About the Asia Economic Forum

The Asia Economic Forum (AEF) is an independent think tank, which was established by the University of Cambodia, in Phnom Penh, in May 2005. AEF acts as a forum for promoting policy dialogue on major issues facing Asia at present and in the future, with the aim of bringing together important policymakers in various fields, as well as leading scholars and researchers, eminent thinkers and educators, and leaders in the private sector, youth and civil society. As a fast-changing region, Asia is a strategic geopolitical and economic continent, which affects not only the countries in this region alone but also the global political, economic, security, and social landscape.

AEF’s main goal is to promote sustainable development, which includes human development, economic progress, and environmental sustainability in Asia at the time of increasing globalization and growing regionalization in the world today. Given its complexity, diversity, geography, and population, Asia—in many ways and dimensions—is an important continent in the world today. Therefore, it is imperative for the Asia Economic Forum to devote its priority to promote Asia, based on the following:

· Acting as a think tank in Asia by providing a much-needed policy forum for dialogue, for consultation and exchange of views and insights, for networking, and for bringing together Asia’s different sectors, institutions, and societies into a shared partnership of cooperation, collaboration, and concerted actions;

· Contributing to the Asian community building processes at different levels, such as the ASEAN Community of three pillars, the East Asian community, and the conceptual notion of an “Asian economic community,” by engaging in constructive dialogue through conferencing and policy research on issues of great relevance to Asia’s sustainable development, regional integration and community building processes as well as in addressing the overall strategic issues and development challenges (development gaps, human resource development, youth, energy security) confronting Asia, both collectively and individually;

· Becoming a dynamic and concerted force of positive change and transformation for Asia’s broader needs and shared interests in a changing world;

· Seeking to promote Asia’s unity, solidarity and collaborative action for peace, security, development and prosperity; and Complementing the existing mechanisms, such as the Boao Forum and others, in addressing a myriad of challenges confronting Asia.