Proposal for Integrating a Social Dimension in the ASEM Process

Proposal for Integrating a Social Dimension in the ASEM Process

Towards A Social Forum

The following proposal builds on earlier versions of an AEPF proposal for a Social Forum within the ASEM process and the ICFTU's call to strengthen ASEM's social dimension. This proposal has been developed during consultations in Berlin, between representatives of the AEPF and the ICFTU. It is envisaged that this proposal, which on the trade union side also has the support of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the ICFTU Asian and Pacific Regional Organisation (ICFTU/APRO), will be the basis for further consultation, discussion, clarification and elaboration in Asia and Europe. A final proposal will be presented to the ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting in Madrid in June 2002.

When it was established, ASEM was envisioned as a venue for comprehensive dialogue between the governments of Asia and Europe. To date, ASEM's practice has been significantly determined by the economic pillar, while the demand for a social pillar has been ignored. Major instruments like the Trade Facilitation Action Plan (TFAP) and the Investment Promotion Action Plan (IPAP) have served to strengthen compliance with WTO and IMF policies. We have serious concerns related to the negative social, economic and environmental consequences of this approach.

Sustainable economic co-operation will be ensured if there is a sustainable social dimension in ASEM. Social policy can and should have a positive economic effect and can also lead to more sustainable and equitable growth.

All ASEM initiatives have social consequences, some negative, and therefore we reiterate the need to integrate an appreciation of the social context and social dimension of all aspects of ASEM's policy and practice.

We see the integration of the social dimension as a three-track approach:

• First, within the official ASEM we see the need to fully appreciate the social contexts and effects of current and proposed ASEM-related activities.
• Second, it is necessary to establish and develop ways of enhancing and deepening the social dimension through the recognition by ASEM of a Social Forum.
• Third, the need to strengthen the capacity of civil society initiatives, including the AEPF and trade unions (notably the ICFTU) with respect to ASEM and related issues.

Ways Forward

A) Recognising the Need for a Social Dimension of ASEM

1. We believe that ASEM provides both an opportunity and a responsibility for our nations. As Asian and European organisations, networks and citizens committed to working for a just and equal world, we call on Asian and European leaders to contribute to building a new relationship founded on four fundamental principles;

• the promotion and full implementation of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights as agreed in international human rights and humanitarian law;
• the promotion of environmentally, socially and economically sustainable patterns of development;
• greater economic and social equity and justice, including equality between men and women;
• the active participation of civil society organisations and trade unions in the democratic life and decision-making process of societies and the ASEM process.

We recommend the recognition of these core principles in the ASEM IV's Chair's Statement.

2. Establishment of regular Ministerial level meetings of Labour and Social Ministers. These could function through a range of working groups and committees focusing on specific initiatives, e.g. social security, employment. The Labour and Social Ministers should meet with Finance and Economic Ministers to co-ordinate macro-economic policies as proposed in the ICFTU Seoul statement of October 2000.

3. Establishing regular scrutiny and accountability of ASEM to National Parliaments, i.e., annual reports to appropriate Parliamentary Committees. These should include reflection on the regional dimension of ASEM.

4. Activities between and among the pillars of ASEM should be coherent and informed by the fundamental
principles.

B) Establishing a Social Forum

1. Recognising a Social Forum as a consultative mechanism with civil society and trade unions to enable the regular and systematic exchange of views and ideas.
2. A labour advisory structure should be established which would consider areas where the social partners have particular responsibilities, including labour market relations, wages and unemployment.
3. We recommend that support for the principle of the Social Forum be agreed in ASEM IV. A process of consultation and discussion will begin to define the purpose, structures and mechanisms of the Social Forum. The Social Forum should be fully operational by ASEM V. We see this process as being important in itself and envisage consultations at national and sub-regional levels. We stress that the Social Forum is in principle an open body. The precise structure, mechanisms and composition of the Social Forum will be finalised during the consultation process after ASEM IV.

C) Complementary activities of the AEPF and ICFTU

To better interact and contribute to the Social Forum, and to broaden monitoring and discussion of ASEM-related issues, the AEPF and ICFTU will strengthen regional networking and exchanges. They will also strengthen specific initiatives related to monitoring the effects of current and proposed ASEM policies and practice.

The activities of the AEPF and ICFTU are seen as important contributions to more participatory and inclusive decision making in Asia and Europe. This is believed to be a key foundation to more sustainable patterns of economic and social development.

Note: This paper was adopted by representatives of the Asia Europe People's Forum and the ICFTU (with the ETUC and the ICFTU/APRO). It will was presented and further discussed during the Consultative Forum on ASEM 1V being organised in Brussels May 6-7, 2002.