Asia in Dialogue -- How can Asian-European understanding be promoted?

On the initiative of Liz Mohn, vice-chair of the Bertelsmann Stiftung Executive Board, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has been organizing its International Cultural Forum series since 2001. The forums take place in metropolitan regions that are developing rapidly as the result of globalization and thus undergoing a significant amount of cultural change. Following events in Tokyo (2001), Beijing (2004 and 2007), New Delhi (2005) and Hanoi (2008), a focus on Asia has emerged. What has become clear is that Europe must examine the ongoing developments in Asia to determine the impact they will have from a geopolitical, economic and cultural viewpoint. In addition, the series has shown that an unprejudiced and in-depth understanding of Asia is the key to overcoming today’s global challenges. The foundation’s International Cultural Forum series and the accompanying activities carried out as part of the EU-Asia Dialogue thus serve to promote Asian-European understanding.