ASIA-EUROPE PEOPLES’ FORUM
Interregional network of social movements and civil society organizations across Asia and Europe

August 2010

Dear Friends

We would be delighted if you could join the 8^th Asia Europe People’s Forum (AEPF), “Challenging and Eroding Corporate Power - Building States of Citizens for Citizens,” taking place in Brussels on 2-5 October 2010.

In October, heads of state and governments from across Asia and Europe will meet in Brussels for the eighth Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM8) to discuss their future priorities and plans. With ASEM8 coming to the institutional heart of Europe and in the midst of overlapping and prolonged social, ecological and economic crises, ASEM8 provides a unique opportunity for citizens of Asia and Europe to assess the impact of current policies and to demand change.

AEPF is a strategic civil society gathering of Asian and European social movements fighting poverty and inequality and working for social justice. AEPF began in 1996 in Bangkok, in parallel, and in response to the first ASEM summit which pushed for stronger regional blocs and the promotion of corporate power. AEPF is grounded in the common desire of people’s organisations and social justice networks across Asia and Europe to open up new venues for dialogue, solidarity and action.

A series of events will be held in Brussels on 2-5 October 2010. Events will focus on the relation of corporate power to trade and investment, food sovereignty, climate change, decent work (including social protection), and peace and security. The AEPF will be a series of interlinked dialogues, workshops, actions and policy debates, some of which will be held with some European and Asian Leaders and with the European Commission and Parliament as well. Events are being co-ordinated by Belgium organisations, Brussels-based European networks and the AEPF International Organising Committee.

Further information and registration details can be found at: www.aepf.info

Join us in October 2010 to build a more just and equal Asia-Europe.

In solidarity and with very best wishes,

Nicolas Van Nuffel
Coordinator, AEPF-8 National Organising Committee
Nicolas.VanNuffel cncd.be

Pietje Vervest
European AEPF Coordinator
pietje.vervest tni.org

Tina Ebro
Asian AEPF Coordinator
cgebro gmail.com