Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694841200055.pdf (Malta)
IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L.

2407 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 154 tal-1 ta’ Novembru 2018 mill-Ispeaker, l-Onor.

Anġlu Farrugia.

___________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra Tenth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-10) 27 - 28 September 2018 Brussels, Belgium Hon Byron Camilleri, MP Hon David Agius, MP REPORT FOR THE SPEAKER ON PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCE/MEETING/VISIT OF A PARLIAMENTARY NATURE ABROAD 1.
TITLE OF CONFERENCE/MEETING: TEN1HASIA-EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY PARTNERSHIP MEETING (ASEP-10) 2.DATE: 27-28 SEPTEMBER2018 3.

NAME OF MEMBER/S: HON.

BYRON CAMILLERI HON.

DAVID AGIUS 4.

SUBJECT /S ON THE AGENDA: ASEP 10 focussed on climate change and environmental challenges.

ASEP 10 was opened on 27 September with a plenary session on climate change and the challenge for multilateralism.
In the afternoon, a session was dedicated to Asia and Europe facing climate change and increasing environmental challenges such as sustainable development and the circular economy; urban areas management; water resources cooperation; waste treatment and plastic reduction; food security and clean technologies.

Parliamentarians were split into three panels focussed on the relationship between climate change and the environment and its impact on the economy, migration and security, respectively.
The Maltese delegation participated in the first panel.

Participants were given the opporttmityto present their national situation, specific challenges and needs and legislatives and non-legislative actions taken recently in their respective parliaments to adapt to and to mitigate the effects of climate change.

On the following day, parliamentarians by the Joint Research Centre.

(Kindly refer to Annex, Doc.

q A copy of the agenda is attached as Doc.


A. the ASEM Sustainable Connectivity Portal was presented to 5.

CONCLUSIONS OF THE MEETING: A final declaration was adopted.

The final declaration was transmitted to the 12'h ASEM Summit which took place in Brussels on 18-19 October2018.

A copy of the declaration is attached as Doc.

B.

6.

INTERVENTION IS MADE BY THE MEMBERS: None.


However, the Maltese delegation participated actively in the Preparatory and Drafting Committee meeting which was held before the official opening of ASEP 10.

The aim was to finalise the final declaration of ASEP 10. l:ztoJ 1 ~d i'tpxr on profe~dJ ngs oj the meehl~ l-3 tWne·JCed OcJ i)oc D. :;; / )o / Lo\8 Date Hon.
David Agius Date 10th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP 10) Brussels, 27- 28 September 2018 European Parliament Final programme (28/09/2018) A~u ?7 l!

7:45-15.00 8:00- 10:00 10:30- 11:30 .

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• .. ·.·.· .· Registration at the European Parliament (Paul-Henri Spaak building) ... ···.

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... .• · .. ·• .· Preparatory and Drafting Committee (English only) (Room: P5B001, Paul-Henri Spaak building) Chaired by Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament Plenary session: official opening (Room: Hemicycle, Paul-Henri Spaak buildingf] Co-Chairs: Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Han Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate and Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhur:y, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Mr YondonQerenlei Baatarbileg, Member of the Parliament and Chair of Standing Committee of the Parliament of Mongolia for Social Policy, Education, Culture and Science, State Great Hural of Mongolia, (Host of the ASEP 9 meeting) Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Mr Zhang Zhijun, Vice-Chairman, Committee of Foreign Affairs, National People's Congress of China the 1 Interpretation provided in all EU languages (except Danish, Estonian, Slovak and Gaelic) as well as Russian.
In Vietnamese and Khmer and Mongolian languages as requested by the participating delegations.
11:30- 12:30 Plenary session: Climate change, challenge for multilateralism (Room: Hem/cycle, Paul-Henri Spaak buildin[/) Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament Mr Jo Leinen, EP draftsperson on climate change and Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with China l-Ion Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate Ms Carmen-lleana Mihalcescu, Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, Romanian Parliament Ms Rosa Marfa Romero Sanchez, 3rd Vice Speaker of the Congress of Deputies, Spain Mr Mauri Pekkarinen, 1st Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Mr Phung Quoc Hien, Vice-President of the National Assembly, Vietnam Mr Ajay Kumar Mishra, Lok Sabha, India 12:30- 12:45 The ASEP 10 Family Photo 12:45- 13:00 Press Point with Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament and Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament 13:00 - 14:30 Lunch/Buffet hosted by the European Parliament (Yehudi Menuhin space, Paul-Henri Spaak bwlding) 15:00-17:30 Asia & Europe facing climate change and increasing environmental challi:mges: sustainable development and circular economy, urban areas management, water resources cooperation_ waste treatment and plastic reduction, food security, clean technologies 2 Interpretation provided in all EU languages (except Danish, Estonian, Slovak and Gaelic) as well as Russian.
In Vietnamese and Khmer languages as requested by the participating delegations.
- 2- ~--- """ -- Discussion Panel f (Room: Hemicycle, Paul-Henri Spaak buildingS) --- -- " " Climate change and environment: economy impact on Co-Chairs: Mr Yuan Si, Vice-Chairman, Committee of environmental protection and resources conservation, National People's Congress of China Ms Neena Gill, 151 Vice-Chair Delegation for Relations with India, European Parliament 1 Expert: Ms Lidy Nacpil, Coordinator- Asian Peoples Movement (APMDD) and Co on Debt and Development Coordinator - Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice, on behalf of Asia-Europe People's Forum (AEPF) Key note speakers: Mr Allen Coliban, Chairman, Committee Environment, Romania Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament for Discussion Pane/2 (room: P5B001, Paul-Henri Spaak but/ding') Climate change and environment: migration impact on Co-Chairs: Ms Irina Gekht, Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee for Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management, Russian Federation Ms Jean Lambert, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with South Asia, European Parliament 0-1 3 Interpretation provided in all EU languages (except Danish, Estonian, Slovak and Gaelic) as well as Russian and Khmer.
4 Interpretation provided in BG, DE, FR, EN, ES, IT, NL, PL, RO, RU languages Experts: Ms Barbara Bonciani & Ms Serena Gianfaldoni, professors, University of Pisa Key note speakers: Mrs Assegaf Nurhayati Ali, Chairperson of Committee Indonesia Ms lvelina Vassileva, Chairperson of the Environment and Water Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, for Disctlssion Pane/3 (room: P7C050, Paul-Henri Spaak buildingS) Climate change and environment: security impact on Co-Chairs: Mr Gleb Chshegelskiy, Chairman of Committee on Ecology Issues And Environmental Management Kazakhstan Ms lveta Grigule-Peterse, Chair of the Delegation for relations with Central Asia, European Parliament Expert: Mr Lukas Muller, research associate with the Asia Europe Environment Forum under ASEF (Asia-Europe Foundation) Key note speakers: Mr Kui-Mukhammed Mukhtar, Senate of Kazakhstan Mrs Ljudmila Novak, Member of Parliament the Slovenian 18:00 Visits of the House of European History for official delegates Dinner/Buffet at the House of European History 5 Interpretation provided in DE, FR, EN, ES, Fl, CS, HU, SL, RO, RU languages ~ -\_; 11'-'<;1\f, ;;1$ c;,J, 9:00-9:45 .· .
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Plenary The ASEM Sustainable Connectivity Portal - presentation by Ms Ana Rita Neves, Joint Research Centre (JRC) followed by question & answer session (Room: Hemicycle, Paul- Henri Spaak bwldinrf) .. · Co-Chairs: Hon Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate and Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Plenary session, with reporting back: from the thematic sessions (Room: Hemicyc!e, Paul-Henri Spaak building) Co-Chairs: Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Hon Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate and Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament 9:45- 10:30 Discussion Panel 1 Presentation by Giacobbe, Member of Senate, Senate of Italy the Rapporteur Mr Francesco 10:30-11:15 Discussion Panel 2 Presentation by the Rapporteur Mr Chhit Kim Yea!, Vice Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senate of Cambodia 11:15-12:00 Discussion Panel 3 Presentation by the Rapporteur Mr Murat Bakhtiyaruly, Member of Senate, Senate of Kazakhstan 12:00- 12:10 Adoption of the Declaration ofthe ASEP 10 6 Interprelationprovided in aU EU languages (except Danish, Estonian, Maltese, Slovak and Gaelic) as well as Russian and Khmer.
~-=~~~~~-~----~------------------------------~ 12:10- 12:30 Closing session Mr Nicos Tornaritis, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Cyprus; Vice-President, Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), Chairman, Standing Committee on Economic & Sustainable Development of the APA, Head of the Cyprus APA delegation Mr Andrey Klimov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee for Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation ' Closing remarks by the Co-Chairs Hon Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate and Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Closing remarks by Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament 1· ' ' ~·· .• • - 6- Declaration of the Tenth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership 27-28 September 2018, Brussels, European Union Meeting 1.
The Tenth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting in Brussels, (ASEP 10) was held on 27-28 September 2018 European Union, focussing on climate change and environmental challenges as a priority for the planet and of multilateralism as a fair internationals methodology to shape advanced and equitable relationships.

During the Meeting three panels were held on the impact of climate change and environmental challenges on security, migration and economy.

involved from ASEM countries 2.
The meeting was presided by Ms Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Ms Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh, and Mr Scott Ryan, President of the Senate of Australia, the active participation of Parliamentarians - Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Indonesia, Mongolia, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam and the European Parliament.
The European External the Asia-Europe the European Commission, Action Service, Foundation, as well as representatives of several other organizations and experts also took part in this event as guests of the host parliament.

3.
3.

ASEP 10 welcomes the outcome of the 2016 meeting, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and praised inter-parliamentary cooperation shaped by all the previous meetings of ASEP in Strasbourg ( 1996), Manila (2002), Hue City (2004 ), Helsinki (2006), Beijing (2008), Brussels (2010), Vientiane (2012) and Rome (2014).

Each ASEP has deeply contributed to paving the way for a direct the 1 ['"-: dialogue among legislators and citizens' representatives across Asia and Europe, forging a strong Asia-Europe Partnership.
Global goveli'nance in time of changes and role of .ASEM 4.

ASEP 10 pays tribute to the successful collective efforts made by several countries and their citizens, in promoting a safer environment, with more access to education for all, more food security, more space for free expression of their people, increased gender equality and peace; ASEP 10 believes that positive results need to be welcomed being also a promising perspective for much needed further efforts.

5.
5.

ASEP 10 considers that the partnership established between Asia and Europe in discussing and cooperating on any global relevant issue in the political sphere is a remarkable achievement in itself; the entire ASEM process, of which ASEP is a fundamental part, prove to be an indispensable bridge between both regions on an increasingly articulated and interconnected world.

6.
While acknowledging achievements, ASEP 10 fully recognizes that Asian and European societies face a plurality of challenges directly affecting the life and hopes of citizens, constantly confronted with a mutating social, economic and security environment; therefore ASEP stresses the need to address a complex and uncertain landscape which keeps moving and encompasses a variety of critical challenges, such as terrorism, old and new conflicts, refugees, migration, climate change, market disruptions, financial and fiscal distortions, social and gender inequalities, human rights abuse, organised crime, natural disasters and other humanitarian crisis, technological gap and other critical issues; ASEP is firmly convinced that those challenges are inter-connected and that can be effectively addressed only though defining common interest between Asia and Europe in global fora and in implementing concerted actions.
7.
ASEP 10 expresses its concern with recent developments in the international community which could undermine an effective global cooperation and underlines the importance of reinforcing, and not weakening, multilateral cooperation through different international fora and international agreements- in trade, climate change, security, ocean governance, trafficking of people and of narcotics, and other key sectors; ASEP 10 believes that both Asia and Europe, representing more about 60% of world population and world GOP, must re-affirm the common objective of promoting multilateralism as 2 the most effective and fair methodology in addressing common issues.
Developing the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership 8.

ASEP 10 emphasises that Asia and Europe are by many aspects and certainly in a strict geographic concept, part of a same area; peoples movements, cultural identities and origins, trades, political relations, have been shaping a common ground for centuries; the Euro-Asian dimension is not just a rhetoric formula but is a human landscape facing the same inter-dependent destiny.

9.
9.

ASEP 10 confirms the role of ASEM in providing a unique platform bridging Europe and Asia and shaping a partnership which is of strategic importance in time of disruption of global governance and of challenges to multilateralism mechanism.

10.
10.

ASEP 10 recalls that ASEM partnership is fully based on the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and the United Nations Charter and the United Nations on Human Rights as well as respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, self-determination of peoples, non-interference in internal affairs and non-use of force or threat of force.

11.
11.

ASEP 10 believes that the ASEM partnership is complementary and part of the joint efforts in reinforcing multilateral cooperation at UN, WTO and other multilateral levels.

12.

ASEP 1 0 welcomes the deepening of activities, both horizontal and further sectorial of the ASEM partnership, and encourages cooperation between the regions in order to achieve dialogue aimed to reinforced political, economic and socio-cultural cooperation.

13.
13.

ASEP 10 also stresses that the ASEM partnership can be successful only if the citizens' concerns are fully taken into account in its agenda; this requires a structural dialogue between the executive level and the parliamentary dimension, which needs to fully play its scrutiny role.

14.

ASEP 10 also encourages the role of civil society organisations, business associations, trade unions and media in forging better understanding and pluralism and in providing economic and human ~.1 3 . '
development of Asian and European societies.

ASEP 10 expresses its concern over efforts to censor media.

15.

ASEP 10 calls for the establishment of mechanism empowering its members to have more regular contacts, in order to provide a better parliamentarian follow-up of ASEM related activities.

Climate changes and environmental challenges 16.
ASEP 10 reminds that science has provided early warnings about the consequences of climate change on human vulnerabilities and on the overall future of the planet, yet policies have only been able to partially address the issue; therefore ASEP 10 recalls that climate change is one of the most important challenges for mankind and that all states and players worldwide need to do their utmost to fight it; ASEP 10 calls upon all countries to fully implement the Paris Agreement including the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
17.

ASEP 10 stresses that, according to the WHO, UNFCC as part of JLG, SDGs a part of UN knowledge, climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health - clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter- and that between 2030 and 2050, 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress, are expected with extreme high air temperatures contributing directly to deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

18.
18.

ASEP 10 calls for the highest political commitment to the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement in all its aspects, including, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology development and transfer, capacity-building and transparency of actions and support, in reflection of equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities.

19.
19.

ASEP 10 emphasizes the urgency and priority of acceleration the implementation of pre-2020 commitments and actions to build mutual trust among the implementation of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol.

20.
20.

ASEP 10 stresses that commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to further pursue efforts of limitation of 4 temperature increase to 1.5 ac above pre-industrial levels, as well as to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the second half of this century, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.
21.

ASEP 10 stresses that the completion of the Paris Agreement Work programme at COP24 in Katowice this December will be crucial to providing certainty and confidence to governments and business and that effective guidance on all elements of the Paris Agreement Work Programme will drive future ambition and ensure finance and investment can flow towards its implementation.

22.
22.

ASEP 10 recalls that the Paris Agreement requires all Parties to take action to conserve and enhance sinks, including forests; ASEP 10 stresses that deforestation and forest degradation are the second leading cause of global warming and are responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, and emphasises the importance of taking the integral and sustainable for management of forests in order to deliver both carbon and non-carbon benefits.

right policy approaches the 23.


ASEP 1 0 notes that halting deforestation and forest degradation and allowing forests to regrow would provide a significant part of all mitigation action needed to limit global warming to below 2°C.

24.

ASEP 10 recalls that limiting the rise in global temperature to well below 2oc does not guarantee that significant adverse climate impacts will be avoided.
ASEP 10 stresses therefore that global GHG emissions should reach their peak as soon as possible and that all Parties should step up their efforts and upgrade their Nationally Determined Contributions and to strengthen efforts over time, in accordance with the purpose and provisions of the Paris Agreement.
Developed country parties shall provide financial resource to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligation under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

ASEP 10 countries look forward to participating in the 3talanoa Dialogue" at COP24 and sharing stories about climate action that will help all countries identify pathways for ambition and inform the Nationality Determined Contributions.

25.
25.

ASEP 10 recalls that climate change adaptation action is an inevitable necessity for all countries if they are to minimise negative effects and 5 make full use of the opportunities for climate-resilient growth and sustainable development.

through a combination of multiple 26.
ASEP 10 urges actions to be taken to address climate change including adaptation compatible and well-coordinated regional, national and local strategies, strengthening of capacity and resilience mechanism of populations and ecosystems by reducing the vulnerability of natural and human structures with early warning systems, sea defences, resettlement of inhabitants away from flood zones, and a specific measure to counter balance possible negative effects of those measures on certain populations.
factors, 27.

ASEP 10 expresses the need to set ambitious goals on production and consumption of plastic, particularly single-use plastic items, and invites ASEM to consider firm recommendations in this direction towards achieving significant progress to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns (Goal12 of the Sustainable Development Goals).

28.
28.

ASEP 10 expresses its serious concern about the continuing loss of biodiversity which has an overwhelming intrinsic value that must be protected for the benefit of future generations, and stresses the critical role of biodiversity in the Sustainable Development Goals.

29.
29.

ASEP 10 calls on government and international to organisations to coordinate approaches to development and recognise effective action on climate change in order to shape an integrated policy, consolidating approaches on climate change and the defence of global environment diplomacy.

relevant and 30.
relevant and 30.

ASEP 10 underlines that climate change and environmental distress may generate greater social impacts and therefore calls for economic and social empowerment of people through sustainable development to prevent dramatic situations of social conflict.

31.
ASEP 10 urges for a comprehensive action to be taken in managing the development of urban areas, as well as smart cities in compliance with energy efficiency not only megalopolis but also middle and small size cities, where the majority of inhabitants live and where sustainable development and minimum standards of quality of living require adequate funding and actions on waste management and water management, use of renewable energies both on large and small scale, smart mobility, digital connectivity and appropriate mechanism for local community involvement in the decision-making process.
6 32.

ASEP 1 0 believes that Asian and European stakeholders should increase an exchange of best practices on sustainable urban development and its impact on climate change, both in terms of legislation and of technology, further enhancing cooperation among political, academic and business actors.

33.
33.

ASEP 10 is alarmed by the magnitude of natural disasters and by the fact that hundreds of millions of people, particularly women and children, are extremely vulnerable to natural calamities, namely earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, and severe floods and droughts, which put sustainable development at risk.
In this regard, it is the duty of the parliamentarians to emphasize the importance of ensuring disaster risk reduction, and that disaster management is well integrated into development and poverty reduction strategies as well as in regional and international cooperation.

34.
34.

ASEP 10 reiterates that parties should, when taking action to address climate change, respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on human rights, the right ton health, the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, migrants, children, persons with disabilities and people in vulnerable situations and the right to development, as well as gender equality, empowerment of women and intergenerational equity.

35.
35.

ASEP 1 0 underlines the need to focus on the complex links between climate change and displacement.

ASEP 10 invites stakeholders, including ASEM governments and parliaments, to further develop understanding of the drivers and solutions for displacement caused by climate change.

36.
ASEP 10 emphasises that management of water resources represents a crucial challenge to the survival of humankind, and it is also a sensitive factor for potential instability, being one of the source of conflicts and of the lack of adequate joint governance; ASEP 10 urges governments to enforce ambitious programmes for both internal and cross-border water cooperation and to shape a water-diplomacy based on advanced cooperation and joint governance of water resources; ASEP 10 recalls the findings of the United Nations Security Council Open Session on Water, Peace and Security, held on 22 November 2016.
ASEP 10 believes that cooperation on water resources is also a leading factor for mitigation of climate changes impact on security, migration and well-being of population.

37.

ASEP 10 recalls the right of citizens to achieve safe and affordable drinking water and adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene 7 through environmental policies Development Goal 6. in line with the Sustainable 38.
ASEP 10 reiterates a previous ASEP request for pushing for the capitalisation of European and Asian experiences of sustainable plant based development of food systems, with special regard to the role of small farming agriculture, of small and medium entrepreneurs and of inclusive, multilevel and coherent policies especially at local level.

In this regard, a particular focus should be given to family farming and the role of women and young people.
ASEP 10 draws attention to the importance of healthy and rich oceans, and sustainable blue growth.

ASEP 10 underscores the importance of tackling challenges related to maritime ocean governance due to climate change, as well as unsustainable use of living marine resources, illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (UUF), on the environment and the economy.
Furthermore, ASEP 10 stressed the importance of long term elimination of discharge of litter and micro-plastic to the oceans and the need to move towards green shipping.

including 39.
including 39.

ASEP 10 maintains that a comprehensive approach to the entire cycle of food production and consumption is crucial and that in this perspective a balanced ecosystem - based on halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss, including in crop production - must be pursued to protect the health of living beings, ensuring that the long-term guardianship of the landscape as a result of human activity on earth.

40.
40.

ASEP 10 calls ASEM governments, international institutions and the private sector to step up efforts to safeguard food security while taking action to combat climate change and for a cleaner and healthier environment.

ASEP international organisations, including the UN agencies the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to contribute to climate action.

1 0 welcomes efforts by Human Rights 41.


Approaching the 70th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, ASEP 10 reiterates its unwavering commitment to universal human rights and its resolve to strengthen the international system based on human rights, effective multilateral institutions and international cooperation underpinned by UN institutions, mechanisms and procedures; underlines its commitment to independent national and regional human rights institutions and mechanisms.

. '
. '

' ~\p \ 8 42.

ASEP 10 parliamentarians underline that respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law and the fight against corruption are fundamental building blocks of just, equitable and inclusive societies in Asia and Europe that need to seek common ground through dialogue, cooperation and partnership.

Security cooperation 43.


ASEP 1 0 underlines the crucial goal of providing peace, stability and a safe environment to all counties; recalls the need to preventing conflicts through peaceful means in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and by respecting the sovereignty independence and territorial integrity of each state.

ASEP 10 stresses the role of the UN Security Council in this respect.

44.
44.

ASEP 1 0 reiterates its full support to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concerning the Iranian nuclear programme and believes that only mutual trust, cooperation and engagement through an increase of diplomatic, trade and people-to-people relations, can provide a stable and peaceful landscape.

45.

ASEP 10 reiterates the vital importance and urgency of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

46.
ASEP 10 considers in a positive way recent diplomatic initiatives in Korean peninsula and reiterates its concern on the DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes; invites all Member States to fully respect the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and agree to a constructive plan aimed the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, and supports efforts aimed at peaceful co-existence and trust building measures amongst countries of the region in general and concretely replacing the truce by a peace treaty ending officially the Korean war.
to 47.

ASEP 10 although welcomes the decision of the DPRK leadership to introduce a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests from April 21, 2018, invites all countries to make efforts in order to achieve a lasting and stable peace regime in this region via trust-building measures amongst the countries involved; 48.
ASEP 1 0 also underlines the importance of promoting equal and trust indivisible security and believes mechanisms should be updated in order to limit the increase of military expenditures and pay more funds for human development.

that security and mutual '-'-1 9 49.


ASEP 10 expresses its utmost concern to the situation of the Rohingya people, and calls on all involved parties and international donors to step up assistance to refugees and, notably on the authorities of Myanmar, to provide a safe environment the development of those communities.

reintegration and the for Trade relations 50.
ASEP 10 reaffirms the central importance of international rules-based through a transparent and non-discriminatory trade, open, free, multilateral system and realisation on sustainable develop agenda and ensuring that multilaterally agreed rules are uniformly applied; in this context the WTO role is key, functioning as a negotiating forum for its members and providing a platform for open discussion on global trade related issues; joint commitment of WTO members is needed in the current global context to preserve the efficiency and the central role of the WTO, if needed, through appropriate reforms.
ASEP 10 also notes this is consistent with the aim of multilateral trading system integrated and mutually supportive with the realisation of the sustainable development agenda to the maximum extent.

51.
ASEP 10 calls for appropriate implementation of core ILO labour standards, sustainable environmental impact, fiscal fairness, the fight against corruption and transparent and equitable dispute settlement mechanisms; countries should also refrain from introducing trade distorting or protectionist measures - tariff and non-tariff barriers - and should strive towards the elimination where such measures are in place, this being a necessary precondition for a further strengthening of trade and investment ties between all ASEM members.
Final Clauses 52.

ASEP 10 charges the Chairs of the Meeting to report its deliberation to the ASEM leaders during the ASEM 12 Summit of Heads of State and Governments meeting in Brussels on 18-19 October 2018 53.

ASEP 1 0 expresses its gratitude to the European Parliament the efficient organisation and the hospitality provided in organising the meeting.

54.

ASEP 10 agrees that ASEP 11 Meeting will be held in Asia, and looks forward to the 2020 gathering.
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(;-:''·Trade !n culttm:;f goods Toori:.t arrivals at nat.lonat bun:h:Js ;:,± MliJtant stock ian~et ~ 27 L ~ European I Commission · - 00 N \\; "' 1\ EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, BRUSSELS, 27-28 September, 2018 TENTH ASIA-EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY PARTNERSHIP MEETING RODIANNE SPITERI REPRESENTATIVE OF 1HE P ARI~IAMENT OF MALTA TO 1BE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS 1 Plenary Session Introductory remarks by the Chair Politicians from Asia and Europe must discuss ways to create ongoing dialogue to solve cmmnon problems.
Adopting the declaration every two years is not enough.

The role of Parliamentarians in the fight against climate change should be more ambitious.

It is up to Parliamentarians to adopt legislation in support of climate action.

There is still a lot of work to be clone on improving the connectivity between Asia and Europe, on fostering people to people links, on enhancing trade links, on strengthening the security dialogue and on cooperating on human rights.
Climate action should be at the heart of Parliamentarians' work, in all sectors, to create a sustainable future.
Mr Yonclonperenlei Baatarbileg, MEP, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Policy, Education, Culture and Science of the Parliament of Mongolia Mongolia successfully organised the ASEP-9 meeting and the 11 <h ASEM with the theme, Twenty years of ASENI pmtnersbip )or the jittzm through co1znedivity, in 2016.The Ulaanbaatar Declaration adopted at the end of ASEP-9 contributed to the 20'h anniversary of ASEM and set the course for the following decade.
Strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation to deliver more efficient results is one of Mongolia's priorities.

Ms Shirin Shannin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Bangladesh is one of the countries mostly affected by climate change.

Ms Chaudhury gave a detailed overview of the negative impact of climate change on various spheres of life, including food production, air quality, and finding safe shelter.
It is therefore very important to focus on climate adaptation in order to increase resilience and ensure sustainable development.

It is therefore crucial for Parliamentarians from different colmtries across different continents to come together to discuss strategies from the local to the international levels.
She emphasised the importance of multilateralism in addressing common problems such as climate change, before moving on to the unique role of Parliaments which can positively influence and scrutinise the work of governments and monitor the implementation of legislation.

She mentioned the importance of green finance which is limited and as such a new quantifiable and collective target is required.
She also said that the implementation of the Paris Agreement should be expedited and that vulnerable countries must be supported to access finance, to acquire new technologies and to strengthen their capacity building.

Mr Zhang Zhijun, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National People's Congress of China 2 Mr Zhijun started his speech by referring to extreme weather events throughout the Eurasian continent in the past years which currently constitute a serious threat.
He said that states must reflect on how to slow down this phenomenon.

He mentioned a number of actions to achieve this.

Firstly, states need to build one community to work together against common challenges for a shared future.

Secondly, states must observe international commitments taken previously such as the Paris Agreement.

Developed countries must support developing ones and the latter must increase cooperation between themselves.
Thirdly, economic action and climate and environmental actions must be mutually reinforcing.

Fourthly, states need a new common security agenda that also incorporates climate and environmental risks.

He mentioned several actions being taken in China under climate action such as upgrading the energy infrastructure; increasing the cotmtry's energy mix; increasing energy efficiency; reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector, to mention a few.
He also mentioned a number of legislative acts adopted by the NPC in order to enhance climate action.

The use of coal has fallen by more than 8 per cent in the past years and the share of renewable energy has risen by more than 6 per cent.

He also referred to the Paris Agreement which China signed and which it intends to continue to implement.

He also mentioned examples of what China is doing in third countries as part of its international commitments towards climate action.
Plenary session: Climate change, challenge for multilateralism Mr Jo Leinen, European Parliament Rapporteur on climate change and Chair of the EP delegation for relations with China Multilateralism is under attack at a time when it is needed the most.

It is under attack by those who prefer to act on their own and not to cooperate with other states.

Asia has the largest population and its economies are booming.
It therefore has an opporttmity to modernise and to grow in a pro-environmental manner, and to make a large positive impact on the planet.

The EP has carried out a lot of work and is still in the process of finalising some of its legislative work to prepare for the next decade - the renewable energy directive, the energy efficiency directive, the buildings directive, are some examples.

It is now working on reducing C(h emissions from cars and in moving ever closer to zero emissions cars.
He explained that the Commission has increased its commitments compared to the EU's 2015 pledges made in Paris.

He referred to the reduction of CCh emissions by 40 per cent until 2030 (to which the EP is proposing a 45 per cent reduction until the same year- the percentage is currently being negotiated by the EU institutions).

He then moved on to climate diplomacy, which is very important when talking about multilateralism.
Climate diplomacyis important to find partners that support clean technologyand to create climate alliances at different levels.

He said that the EP has called on the Commission and the EEAS to streamline climate action across all policies.

3 C'l Mr Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate He referred to the report issued in May 2018 by the Australian Senate on the risks of climate change to national security.
According to the report, there is indeed a risk to Australia's security because climate change exacerbates existing threats to human security, including economic, environmental, water, energy, food and health challenges.

Australia expects changing environmental conditions and increased extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.

These could tmdermine stability and contribute to migration, among others.
The Pacific Islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change which they describe as one of the most serious threats to their communities' livelihood, wellbeing and existence.

The economic and environmental stability and viability of the whole Pacific is very important for Australia and its security.

He referred to Australia's commitment under the Paris Agreement and said that Australia's targets to lower emissions are achievable, responsible and in line with those of other developed countries.
He also referred to the current Government's efforts to increase international cooperation to fight climate change and emphasised the importance that Australia is attaching to this challenge when it comes to development assistance.

He concluded by arguing that national Parliaments have an important role in generating consent on the issues linked to climate change and climate action.
It is important that they remain engaged and committed throughout the years because change in this area takes manyyears to occur.

Ms Carmen-Ileana Mihalcescu, Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, Romanian Parliament Effective management of climate change requires the active participation of all actors on the global level and coordinated initiatives across different sectors such as foreign policy, the economy and the environment, to mention a few examples.
States must now ensure that they have all that is necessary to make the Paris Agreement operational in order to implement their commitments.

Romania has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Paris Agreement in June 2017 which is in itself evidence that Romania stands ready to do its part.

Romania supports the French initiative on the Global Pact for the Environment and is a co-sponsor of the recently-adopted UN resolution on this initiative.
She also explained that Romania's position is generally reflected in the legislative work carried out at the EU level.

She then moved on to detailing the commitments in the Paris Agreement.

Referring to the upcoming Romanian Presidency, she said that the Romanian Presidency will take over the file on international climate change issues from the Austrian Presidency, which will be responsible for this dossier during the COP24.
The Romanian Presidency will then continue the negotiations on the main topics under discussion and will also ensure the correct implementation of the work programme on the implementation of the Paris Agreement which will be adopted during COP24.

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J 4 Mr Mauri Pekkarinen, First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Last October a report by the UN Environment Programme stated that progress made by states on emissions reduction up to this date have only resulted in one third of what needs to be done by2020.

I-!e mentioned some of the most important past commitments and argued that since then much has changed.

Some countries were considered as developing in the early 90s but are now among the wealthiest.
Some countries which did not have high carbon emissions some decades ago are now among the highest emitters of catbon emissions globally.

C1tbon emissions from energy production in developing cotmtries have ahnost tripled since the 1990s.

However, emissions per capita in the E U remain higher than most other parts of the world, such as India.

The EU has proven that carbon emissions can be decreased whilst the economy can continue to grow.

Nonetheless, it still has a lot of room for improvement.
The rules on how to implement the Paris Agreement are under negotiation no wand the plan is to reach final agreement during COP24.

There is a risk that there could be two sets of mles, if countries do not agree on one common set for both developed and less developed countries.

He concluded by saying that there should be more cooperation between the two continents in various fields such as renewable energy, to mention one example.
Ms Rosa Maria Romero Sanchez, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Spanish Parliament The two continents need policies and strategies that bolster the sustainability of our societies.

If the EU Member States had to fully apply EU legislation on the circular economy, 400,000 new jobs would be created at the European level.

She mentioned some very positive statistics as regards the progress made by Spain in the last few years in the environmental, energy and climate spheres.
E U Member States need a roadmap which ensures that each stakeholder fulfils its role in the fight against climate change.

She appealed to colleagues to work on creating a transition in the political and legislative areas to ensure that we make concerted efforts against climate change.

Mr Phung Quoc Hien, Vice President of the National Assembly, Vietnam "'-1 Climate change is a challenge for multilateralism, especially now that nationalism and protectionism are gaining grotmd.
It has created divisions and conflicts worldwide.

ASEM and ASEP have cooperated to achieve sustainable management of natural resources; however, more cooperation is needed to address climate change.

Vietnam is one of those countries mostly affected by climate change; it is especially vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Vietnam has acknowledged that climate change is a survival issue.
Vietnam has devised a plan to implement the Paris Agreement and has been very active in promoting climate-related issues in multilateral foras.

He gave a detailed overview of actions and initiatives taken by Vietnam in a number of multi-lateral foras.

5 Debate with panicipants.

Panicipants argued that the Paris Agreement seems to be in danger, creating more uncenainty.

Panicipants presented their country's main challenges and actions to address these and spoke about any progress made in recent years.
Panel1 Impact on the economy All panicipants who took the floor agreed that climate change knows no borders and it requires urgent and concened effons to address it.

It is causing a transformational impact not only on national economies of individual states but on the global economy as a whole.

Any action taken against climate change must take into account economic and social factors and states' capabilities to address the negative impact of climate change on the environment.
We need to fosterthe notion of a community with a shared future.

Panicipants who took the floor, mostly from Asia, spoke in detail about the initiatives taken by their respective countries and how these are contributing to the fight against climate change.

Developing cotmtries are more vulnerable to climate change and its impact and there is a common understanding that they have less resources to address this challenge.
M1ny spoke about the impact of climate change on agriculture, more specifically on food production including fishing, which could give rise to other problems such as mass migration and conflict.

Our policies should be more climate-oriented, prioritising adaptation, and in the case of developing states, their priority should be food production and food security for the entire domestic population.
Another topic mentioned is the development and use of clean technology and the role that developed countries need to play to suppon developing ones.

Financial assistance is key here.

The UN's Green Climate Fund is nmning out of money; countries must make new pledges to replenish it.

Funhermore, some said that there needs to be more will and courage to the technological cooperation mechanisms between countries.
Many mentioned fund opponunities that climate change has created, including economic opponunities for both the public and private sectors.

The WTO can have a crucial role and protectionism must be contained as much as possible because it is cotmterproductive.

Panicipants also spoke about the in1ponance of lowering carbon emissions.

Three approaches were presented to achieve this aim: ETS and other market-based approaches; legislation and regulation; and the use of technology.
Asian countries were asked to provide feedback on which one they would prefer.

Asian countries seem to think that the first, market-based approaches, are not very effective.

However, they also argued that government regulation and legislation and technology cannot exclude one another.

The two go hand in hand but finance, caps and a strict timetable, are needed to ensure effective results.

6 Panel2 Impact on migration There were a number of open questions which could not be answered.
It transpired that participants did not have a common view on the relation between migration and climate change.

Participants agreed that the relation between these two is a complicated one.

More research and more data are needed to understand this complex relationship and how one affects the other.

Many agreed however, that climate change can lead to extreme weather conditions, which would force people to abandon their homes and to move to neighbouring and safer countries.
The Philippines and Bangladesh were highlighted as examples of countries that face huge difficulties as a result of climate change and its impact on human displacement both within the country and across national borders.

The economic impact of climate change is the most 'evident' one perhaps; nonetheless, the impact on mass migration and internal displacement as a result of natural disasters cannot be completely ignored or underestimated.
It was also said that countries seem to prefer to react to situations rather than to adopt a more long-term approach to address climate change.

This summer we have witnessed that it is not only developing colmtries that are victims of natural disasters and climate change.

The delegate from India emphasised the importance of collecting more data in order to analyse better the link between climate change and migration.
It clearly emerged from this panel discussion that delegates had a different assessment of this link Panel3 Impact on security It is important to deepen cooperation within the Asia-Europe partnership on both the horizontal and sectoral levels.

Participants all agreed that climate change has a trans-border effect and all expressed their commitment to fulfilling the Paris Agreement.
They called on ASEM to become more active in sharing best practices and in conducting research jointly and in changing/ improving legislation.

Kazakhstan has inherited serious environmental problems from the USSR-era.

A specific nuclear site in the country was mentioned where nuclear tests, including in the open air, were carried out in the past which resulted in extremely damaging environmental and air problems.

Such cases are strictly linked with security.


States should come together to take actions against serious environmental challenges, including climate change.

The ASEM Sustainable Omnectivity Portal, presentation by Ms Ana Rita Neves, Joint Research Centre, followed by Q&A session 7 "Ihe launch of the portal took place on 15 October during t':te ASEM week The work on the portal started in the last months of 2017 following the adoption of the definition of ASEM connectivity by all 53 ASEM partners.
TI1e EEAS asked the JRC to carry out more evidence-based research on connectivity to support discussion on this topic.

The portal allows the measurement of ASEM sustainable connectivity.

It provides a measuring tool in itself.

It also allows the monitoring of progress of ASEM countries over the years.

It can provide the basis for discussion on connectivity.

It can shed light on where cooperation is needed and how to formulate policy.
It can support communication within the ASEM group and can provide the group with more visibility.

It also inspires new research on connectivity.

Connectivity is a multi-dimensional concept that is very hard to measure.

The researchers can1ed out literature review and consultations with experts to explore ways to do this.

They have devised two indexes, one to measure sustainability and another to measure connectivity.

These indexes merge 49 indicators.


Connectivity is split into five pillars - physical infrastructure; political, economic, institutional and people-to-people connectivity.

It has 30 indicators.

For example, lmder the pillar physical infrastructure, there are indicators such as trade in electricity and flights, among others.

Sustainability measures the sustainability of a country linked to connectivity.

Sustainability is based on three pillars: environmental, economic and social sustainability.
There are 19 indicators.

For instance, under the social pillar, there is the poverty indicator or the participation of the population in democratic process, to mention a few examples.

This infonnation is provided in the portal which ain1s to be a one-stop shop for all ASEM colmtries.

The two indexes are also compared one to the other.

If there is a positive trend in one, there also tends to be a positive trend in the other.
ASEM countries seem to be much more connected with another cmmtry within the ASEM group than with other countries in the rest of the world.

Participants were briefed on the main discussions held in the three panels the previous day.

Final Declaration adopted.

Bangladesh took the floor after the adoption of the Declaration.

The delegate spoke about paragraph 49 of the Declaration, stating that the language on the Rohingyas is not strong enough and that it leaves out in1portant elements.
Crin1es against humanity, genocide and other crimes and atrocities against these people were mentioned in a report submitted by a UN fact finding mission to the UN's Human Rights Council.

The text leaves out an in1portant element that is, the safe, sustainable and dignified return and repatriation of the Rohingyas in Myanmar.

This will become possible only once the citizenship of these people is fully re-instated, including both their rights and responsibilities.
Re-instating their citizenship is the responsibility of Myanmar.

The delegate called on the international community to put pressure on Myanmar to fulfil its obligations towards the Rohingyas.

Myanmar is also responsible for the creation of a safe and secure environment in the Rohingyas' state in Myanmar.
The delegation of Bangladesh would prefer the original drafting 8 of paragraph 49 with stronger language on the Rohingyas; however, for the sake of reaching consensus, it is agreeing to the adopted version.

The delegate from the Philippines took the floor to argue that the issue of green finance should be more prominent in the Declaration.

Unfortw1ately, it is too late to change the text but this should be taken into accormt in future statements of ASEP.
Closing remarks The delegation of Cyprus - There should be a permanent ASEP coordination mechanism which would specify more the role of ASEP and bring it closer to ASEM which has a more defined role than ASEP.

Cooperation must be enhanced in order to have a stronger inter-parliamentary dimension between the two continents.
The delegation of Russia - Russia's efforts to deliver on its environmental and climate commitments are put in danger by illegal restrictions in1posed on Russia by certain Western countries.

This could affect Russia's ability to attract ftmding for the promotion of low emission development strategies; it could prevent it from accessing cutting-edge technology and it could make it harder for Russia to assist other countries.
Some call these measures 'sanctions' against Russia, but the tmth is that these are sanctions against the environment of the entire Eurasian conrinent.

Climate related matters should not be politicised for the sake of one's economic interests.
Recordings of the event can be accessed at: http:/ I www.europarl.europa.eu/ ep-live/ en/ other-events/video?event-20180920-1030- SPEOAL- UNKN Doctill1ents provided by the participants can be accessed at: http:/ I www.epgenpro.europarl.europa.eu/ static/ asep1 0/ en/ documents.html 9