Education was the main topic of this year’s conference. EU-Asia cooperation on education policy was discussed as well as the overall goals of a progressive education policy across borders.The key note address was held by MP Edelgard Bulman, Vice-President of the German Bundestag, from the Social Democratic Party of Germany. Representatives from the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Mongolia and East Timor also shared their experiences.
Part of the conference was devoted to upcoming European elections. Ann Linde, head of PES international unit, presented the PES #knockthevote campaign. “There was a great interest in our issues and our way of campaigning in Europe among the Asian progressive parties. The relations between the progressive Asian parties are still not so close as with our Member Parties.” Ann Linde stated. “ The cooperation between Asia and EU is growing in importance, as is the cooperation between progressive parties. It was therefore of vital importance to meet ahead of the EU-Asia summit next October and to discuss what we as progressive allies want to gain from it.”
