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Brussels, February 3rd, 2025 On February 1st, a high-level delegation of the Europe-Asia Center , including its Secretary General Yan Rui , its Director for Europe Jonathan Schwestka , and its Senior Cultural Advisor, Abbot of the Shaolin Temple the Venerable Shi Yongxin , had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Francis in the Vatican. During their exchange, Abbot Shi Yongxin and Pope Francis emphasized the vital role of interfaith dialogue  in fostering peace and sustainable development  worldwide. Both leaders expressed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation between religious traditions  as a means of promoting mutual understanding and global harmony. Following the audience with Pope Francis, the delegation was received by His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin , the Vatican’s chief diplomat and a key member of the Council of Cardinal Advisers . Their discussions explored Buddhist-Christian relations , the spiritual significance of meditation in both traditions , and the importance of introspection in an era dominated by social media and artificial intelligence . The delegation also had the privilege of meeting Abba Heilemikael Beraki , Rector of the Pontifical Ethiopian College  and a Capuchin friar . In a warm and insightful exchange, the rector introduced the College’s rich history, and discussions delved into the spiritual and cultural role of music  in both Buddhist and Christian  religious practices. Concluding the visit, the delegation was granted a private tour of the Vatican Gardens , experiencing firsthand the serenity and profound beauty  of the Holy See. This symbolic moment of reflection underscored the enduring power of faith and dialogue  in building bridges across cultures and traditions. The Europe-Asia Center remains committed  to fostering global understanding and collaboration , ensuring that interfaith engagement continues to serve as a cornerstone of international peace and cooperation. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, February 7th, 2025 On February 4th and 5th, a high-level delegation of the Europe-Asia Center , including its Secretary General Yan Rui , its Director for Europe Jonathan Schwestka , and its Senior Cultural Advisor, Abbot of the Shaolin Temple the Venerable Shi Yongxin , proudly participated in the sixth edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. Established in 2019 to mark the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, during which they co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity, the award aims at honouring individuals and entities from all backgrounds and anywhere in the world, who are working to strengthen human connection and impact people’s lives by addressing divisions, building resilient communities, and fostering solidarity. This year’s event welcomed esteemed global leaders, including: H.E. Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO and Senior Advisor to the Europe-Asia Center His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences H.E. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain H.E. Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and Prime Minister of Belgium H.E. Macky Sall, former President of Senegal Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor High-Level Engagements The Europe-Asia Center engaged in several high-level dialogues during the event. Strengthening Cultural Ties The delegation was welcomed by H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi , United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Culture, who emphasized the importance of fostering cultural exchange between the UAE, Europe, and China, as well as the need to preserve cultural and national identity in the age of globalization, social media, and artificial intelligence. Both sides underlined the continued salience of faith and meditation to address current challenges, and agreed to collaborate on UNESCO-related projects concerning tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Additionally, the Minister invited the delegation to a high-level celebration of Islamic arts in Abu Dhabi this December and expressed interest in showcasing Chinese arts, highlighting cultural similarities. Promoting Tolerance and Coexistence The delegation also met with H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan , UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, to discuss ways to reinforce cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Sheikh Nahyan praised the Venerable Shi Yongxin’s efforts in spreading the culture of tolerance through Chan Buddhism, which promotes compassion, love, and respect. Their discussion also covered the history of Muslims in China, the importance of treating all religions with dignity, and the value of in-person meetings in fostering trust and preventing misunderstandings. Enhancing Interfaith Dialogue The Europe-Asia Center further held talks with H.E. Mohamed Abdelsalam , Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, to plan his upcoming visit to China and explore the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in both China and the UAE. Discussions also included the possibility of organizing a side-event on interfaith dialogue at the 2025 China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, Xinjiang, and establishing a Muslim-Buddhist Committee for interfaith cooperation. High-Level Bilateral Meetings The delegation further engaged in key discussions with prominent leaders: H.E. Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO and Senior Advisor to the Europe-Asia Center : A high-level dinner meeting focused on the urgent need for intensified global peace efforts. H.E. Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and Belgian Prime Minister : Talks reaffirmed the crucial role of strong EU-China relations in addressing 21st-century challenges and opportunities. H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor : The Abbot and the President agreed to exchange visits in 2025 and 2026 to further bilateral cooperation. H.E. Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE : Discussions centered on advancing cultural and diplomatic engagement between China, the UAE, and Europe. The Europe-Asia Center’s participation in the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity reinforced its commitment to fostering global cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and high-level cooperation for a more united and tolerant world. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, January 26th, 2025 Between the 20th and the 22nd of January , the Europe-Asia Center has, in partnership with the Shaolin Temple , the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) , the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center , and the World Meditation Foundation , co-hosted the first edition of the Future Fraternity Forum (or " Future World Chan Forum "). Pre-Conference On day 1, participants, including H.E. Siddarth Chatterjee , United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, H.E. Myriam Oehri , Deputy Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the United Nations in New York, and Mr. Ahmed Hamdy , Director for International Partnerships of the Muslim Council of Elders, visited the Shaolin Temple and enjoyed a lecture on Chan culture delivered by Shaolin monks Master Puming and Master Yanli. They further enjoyed a half-hour meditation session and a remarkable Kung Fu performance, before climbing up to Damo Cave where Bodhidharma is said to have meditated for 9 years, before rejoining civilisation and starting to teach a new form of Buddhism called Zen in the end of the 5th century. In the evening, participants participated in a welfare auction moderated by friend of the Europe-Asia Center Ling Feng "Alan", with all funds generated going into the renovation of the Shaolin Temple. The Conference On 21 February, the conference was officially launched, with an opening ceremony encompassing speeches from H.E. Erik Solheim , Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, the Venerable Shi Yongxin , Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, H.E. Siddarth Chatterjee , H.E. Myriam Oehri , and Mr. Ahmed Hamdy . Following the opening ceremony, keynote speakers intervened on two topic areas: First, and on the topic of "The Path of Harmony from the Human Heart to Nature - The Inner Driving Force from Personal, Physical, and Mental Health to Sustainable Development," H.E. Erik Solheim , Zhang Guangbao , Professor at the Department of Philosophy of Peking University, Duan Rui , Doctoral Supervisor of South China Normal University, and Cui Donghong , Chief Scientist of the National Key R&D Precision Medicine Project shared their views and presented their research. On the topic of "Intellect and Consciousness - Artificial Intelligence, Wealth, Art, and Chan," Liu Feng , Distinguished Expert of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Wang Yukun , Director of the Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of Tsinghua University, Cai Zhizhong , world-famous cartoonist, and Sun Chaoyang , President of the World Meditation Foundation, intervened as keynote speakers. The afternoon saw a particularly fascinating presentation from H.E. Ambassador Siddarth Chatterjee , in which he described his personal health journey and emphasised the importance of fasting, breathing, and cold and hot exposure to a healthy and happy life. Panel discussions on "Where Chan Meets Art," in which participants explored how culture and art can build harmonious and inclusive communities by uniting hearts and conveying values, and "Where Chan Meets Science," where discussants focuses on the commonalities and synergies of science and Chan in addressing global challenges, found wide appeal in the audience. Finally, the Europe-Asia Center , in collaboration with the Shaolin Temple and the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center , and supported by the Muslim Council of Elders and the UN Resident Coordinator in China Ambassador Chatterjee , launched the " Seeds of Fraternity " initative, aimed at sowing the seeds of fraternity, promoting the sustainable development of human society, and contribute to the realization of the SDGs, notably by organising a wide range of activities to build a global cultural exchange platform, eliminate prejudices and misunderstandings between East and West, and explore new ways to resolve conflicts. On 22 February, following a panel on the topic of "The Chan (Meditation) of the World: Future Wisdom and Global Harmony" including Sun Chaoyang , Cui Donghong , Zhang Lehan , Researcher at ETH Zurich, and Master Billy , Secretary-General of the Niudong Temple Meditation Center, the official closing ceremony concluded the event, with participants left with new hope and inspiration, as well as practical ideas on how to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, February 1st, 2025 Between the 28th and the 31st of January , the Europe-Asia Center has successfully participated in the 6th edition of the World Balance Forum , held in Havana, Cuba. Under the title " With all and for the good of all - For dialogue between civilizations and for a culture of peace ," the Forum brought together policymakers, scholars, business leaders, and civil society representatives from across the world, exploring key global challenges—from economic development and environmental sustainability to geopolitical stability and cultural exchange. Speakers at the opening ceremony included, among others, friend of the Europe-Asia Center Peter Mertens , Secretary-General of the Workers' Party of Belgium, Ramit Singh Chimni , President of the jury of the UNESCO International José Martí Prize and founder of the organization "Eight Goals One Foundation," and Frei Betto , renowned writer, political activist, and Dominican friar. The Europe-Asia Center, represented by its Director for Europe Jonathan Schwestka and its Vice-Chair Madame Violeta Bulc , who also co-organized various sessions in her capacity as curator of Ecocivilisation , played a meaningful role in the forum, sharing views on the effective safeguarding of soils, as well as on the challenges and opportunities for civil society actors in an increasingly complex geopolitical global landscape. Finally, the Europe-Asia Center also donated various items, including powdered milk, nuts and dried fruits, wet wipes, and soaps, to the Proyecto Luz de Vida , to help support vulnerable communities in the face of Cuba's ongoing economic difficulties, exacerbated by natural calamities such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Reflecting on the timeless words of José Martí—philosopher, poet, and guiding spirit of Cuban independence—whose 130th anniversary of martyrdom we commemorate this year, we are reminded that "the world needs Cuba more than Cuba needs the world."  Yet, in the face of unique challenges, particularly the illegal U.S. blockade, Cuba also needs the world's solidarity and support. The Europe-Asia Center stands fully committed to doing all it can to support Cuba, fostering its prosperity and success on the global stage. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, November 30th, 2024 From November 21–29, 2024 , the Europe-Asia Center , in collaboration with Euro Asia Schengen International Group , successfully co-organized a specialized study trip for the Henan Provincial Committee Executive Leadership Academy. This multi-day program brought together 25 high-ranking officials and business organisations of the province to explore Luxembourg’s economic strategy, engage with European experts, and strengthen ties between China and the EU. The program served as a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and fostering collaboration in areas such as finance, logistics, digitalization, sustainability, and cultural diplomacy. Highlights of the Program ✅  Opening Session and Economic Insights The opening session featured addresses by Na Shi-Bic , Senior International Affairs Advisor  of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, H.E. Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg, and Mr. Jonathan Schwestka, Deputy Director for Europe of the Europe-Asia Center. The three speakers highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between Europe and China, and expressed hope that this study tour would only be the beginning of always more numerous opportunities for exchange. ✅  In-Depth Training and Industry Insights Throughout the week, participants attended tailored sessions led by leading organizations, including EY Luxembourg , PwC Luxembourg , Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL) , Taiping Insurance  and Cluster for Logistics Luxembourg (C4L) . Key topics covered included: EU trade policies and investment strategies for Chinese enterprises. Multimodal transport innovations under the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg "Air Silk Road" Initiative . Sustainable finance and green bond issuance at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange . ✅  Field Visits to Key Institutions The program featured visits to prominent organizations such as Cargolux Airlines, Bank of China Luxembourg , and CFL Multimodal , offering firsthand insights into Luxembourg’s logistics, finance, and transport sectors. ✅  Cultural and Diplomatic Exchange Participants explored Schengen Village , the birthplace of the Schengen Agreement, and visited the Luxembourg National Museum of History and Art , reflecting on the role of cultural heritage in fostering international understanding. Strengthening EU-China Collaboration The delegation’s engagements with local institutions underscored Luxembourg’s attractiveness as a gateway for Chinese investment in Europe. Discussions highlighted opportunities for partnership in logistics, financial services, and sustainable development, aligning with both regional and global goals. This study trip exemplifies the Europe-Asia Center’s commitment to building bridges between Europe and Asia through education, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, December 14th, 2024 On December 13th 2024, a high-level delegation of the Europe-Asia Center , consisting of its Co-Chair H.E. Erik Solheim and its Vice-Chair H.E. Madame Violeta Bulc , successfully participated in the Budapest Global Dialogue, organised by the Indian Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs . Over the course of the day, around 50 discussants explored the crucial questions that confront policymakers, political leaders, and businesses today, in four round-table discussions: Healing Geopolitics: Rethinking Multilateralism, Plurilateralism and Nationalism Reclaiming Europe: Scripting Values, Interests & Propositions for the 21st Century Connecting the Dots: Energy, Technology, and Trade Bridging Hemispheres: Europe and the Global South. Both Mr. Solheim and Madame Bulc served as initiators for the discussions on the topic "Connecting the Dots: Energy, Technology, and Trade," calling for more inclusive governance frameworks while cautioning against disproportionate securitisation strategies in technology and trade, urging decision-makers instead to stop fingerpointing to the Global South, treat Global South as partners and force mutually benefiting deals with China, India and the world, and focus on increasing productivity. In addition, Mr. Solheim also participated in a side event on "Building Bridges: Infrastructure as the New Geopolitical Glue," moderated by Anahide Pilibossian , Vice President of Strategy and Development of the Armenian Applied Policy Research Institute, in which he discussed the ways infrastructure partnerships serve as a tool for geopolitical reconciliation and economic revitalisation. Madame Bulc , drawing on her experience as former EU Commissioner of Transport and Mobility, participated in a side event on "Energising Aspirations: The Global Tug-of-War for Power," moderated by András Király , former Ambassador of Hungary to India, in which she and Michael Reynolds,  Associate Professor at Princeton University, discussed the chances of returning to a global integrated energy market, and outlined ways by which nations can ensure energy security and affordable energy access amidst geopolitical tensions. Other high-level speakers included Mr. Balázs Orbán,  Political Director of the Prime Minister of Hungary; Mr. Samir Saran , President of the Observer Research Foundation; Mr. Gladden Pappin , President of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs; Mr. Janusz Kowalski , Member of the Polish Parliament; and Mr. Davit Karapetyan , Secretary General of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, November 18th, 2024 On November 17–18, 2024 , the Europe-Asia Center hosted Venerable Shi Yongxin , Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, Vice-President of the Chinese Buddhist Association and Senior Cultural Advisor of the Center, as well as three of his disciples, in Brussels for a series of high-level engagements. The visit focused on strengthening EU-China cultural relations , advancing climate action, and promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . A Celebration of Culture, Faith, and Diplomacy Abbot Shi Yongxin began his visit with an inspiring meeting with world-renowned floral artist Daniel Ost . Their discussion explored how creativity and harmony with nature can serve as a foundation for sustainable development, emphasizing the power of art and spirituality in addressing global challenges. The Abbot then met with the Lode Van Hecke , Bishop of Ghent,  to discuss the pivotal role of interfaith dialogue in fostering global cooperation. Their exchange highlighted shared values and the potential for spiritual leadership to inspire climate action and societal resilience. Engaging Policymakers and Diplomats On November 18, Abbot Shi Yongxin visited the European Parliament , where he met with MEPs Ondřej Dostal, Danilo Della Valle, and Michael von der Schulenburg . Discussions focused on enhancing cultural collaboration between Europe and China and addressing climate challenges. The Abbot’s presence underscored the importance of integrating ancient wisdom with modern policymaking to tackle pressing global issues. The visit continued with a trip to the China Pavilion , where the Abbot engaged with Ambassador Piet Steel and representatives from the Japanese and Vietnamese embassies . These meetings emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in promoting cultural understanding and achieving sustainable progress. Fostering a Shared Future The visit of Abbot Shi Yongxin exemplified the role of cultural diplomacy in uniting nations and addressing shared challenges. By bridging ancient traditions and contemporary policymaking, the Europe-Asia Center continues to champion meaningful dialogue and collaboration across continents. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, November 17th, 2024 From November 12th to November 16th, 2024, a high-level delegation from the Europe-Asia Center attended the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Europe-Asia Center representatives not only engaged in in-depth discussions and interactions with a number of global stakeholders, but also participated in various panel discussions and delivered keynote addresses.   H.E. Erik Solheim , Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center,  former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), participated in the plenary session of the Ecumene Global Forum, held as part of COP29, highlighting the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve peace in both Ukraine or Palestine. On November 14th, 2024, H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam , Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, hosted a productive  lunch meeting with the Abbot Shi Yongxin , Cultural Advisor of the Europe-Asia Center and the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple. The meeting emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges. Judge Abdelsalam  highlighted the profound influence of religions in solving global issues, while the Abbot underlined the importance of the "Document on Human Fraternity». Both leaders agreed that the Faith Pavilion serves as a vital platform for interfaith dialogue, fostering cooperation to protect the planet and resolve conflicts. That same day , Abbot Shi Yongxin  also met Jeffrey Sachs , an economist and global sustainable development advocate, for an insightful discussion on the importance of faith and faith leaders in tackling ecological and societal issues. Their exchange highlighted that spiritual and moral guidance is essential in promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges. Later that afternoon , H.E. Erik Solheim  and Abbot Shi Yongxin  engaged in a meaningful dialogue with Sadhguru , Indian Guru and founder of the Isha Foundation. During the discussion,  Abbot Shi Yongxin  presented Sadhguru with a unique artwork of Bodhidharma and extended a warm invitation to visit the cave near the Shaolin Temple, where Bodhidharma is believed to have meditated for nine years . Sadhguru  expressed appreciation for the enriching conversation and shared his eagerness to visit Shaolin Temple and collaborate on promoting Kung Fu as a cultural bridge. He also emphasized his aspiration to strengthen relations between China and India, envisioning a brighter and more prosperous future for both nations.   On November 15th, 2024, with the gracious invitation of H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdel-Salam  and the Europe-Asia Center , Abbot Shi Yongxin  delivered an inspiring speech at the Faith Pavilion. His address focused on Zen wisdom of the Shaolin Temple and its relevance to combating climate change. He offered a unique perspective on fostering harmony between humanity and nature, which he argued could contribute positively to addressing contemporary ecological challenges. Following the Abbot 's keynote address, the Abbot and Mr. Solheim engaged in an insightful panel discussion on the role of faith in advancing the realization of the Paris Agreement, moderated by Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe of the Europe-Asia Center. The Abbot  also unveiled a new training program on mindfulness jointly developed by the Shaolin Temple, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Europe-Asia Center. The program aims to expand the reach of Shaolin's ancient wisdom and teachings, making people healthier and happier in China, Europe, and beyond. By integrating Zen principles into modern life, the program emphasizes mindfulness as a tool for improving mental health, building resilience, and fostering global cooperation. This international initiative integrates the principles of the Shaolin Temple with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   “In today’s world inflicted with an escalating ecological crisis, humanity needs to harness the profound and extensive positive energy of Zen Buddhism to illuminate the mind, purify the soul and serve the society, in order to achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature ”, said   Abbot Shi Yongxin .   For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka, Deputy Director for Europe, Europe-Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, November 15th, 2024 The Europe-Asia Center , represented by  H.E. Dr.hc. Violeta Bulc , Vice-Chair of the organization and former European Commissioner for Transport and Mobility, participated at Cityscape Global 2024 , the world’s largest real estate event. Taking place from November 11–14, the event showcased the boldest urban planning initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030  through transformative projects and record-breaking investments in smart and sustainable cities. During the summit, Violeta Bulc  highlighted the importance of innovative urban planning and international collaboration for building sustainable cities. She commented: "Cityscape Global Summit has been launched - the biggest real estate event in the world paving the way to the cities of the future, amazing dreams in the middle of a desert which will soon been green and prosperous with major direct investments, private-public partnerships and smart urban planning." The event also marked an important dialogue between Europe and the Middle East, fostering cooperation in real estate, mobility, and women’s empowerment. On these issues, Dr. Bulc  held discussions with the Minister of Housing of Saudi Arabia H.E. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail , as well as H.E. Christophe Farnaud , EU Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain and Sultanate of Oman. Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Bulc remarked on the ambitious developments in Riyadh: "One can only admire the progress made in Saudi Arabia in the field of investments, financial services, property development, but above all in the progressive delivery on gender equality, female empowerment and education." One of the recurring themes of the summit was mobility as a linchpin for sustainable cities. From futuristic concepts like hyperloops to essential pedestrian-friendly spaces, discussions focused on creating accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport systems. Dr. Bulc remarked on the importance of sustainable solutions, cautioning against car-dominated cityscapes: " I know, cars for Saudi people are really important, however, they will realise that “american” style cities can lead to higher isolation of people and sooner or later that leaves negative consequences on society as a whole and the social return on investments." Cityscape Global 2024 was a testament to the power of visionary ideas and partnerships in redefining the way we live. The Europe-Asia Center’s participation reflects its commitment to connecting continents and championing innovative solutions for a sustainable, inclusive future. For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, September 5th, 2024 On September 5th, 2024, a high-level delegation from the Europe-Asia Center, led by Vice-Chair H.E. Violeta Bulc , former European Commissioner for Transport and Mobility, took part in the third Green Peak Festival held in Vienna, Austria. The Green Peak Festival, hosted at Erste Campus, focused on a wide range of topics related to sustainability and climate protection. The event provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking among key stakeholders. This year's edition once again attracted a diverse group of political, business, academic, and thought leaders to discuss the pressing issues of environmental sustainability and climate action. Among the notable attendees were world record-holding swimmer Markus Rogan , journalist Danielle Spera , U.S. Ambassador to Austria H.E. Victoria Reggie Kennedy , and Uganda's Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar . Vice-Chair Violeta Bulc participated in two panel discussions during the event. In the panel titled "Forging Alliances: Creating an Integrated Hydrogen Value Chain for the Future," Madame Bulc engaged with an esteemed panel that included Jürgen Schneider , Director General for Climate Action and Energy at the Austrian Climate Ministry; Susanna Zapreva , COO of Verbund; and journalist Corinna Milborn . Madame Bulc highlighted hydrogen's potential role in advancing the green transition but emphasized that "not every energy source is suitable for every application." She encouraged leaders to use the current "phase zero" of hydrogen development as an opportunity to "address potential negative externalities," and stressed the importance of an ecosystem-based approach that considers diverse environmental conditions, advocating for flexible and universally effective solutions. In the panel discussion titled "Harnessing Innovation: Tech, Big Data, and AI in Driving the Green Revolution," Madame Violeta Bulc was joined by Shani Zanescu , Co-Founder and Chair of PLANETech - Climate Change Technologies; Mirco Rohr , Director of Solutions Consulting EMEA at RiskRecon, a Mastercard company; Hans-Peter Schmid , Managing Director at Accenture; and Markus Müller , Partner for Digital Advisory & Transformation at TPA Group. In a compelling exchange of ideas, Madame Bulc emphasized the need to focus innovation on enhancing human well-being and promoting a more compassionate and less fear-driven society. She also underscored the critical role of engineers and innovators, expressing her belief that they have the creativity and expertise to devise solutions when faced with significant and meaningful challenges. Matic Gajsek , Director for Europe at the Europe-Asia Center, described the Festival as reaching "new peaks": "With thought-provoking panels, insightful speakers, and a spirit of optimism, the event reinforced my belief that the European Green Transition is within reach. The Europe-Asia Center stands ready to support this important journey in every way we can." For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, September 20th, 2024 On September 18th and 19th 2024, Prof. Dr. Christiane Prange , Research Director of the Europe-Asia Center , took part in the Sino-German Economic Conference held in Stuttgart, Germany. Featuring a number of high-ranking representatives from business, academia, and politics from Germany, China, and beyond, the Conference has been held annually since 2014, and has this year, focused on "Overcoming global challenges together." Some of the main insights included: It is necessary to increase the number of German Chinese learners as only a deeper understanding of language and culture can help mutual understanding Collaboration should be increased rather than reduced, and labels, such as de-risking or systemic rival are not particularly useful in creating trust Europe, and particularly Germany, can and should learn from the transformation of business models  China's speed and agility poses a challenge to Western firms. European firms will have to complement their existing business approaches (traditionalism and conservativeness) by adequate approaches to meet these challenges China should be seen as THE innovation system today and companies are well advised to learn from China innovation Current global challenges (climate change) can only be solved in collaboration. Prof. Dr. Christiane Prange , Director for Research at the Europe-Asia Center, highlighted: "The Sino-German Economic Conference was an enlightening experience, showcasing a shared commitment to a future of cooperation, togetherness, and sustainable innovation. It was inspiring to witness diverse perspectives converge on the need for collaboration to overcome global challenges and build a more interconnected world." For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, September 21st, 2024 From September 19th to 21st, 2024, a high-level delegation from the Europe-Asia Center , comprising its Director for Europe Matic Gajsek , Secretary-General Yan Rui , programme coordinator Kira Xiao , as well as former UNESCO Director-General H.E. Irina Bokova and former basketball player Kelanbaike Makan , participated in the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, themed "Enhance Cultural Exchanges for Common Progress," reflecting the enduring motto of "Inheritance, Creativity, Mutual Learning." The forum convened over 800 guests from around the globe, including dignitaries from China and abroad, leaders of international cultural and technological institutions, senior officials from China's publicity and cultural departments at both the central and provincial levels, as well as esteemed experts and scholars. Participants engaged in rich discussions on a variety of topics, including mutual learning between civilizations, shared progress, the relationship between spiritual life and industrial development, the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, and the integration of new cultural business models with technology. In addition to spectacular dance and music performances, the forum introduced a cultural industry investors' conference for the first time, fostering new opportunities for collaboration. H.E. Irina Bokova , former Director-General of UNESCO, delivered a keynote address underscoring the significance of culture and Beijing's unique role in this context. She stated, "I have visited this historic city many times, which has witnessed over 3,000 years of cultural history. Its contemporary development is closely linked to UNESCO, as it hosts more than 90 universities, over 1,000 scientific research institutes, and thousands of cultural and innovative enterprises." For press enquiries:   Jonathan Schwestka , Deputy Director for Europe,  Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org