7th Model ASEM of youths launched

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ In the scope of the 11th ASEM Summit to be held on July 13-16 in Ulaanbaatar, the 7th Model ASEM of youths entitled “20 years of ASEM: Partnership for Future through Connectivity” started Thursday in the Central Youth Palace, Ulaanbaatar. Opening remarks were delivered by L.Purevsuren, the Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Zhang Yan, Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF); and A.Monkhbat, president of the Mongolian Youth Federation (MYF) and vice president of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY). The latter’s speech detailed about functions and actions of the MYF and emphasized that youth need to discuss nowadays challenges such as environmental issues, climate change, resolving conflicts and wars and combating corruption. Noting about the differences between Asian and European cultures, Monkhbat underlined that every nation has to keep its distinctive features. In his speech, the Foreign Minister identified Mongolia as a bridge between Asia and Europe. As the host of the 2016 ASEM Summit, Mongolia is proud itself of connecting the continents through not only economic ties, but also political and diplomatic relations. "Asia-Europe cooperation and its frame have broadened, but we still face many challenges. It is vital to design ways of resolving any problems and difficulties. Nowadays youth is confronted with many challenges such as terrorism and poverty, but I am confident that the young generation will master these challenges, standing against terrorism and will make this world better,” he said. After a concert of Mongolian folk dance and music for the guests, a photosession took place. The one-day Model ASEM is continuing with discussing of the ASEM Outlook report 2016-2017 and a panel discussion on the ASEM process. List of panelists included L.Orgil, ASEM senior official for Mongolia; Marco Ferri, Minister Counsellor and official from the political section at the delegation of the EU to China; Katharina Hoene, a trainer and lecturer at the Diplo-Foundation; Rebecca Stetter, project coordinator for ASEM Outlook Report from ASEF; and Yu Fei, an official from the ASEF University Alumni Network (ASEFUAN). The Model ASEM is being attended by 100 young people who were selected out of 3,900 applicants of Mongolia and all over the world. All of the participants and guests were granted with certificate of attendance as well.