Shaping the post-COVID era: Asia’s role in the global recovery

The 26th International Conference on The Future of Asia is officially opened in Tokyo on May 20 under online format due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The coronavirus outbreak is changing the shape of Asia. In the midst of anxiety over the spread of the virus, populism and authoritarianism are rearing their heads, and some people worry that democracy is receding.

Will Asian leaders be able to pave the way for the post-COVID era while preserving the principles of "peace and stability" and "diversity"? Will they be able to cooperate on international issues, including overcoming future pandemics? The 26th International Conference of the Future of Asia will discuss how Asia can enter a new era during this time of uncertainty.

This year’s conference, titled “Shaping the post-COVID era: Asia’s role in the global recovery,” brings together various leaders in Asia, such as Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat.

During the two-day conference, the political and economic leaders and scholars will discuss how Asia can enter a new era during a time of uncertainty. 

In addition to speeches by the political leaders, a number of experts from various fields will join panel discussions on such topics as "Asia and the new US administration," "International cooperation to fight the pandemic," "Innovation in the COVID-19 era," and "Cultural exchange in the COVID-19 era.”

The Future of Asia is an international gathering where political, economic and academic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region offer their opinions frankly and freely on regional issues and the role of Asia in the world. Held by Nikkei every year since 1995 (it has been canceled due to the new coronavirus pandemic last year), it is considered one of the most important global conferences in Asia.
By An Nhien

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