The Eleventh Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership meeting (ASEP 11) is an opportunity for proactive parliaments from each continent to introduce their views, and the views of their respective constituencies, into the international discussion on some of todayβs most pressing issues. Taking place in a world heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ο¬rst of its kind online ASEP meeting will discuss transnational challenges that can only be overcome together, using a multilateral approach. Utilizing the tools of parliamentary diplomacy, participating parliamentarians will work together with their international peers to oΒer concrete recommendations to those at the ASEM meeting to follow.
Building on the legitimacy of Parliaments, such suggestions can help to reduce the democratic deο¬cit in decisions made in international forums, and bring a welcome dose of reality to the new globalized world. Contributing to these discussions, this Proactive Parliamentary Diplomacy ASEP 11 Special Edition presents a variety of individual perspectives from experts and citizens from both Asia and Europe on the issues affΒecting the people and Parliaments on both continents. Readers can reο¬ect upon these perspectives when discussing legislation and government action intended to address some of todayβs most pressing issues.