Update: Euro-Asia Summer School 2024 - Bridging Continents for Future Global Governance
We are pleased to share the highlights and outcomes of the 16th Euro-Asia Summer School, which successfully took place from 26th August to 6th September 2024.
This year’s theme, "Global Values: European and Asian Perspectives on the Future of Global Governance," brought together a diverse group of students and scholars from around the world, encouraging intercultural dialogue and collaboration on critical global governance issues.
Organised by a consortium of esteemed academic institutions—including the Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies (Belgium), Hitotsubashi University (Japan), Seoul National University (South Korea), and the Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (Spain)— this programme was proudly supported by the EU-VALUES Network.
The first week, 'Asian Week', was hosted at Seoul National University, featuring a series of insightful lectures, engaging field trips, and interactive sessions. Participants delved into East Asian development and governance through lectures such as:
Prof. Moon Woo Sik (SNU): “How Could East Asia Develop?: Development State as a Misguided Westernisation”
Prof. Kazuhiro Fukazawa (HU): “Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters in EU Trade Agreements with Asian Countries”
Prof. JeongHun Han (SNU): “Elections in Korea and EU”
Prof. Byun Oung (SNU): “Korea Japan Cooperation in the Mirror of Europe”
Prof. Maiko Ichihara (HU): “Disinformation and Democracy”
Prof. Yeongseop Rhee (SNU): “Financial Crises in East Asia, Europe, and the World”
Participants also enjoyed a memorable field trip to the Korean De-Militarised Zone and the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace of the Chosen Dynasty. Following the enriching experiences of Asian Week, the programme transitioned to European Week at KU Leuven in Belgium, running from the 1st to 6th September. This week featured a great lineup, including:
Dr. Gustavo Muller (KUL): “Navigating European Identities in a Changing Global Order”
Dr. Diego Badell (IBEI): “EU’s External Action and Gender Equality: Contested at Home, Contested Abroad”
Dr. Axel Marx (KUL): “Global Trade Governance: Contestation and Cooperation”
Prof. Stephan Keukeleire (KUL): “Decentring European Foreign Policy Analysis”
Prof. Fukazawa Kazuhiro (HU): “Global Supply Chain and Labour Rights: Labour Standards in Free Trade Agreements”
Additionally, students had the opportunity to visit important institutions, including the European External Action Service, the European Parliament, and the House of European History, along with exploring the charming sights of Leuven.
Reflections from Participants
“Taking part in the Euro-Asia Summer School 2024 was an eye-opening experience that went beyond the classroom. The program dives into Euro-Asian affairs with a mix of thought-provoking lectures and lively discussions that shed light on the intricate political, economic, and social dynamics at play. It’s not just about learning from experts; it’s about exchanging ideas with people from different backgrounds who share a common interest in these regions. The connections made and the fresh perspectives gained are what truly set this program apart. In short, a highly recommended experience.”
— Mishel Reali, Business Support Coordinator at EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation.
“It was a privilege to have been selected to participate in the 16th Euro-Asia Summer School. Throughout the two weeks, I benefited from stellar academics as well as bonus lectures from several diplomats at the EEAS (European External Action Service) and the former South Korea's High Representative to NATO.”
— Donatus Ikhane Ozemhoya, An Erasmus International Master in South European Studies.“As an ancient poem goes, distance cannot divide true friends who feel close even when thousands of miles apart (相知无远近，万里尚为邻). Let us increase understanding and bridge contradictions through dialogue and exchange, all for the common future of mankind.”
— Hu Shenghan, Hitotsubashi University, Graduate School of Law.“The Euro-Asia Summer School provided me with the bespoke experience of studying at the oldest university in the Low Countries with an inquisitive and dynamic group of Korean, Japanese, and European students. Leuven, one of the two venues of this year's program, is a quaint medieval town with an unmistakable Old World charm. The other venue was Seoul, an ultramodern yet historically rich nexus of East Asia. Professors and scholars from four universities led an edifying conversation on international studies and global governance. Highly recommended for scholars of all fields who are interested in East Asia and the European Union.”
— Andrew Soohwan Kim, UC Berkeley.
The Euro-Asia Summer School 2024 was a transformative experience for the participants, enhancing their understanding of global governance through a unique blend of academic rigor and cultural exchange. We thank everyone who participated and contributed to this enriching programme, and we look forward to sharing more about future initiatives.