This informal gathering was initiated and co-ordinated by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in partnership with Casa Asia (Spain), the International Institute for Asian Studies (The Netherlands) , and the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE).

Over two days, more than 180 high-level representatives from civil society organizations from Asia and Europe gathered in Barcelona to discuss issues of mutual concern for both regions as well as how to enhance future co-operation among the Civil Society of Asia and Europe. This consultation included participants from various Civil Society sectors namely: research institutes, think tanks, university departments, NGOs and other social partners such as trade unions, consumer organisations and business associations, cultural houses, the media, civil society resource organisations and foundations.

A report was produced with concrete recommendations addressed to the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) leaders, which were formulated by participants. These recommendations tackle pressing issues of common concern to the Civil Society of ASEM member countries, and present a Civil Society perspective on how to address them. The ideas and recommendations in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the organisers.