Page 40 - EU_ASEN Relations: Perspectives From Malaysia

Meeting (FMM1). The foundation runs several programmes including

initiatives in Cultural Mobility, Environment and Education.

The new ASEAN-EU Plan for Action (2018–2022) has now replaced the

Bandar Seri Begawan Plan for action (2013–2017) (EEAS, 2017a). The plan
seeks to enhance cooperation in the area of education and culture by having

student exchanges, institutional collaborations, facilitating increased
interaction with AUN (ASEAN Universities Network) and EU member states,

and promotion of cultural understanding between the two regional blocs. The

plan also proposes cooperation to counter the challenge of pandemics, EIDs
and other potential health threats, promote the rights of women, children, the

elderly, persons with disabilities and migrant workers, looking for ways to
improve dialogues in crisis, and disaster management and address global

environmental challenges. The EU plans to work with the ASEAN

Commission on the Protection of the rights of Women and Children (ACWC)
and ASEAN Committee on Women (AWA) to promote gender equality,

women living with HIV/AIDS, and reduce gender-based violence, among
others.

EU-Malaysia Socio-Cultural Cooperation

The 1980 EU cooperation with ASEAN is the principal framework for

cooperation with Malaysia. Since the opening up of an EU delegation in
Malaysia, there has been increased cooperation, and dialogues on shared

interests and issues have been regularly held. The EU has a comprehensive
environmental cooperation with Malaysia that covers areas such as green

technology, renewable energy, and sustainable forest management. In order to
facilitate Malaysia in moving towards a green economy, the EU holds annual

policy dialogues with the relevant ministries in Malaysia. Climate change is a

serious issue, and the EU is providing support to Malaysia in order to reduce

34