From Europe to Asia: My Journey to the ASEF Young Leaders Summit
Last May, I was offered an incredible opportunity by the International Board of ELSA: to represent our Association at the ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS). I felt incredibly fortunate to have this chance and was determined to make the most of it. Here is a glimpse into what made this experience so special.
What Is ASEF?
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is a unique intergovernmental organisation dedicated to fostering collaboration and understanding between the peoples of Asia and Europe. It creates opportunities for dialogue, exchanges ideas, and bridges civil society with government policies. ASEF acts as the civil society arm of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), tackling shared global challenges through cooperation.
The ASEF Young Leaders Summit
ASEFYLS is a three-phase programme designed to empower young leaders to learn, collaborate, and turn ideas into actionable solutions. As ELSA is a supporting partner of ASEFYLS, I was fortunate to be selected as the Association’s delegate for this prestigious event.
Phase 1: Online Training
The journey began in July with online training sessions introducing us to "Society 5.0" — a vision of a human-centred society that harmonises economic progress with solutions to social challenges. Over several weeks, we explored key themes:
Ethical Society 5.0
Inclusive Society 5.0
Sustainable Society 5.0
Personal and Team Leadership
These sessions were led by university professors from around the world, who shared valuable insights on how innovation and technology can create a better future.
Phase 2: Experiencing China
In August, I embarked on the second phase of the programme, to Beijing and Hangzhou, China. This phase was split into two parts:
The World Youth Development Forum
After a first day of Workshops, the three following days of our time, in Beijing first and in Hangzhou then were dedicated to the World Youth Development Forum, a platform bringing together ministers, policymakers, and young leaders from around the globe. The opening ceremony was a spectacle, featuring speeches from influential figures, including an Olympic champion and cosmonaut, who shared their personal journeys and visions for the future. There has been an opportunity for direct interaction with government officials, who took the time to respond to questions from participants.
The second day, last one in Beijing was spent at Beijing University, where we engaged in panel discussions centred on the inclusion of youth in shaping tomorrow’s world. These conversations served as a valuable prelude to the Summit for the Future, fostering a space to reflect on innovative approaches to global challenges. Afterwards, we took the train to Hangzhou.
The forum concluded with a plenary session featuring mayors from various Chinese cities. They shared their strategies for including young people in urban development and addressed pressing issues like sustainable city planning and technological integration.
ASEFYLS Training
Led by three brilliant trainers, the training began in Beijing with two days of introductory sessions before the forum. These sessions helped us break the ice, get to know one another, and share insights about our diverse cultures, organisations, and nations. It was an incredible opportunity to form connections and gain a deeper understanding of the varied perspectives each participant brought to the table.
The second part of the week focused on hands-on learning through practical workshops. We explored project management techniques, learning how to use technology, promotion strategies, and creative tools like social media to tackle today’s challenges. The trainers made the sessions engaging and impactful, blending theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. This approach significantly enriched our understanding and skills.
One of the standout moments came during the final days when we participated in a simulation game, each of us assigned a specific role. The exercise was both challenging and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on how society functions—for better and for worse. It underscored the importance of collaboration and community in achieving success, not just in projects but in any collective endeavour. This activity was an unforgettable lesson in teamwork and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.
Phase 3: Multiplying the Impact
The final phase took place after the meeting, where participants were tasked with organising their own projects inspired by ASEFYLS. For my part, I hosted a workshop on Advocacy in Switzerland during our National Council Meeting (NCM). It aligned perfectly with the themes and skills I had gained throughout the summit.
My Takeaways from the ASEF Young Leaders Summit
The ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) was more than just an event—it was the culmination of an incredible journey and a truly transformative experience that had a profound impact on me. Travelling to China, my first venture outside Europe, deepened my understanding of the value of cultural exchange and collaboration and showed me how young people can play a significant role in addressing global challenges. In this part, I want to share my reflections on the trip, focusing both on the overwhelming aspects of the cultural experience and the inspiring connections I made along the way.
Navigating Cultural Contrasts
Before embarking on this journey, I was hesitant. I was keenly aware of the political complexities surrounding the trip and recognised that attending the events, especially the World Youth Development Forum, could align me with a narrative that runs contrary to the values ELSA upholds—values rooted in the principles of the Council of Europe, which emphasise human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. While I was prepared for this challenge in theory, the sheer scale and intensity of what I witnessed surpassed all expectations.
The forum itself was an elaborate production. The opening ceremony featured children, perhaps aged 8 to 12, reciting carefully scripted lines with remarkable precision. These words, likely learned by heart without full comprehension, set the tone for the event. It left me feeling truly uncomfortable and judging by the expressions on the faces of my fellow participants sitting next to me, I wasn’t alone in that sentiment. Another moment that stood out was a young adult struggle to deliver a prepared speech about how amazing his volunteer experience at the Beijing 2022 Olympics was. His visible discomfort when not remembering the text underscored the highly controlled environment we were in.
Throughout the forum, constant praise for the country’s leader was a recurring theme. Countless references were made to the greatness of the president, woven into every speech and presentation. Even the panel discussions, held at prestigious venues like Beijing University, lacked genuine engagement. The questions posed to us were framed so narrowly that meaningful dialogue was nearly impossible. One professor from Southern America bravely attempted to open the discussion, but just as it began to gain depth, the session chair abruptly redirected the conversation back to the predetermined script.
Beyond the forums, the omnipresent surveillance was another striking aspect of the trip. Cameras seemed to be everywhere—on street corners, inside buildings, and even perched on trees (!) – not to mention the media that have been following us the whole week.
Despite these challenges, the experience was not without its highlights. The welcoming spirit of the Chinese people left a lasting impression on me. One particularly touching moment was when a young woman surprised me with a drawing she had made of me from a photo, capturing a lighthearted moment when I was acting like an idiot—it was an unexpected yet deeply moving gesture.
The more traditional moments of the trip were also truly unforgettable. Exploring history and cultural museums, walking through lively market streets, and experiencing the magical dance and light show by Hangzhou’s West Lake were highlights that showcased the richness of China’s heritage. One particularly memorable experience for me was enjoying a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in nestled in a lively market street. Sitting there, enjoying perfectly brewed tea, was a peaceful and authentic experience that allowed me to connect deeply with China’s rich cultural heritage. These moments provided a beautiful contrast to the whirlwind of the larger events and highlighted a culture steeped in history and authenticity.
The Power of Connection
One of the most rewarding aspects of this trip was the incredible sense of connection and communion among all of us. Participants from diverse cultural, professional, and personal backgrounds shared their stories, their challenges, and their hopes for the future. It was inspiring to witness their commitment to making a difference in their communities and beyond, and the bonds we formed added an unforgettable depth to the entire experience.
These interactions also led me to reflect on my work with ELSA. As an organisation, ELSA provides incredible opportunities for European law students, fostering personal and professional growth. However, this trip broadened my perspective. It highlighted the importance of projects that extend beyond our immediate membership. For instance, initiatives that extend beyond our association—whether by fostering international collaboration among law students or promoting social responsibility to a wider audience—are vital to support and continue. This realisation reinforced the significance of our role as young leaders in driving meaningful change.
A Renewed Perspective
This journey was a profound opportunity for self-reflection. It deepened my gratitude for the privileges and opportunities I enjoy and renewed my drive to contribute more meaningfully. The support of ASEF trainers and candid discussions with fellow participants helped us process our experiences and critically engage with the challenges we encountered.
Far beyond a cultural exchange, this trip transformed my perspective. It strengthened my resolve, provided invaluable insights, and inspired me to think more broadly about the impact of our work. The lessons I’ve taken from this experience will continue to shape my journey with ELSA and beyond, underscoring the power of connection, collaboration, and reflection.
Author: Gabriel Marti