Digital BABA

Prof Min

Mr Ogata

Fellows and Resource Persons 

This Building a Better Asia retreat program started from the desire of the Nippon Foundation to build up networks among the many people who had participated in one form or other in its programs and activities. This shared interest formed the basis of this human network .

But from the very beginning we have also been very conscious about the purpose of having such a network. This is obvious from the title of the program expressed in the BABA acronym. But what kind of a Better Asia did we want to have?

In  remarks that I made at the 3rd BABA retreat which was held in Goa, India last February I recalled expressing the kind of Asia we should have – an Asia that is culturally vibrant, politically progressive, economically prosperous and ecologically sustainable – and Asia that should be built on enduring values of social justice, human dignity, equality, freedom, independence and non-violence. I had gone on to say that it is important that the values which shape the new Asia reflect our dreams for a global system that is powered by values and virtues that are universally shared and practiced.

This BABA 4 retreat is meeting at a very important conjuncture. America is seeking to find a new leader that will reinvigorate its society and economy and to replace an administration that has led the country to two wars and a major recession. The world has become so connected that failed leadership in America will infect the rest of the world. Only 2 days ago on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) the leaders of the ASEAN +3 held an emergency meeting in Beijing to arrest the financial crisis gripping the world. How the Asian economies can contribute to finding a solution to the problems of the global financial crisis will be a major challenge facing Asia’s leaders.

We need to recognize the importance of China and India and the competition between them will be over values, rules of governance, more participation of the people, science and technology and not just over economy or security. The challenge for Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole is how to manage changes and manage the transition to an ASIA with strong global reach, that is a GLOBAL ASIA.

For those of you who are from ASEAN, caught between two rising and very powerful neighbours, the challenge will be how to continue to remain relevant to the rest of the world. Last week the ASEAN Charter was officially ratified by all 10 member states when the Indonesian parliament passed enabling legislation, thus making ASEAN a rules-based, people-oriented and more integrated entity. 

Needless to say the quality of the relationships among the three emerging communities of Asia – the community of Southeast Asia or ASEAN, the community of East Asia and the community of South Asia – will determine the shape of the Better Asia we seek and this will be the challenge that will confront current and future leaders of Asia. These 3 communities of a rising Asia represent over 3.3 billion people who aspire for better living conditions, jobs, governance, and leaders. This “consolidation” of Asian states and the rise of Asia will be a challenge to global leadership as they participate in the shaping of the future direction of the world.

I give this backdrop if only to emphasize the fact that we have to be aware of these changes in Asia and in the world.

In many ways BABA is a meeting of friends from many different cultures of Asia. To the three emerging communities that I spoke about earlier I wish to add Central Asia. If you are to study the history of the Silk Road you will see how rich and diverse is the tapestry of cultures and ideas in Asia. The Asia of the future must stand firmly on a belief that all cultures must be respected and the diversity of ideas promoted. More often than not this starts with relationships. There is no greater glue to a relationship than friendship.

BABA is not a talk shop. We hope that the BABA fellowship can innovate by providing new ideas that can translate into meaningful and sustainable processes. I urge you to explore concepts that will invigorate and reinvigorate human networks. BABA itself is an evolving concept that is championed by those who want to see an Asia THAT IS BETTER THAN HER PAST AND AN ASIA THAT IS GREATER THAN HERSELF.

Perhaps years from now when you have occasion to reflect on your BABA retreat you will ask yourself what you remembered most from BABA? Was it the fellows, the resource people, the venue or the food? Was there a defining moment or a compelling experience? Whatever the answer will be you can be assured that for the next one week we will provide you with good FOOD for your body, mind and soul.

Let me end by expressing my deepest gratitude to the Nippon Foundation for its support to this program, to Peking University as host and partner, Dr Chen and his staff at the Yingjie Exchange Centre, all the resource persons, Manisha and Sherilyn and Ito for facilitating, members of the  Academic Committee for their constant support, Wang  Ying, Mary and Sumana whose dedicated help made this retreat so simple to organize. I want to express my thanks also to Anupam Saraph whose interest in helping give more shape and form to BABA 4. Finally, my very special thanks to Prof Min Weifang, Chairman of the Peking University Council and Mr Takeju Ogata, President of the Nippon Foundation for their support  as well as presence at this retreat, and to Dr Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General who will speak tomorrow for his commitment to this BABA process.

The Asian Dialogue Society is most privileged to organize these BABA retreats. The ADS describes itself as “citizens and friends of Asia” dedicated to promoting  dialogue and friendships across political, religious, linguistic and tribal borders.

Thank you and best wishes for a good dialogue this week.