and European leaders will gather for the 6th ASEM Summit in Helsinki. Amongst the many topical issues for discussion, leaders will try to address questions relating to the Doha Development Agenda, globalisation, competitiveness and structural changes in the global economy.

Just prior to the Summit, the 1st ASEM Labour and Employment Minister’s Conference will be held in Berlin to the topic of ‘More and Better Jobs – Working Jointly to Strengthen the Social Dimension of Globalisation’. As economic interests between Asia and Europe intensify, can a joint response be formulated commensurate with the goals of economic prosperity and sustainable development for the peoples of both regions?

Increased trade and investment by European and multinational companies and closer interaction with the global economy has had a significant impact on workers in developing and transition countries within Asia.

The international trade union movement has continuously stressed that ASEM leaders’ foremost commitment should be to improve the quality of life of their citizens, which can only be sustained if the working conditions and rights of their people are properly addressed. Indeed, the ICFTU advocates policies that encompass alternative approaches to globalisation and economic affairs that can provide a new, higher-growth and higher-employment path for sustainable development.

Is there a role for the ICFTU and other civil society actors in an Asia-Europe dialogue on development, employment and labour issues?

Set up in 1949, the ICFTU organises and directs campaigns on issues such as the respect and defence of trade union and workers' rights, the eradication of forced and child labour, the promotion of equal rights for working women, the environment, education programmes for trade unionists all over the world and encouraging the organisation of young workers.

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)