I was first introduced to the Asia Europe People’s Forum (AEPF) by Tina Ebro and Charles Santiago at a conference in Bangkok. They asked me to join AEPF, and when I asked how I could become a member, they simply told me, “You have already joined!” That was my first introduction to this remarkable platform.

Since then, almost 21 years have passed, and I have maintained a consistent association with AEPF. To a great honour, I am now the head of AEPF Asia chapter. Throughout these years, I have contributed, to the best of my abilities, to the development, growth, and sustainability of this important social movement, which brings together social movements, activists, and progressive voices from Asia and Europe. Over these two decades, I have attended numerous AEPF gatherings across Asia and Europe. One of the most memorable gatherings was held in Gent Belgium, where 12 delegates from Pakistan travelled to participate in this important event. Following that gathering, and shortly before the outbreak of COVID-19, we organized an international event in Lahore on the theme of Just Transition. That gathering was particularly significant because it brought together international delegates and Pakistani social movement representatives for the first time to discuss and introduce the concept of Just Transition in our context.

During the difficult COVID period, AEPF continued its work through a series of webinars and online discussions. I must acknowledge that it was through some of our friends and colleagues in AEPF that I became familiar with the effective use of digital technology for international engagement. These online platforms opened up new possibilities for us. For a long time, many of our struggles and initiatives in Pakistan remained isolated from wider international discussions. AEPF provided us with an opportunity not only to share our experiences and introduce our work to an international audience but also to learn from prominent scholars, academics, activists, and parliamentarians who were discussing some of the most pressing challenges confronting humanity.

One of the most remarkable strengths of AEPF has always been its ability to anticipate emerging issues and future challenges. It has consistently tried to identify the themes that will shape our future and organize discussions and activities around them. Issues such as climate justice, food sovereignty, the right to freedom of expression, and many other social, political, and economic concerns have been central to its work.

Even in the most difficult circumstances, AEPF has remained a vocal platform for bringing together people and movements whose voices often remain unheard beyond their immediate communities and countries. It has provided an important space for solidarity, exchange, learning, and collective action across continents.

What makes AEPF particularly remarkable is not only the work it has done but also its ability to sustain itself over the years. It is quite extraordinary that this platform has continued to function, organize regular meetings, and bring people together without relying on regular financial support or donations from international funding agencies. Its survival and continuity demonstrate the commitment, dedication, and collective ownership of the people and movements associated with it. Very few international platforms have managed to sustain such a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the organizations and individuals who have played an important role in building and sustaining this Forum. My special thanks go to 11.11 11 and, particularly, the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam, which has made significant contributions to the development of AEPF and its work. I deeply appreciate our dear friend Anuradha Chenoy, whose academic insights, intellectual contributions, and perspectives from the Asian region have enriched our discussions and strengthened the Forum. And, finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my mentor, leader, and dear friend, Tina Ebro. She has always been at the forefront of motivating, encouraging, and bringing people together to remain active in the Asia Europe People’s Forum.

After almost 21 years, I remain grateful to be part of this journey. AEPF is much more than a forum or a series of international gatherings. It is a space built on solidarity, collective learning, mutual support, and the shared belief that people and social movements across continents can come together to create a more just and democratic world.

Farooq Tariq
Coordinator AEPF Asia