02 July 2025, Singapore – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore and Philippine Governor to the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) Medardo G. Macaraig joined fellow Governors of ASEF members in the 46th Asia-Europe Board of Governors’ Meeting (ASEFBoG46) held in the historic Polish city of Krakow from 26 to 27 June 2025. Joining him was Second Secretary and Consul Jhullie Anne A. Beniahan.

The ASEF Board of Governors holds its annual meeting alternately in Asia and Europe, bringing together high-level representatives from its 51 partner countries, ASEAN and the European Union. It serves as a strategic platform to review ASEF’s overall direction, evaluate ongoing programmes and initiatives, and discuss policy priorities that enhance inter-regional cooperation. It likewise provides a key opportunity to reaffirm partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration between Asia and Europe, especially in the areas of youth engagement, education, culture, sustainable development, and digital innovation.

The ASEFBoG46 was graciously hosted by Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and its discussions were skillfully steered by EU’s Governor to ASEF and Chair of the BoG46, Mr. Ionannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulus, and ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador Beata Stoczynska of Poland.

A common theme during the Board’s discussions was the enduring relevance of the ASEF as a vital platform for soft diplomacy and intercultural dialogue. In the face of intensifying geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and global instability, ASEF’s mission of fostering mutual trust, cooperation, and inclusive partnerships between the two regions has never been more critical.

The meeting concluded with the Board approving a total of 16 projects for ASEF’s implementation in 2026. These projects are strategically designed to deepen people-to-people connections and promote mutual understanding between Asia and Europe through intellectual, cultural, and educational exchanges. It is hoped that through these initiatives, the ASEF will fortify its commitment to promoting multilateralism, sustainable development, and peaceful collaboration across borders.

In the spirit of cultural exchanges, the ASEF delegation also took part in a tour of Krakow’s Wieliczka Salt Mine, which produced table salt from the 13th century until 1996. The study visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site showed how Poland was able to develop a tourism sector that is resilient, culturally enriching, and economically inclusive.

The ASEFBoG46 also coincided with the opening of the 7th Asia-Europe Cultural Festival in Krakow. The Governors had the opportunity to watch the curtain raiser performance “Looking Out and Anchoring Gaze within the Matter of” at the Manggha Museum, a building designed by eminent Japanese architect Arata Isozaki in cooperation with Krakow architects Krzysztof Ingarden, Jacek Ewý, and Jet Atelier.

Founded in 1997, the ASEF is an intergovernmental, not-for-profit organization which brings together the people of Asia and Europe to address common global challenges. It brings together 22 Asian and 31 European members. 

Visit the ASEF website and Facebook page to learn more about its programs and advocacies for the peoples of Asia and Europe. (END).