The Diplomatic Negotiation Action (DNA) Training is a 4-day training program of the Asia-Europe Foundation (www.asef.orgThis program brings together young diplomats from Asia and Europe. Its aim is to strengthen strategic thinking and diplomatic negotiation skills to address major global challenges and build trusting relationships between young diplomats from Asia and Europe. Isabel Sala Vera, a young Spanish diplomat in the Deputy Directorate General for Southeast Asia, the Pacific and the Philippines, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, participated in the 2026 edition of ASEF Diplomatic Negotiation Action Training last May 2026.
Which ASEF program have you participated in and what did it consist of?
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is an intergovernmental organization based in Singapore, created in 1997 to promote dialogue between European and Asian civil societies on issues of common interest, primarily culture, education, governance and sustainable development.
To this end, it organizes activities and courses for Asian and European diplomats, providing an opportunity for joint training and fostering closer ties between them. In my case, I participated as a Spanish diplomat in the Diplomatic Negotiation Action (DNA) Programme from May 18 to 22, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland.
Specifically, what exchanges has the program generated? In terms of learning and network building.
The program included a module on negotiation techniques and another on how to use artificial intelligence safely and effectively in diplomatic negotiations. It also included visits and meetings with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and partner institutions. Poland is a strong supporter of ASEF's activities. The current Executive Director is Polish Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska, and Poland had been requesting to host this program for several years.
The program provided knowledge and skills in negotiation and the secure use of artificial intelligence in the diplomatic field. But above all, it facilitated an exchange of experiences and insights into the diplomatic customs of European and Asian diplomats. This fostering of closeness and trust promotes mutual understanding between diplomats from two diverse regions and facilitates smoother contacts for the future.
Approximately 24 diplomats from Asia and Europe, representing some 22 countries, participated. Why is this exchange and dialogue between young diplomats from Asia and Europe so important?
The program included 24 diplomats from 22 countries, ranging from Estonia to the Philippines. Despite our cultural differences, it was very revealing to discover shared similarities in the lives of young diplomats. Whether you come from the Czech Republic or Indonesia, the challenges faced by young diplomats are often the same. This sense of shared experience provides a solid foundation for finding common ground and fostering cooperation.
Furthermore, it was very enriching to learn firsthand about the positions and methods of other countries on international issues. And not only those of Asian countries but also those of our European partners. Listening to and understanding others is a fundamental part of the diplomatic profession. In the negotiating group, we learned that, to reach the best agreements, the key element is understanding the other party's interests and finding a common solution that is as compatible as possible with everyone's interests. Often, several creative solutions can be explored that address the interests of all parties instead of sticking to a single solution that favors only one party and will likely lead to a lack of agreement.
ASEF is the only public diplomacy platform that maintains dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe linked to the ASEM process. Why is it important to maintain and strengthen this platform?
ASEF was born out of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). ASEM is a dialogue forum that, since 1996, had organized biannual summits at the level of Heads of State and Government of its member states, held alternately in Asia and Europe, as well as more frequent ministerial meetings. Its objective was to initiate a high-level political dialogue process between Asia and Europe.
ASEM reached 53 members, including 30 European countries, 21 Asian countries, the European Union, and the ASEAN Secretariat. These countries represent approximately 55% of global trade, 60% of the world's population, and 65% of global GDP. ASEM aimed to strengthen multilateralism, economic and digital connectivity, and educational and cultural cooperation between Europe and Asia.
Until 2022, its activities continued, contributing to closer ties between the two regions. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the divergent positions of its member states on the matter brought its activities to a standstill. Currently, ASEF is the only public diplomacy platform that maintains dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.
In this complex and interconnected world, international relations are no longer purely interstate but also involve other actors, particularly civil society. For this reason, the public diplomacy practiced by organizations like ASEF is fundamental for building trust, combating disinformation, and fostering cultural, educational, and economic ties. The continuity and strengthening of their work is important for maintaining the only multilateral forum for public diplomacy between Europe and Asia.
Why is ASEF important for Spain?
Spain is a "great soft power," possessing symbolic, cultural, and social assets that generate trust, affinity, and appeal in other societies. Therefore, public diplomacy is a powerful tool for our country's foreign policy.
In this regard, ASEF's activities are consistent with Spain's objectives and, in particular, with its desire to strengthen its presence in Asia, as demonstrated by the recent publication of the Asia-Pacific Strategy 2026-2029. The Strategy recognizes Spain's commitment to multilateralism, and ASEF is precisely one of the most relevant multilateral platforms for Eurasian dialogue in areas that are also objectives of the Strategy, such as culture, education, science, and innovation.
Paper Casa Asia As the Spanish interlocutor with ASEF, this importance is reinforced. Both institutions share the mission of promoting mutual understanding between Europe and Asia through public diplomacy initiatives.
Furthermore, Spain's ASEF Presidency in 2027 presents a significant opportunity. That year coincides with ASEF's 30th anniversary, the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations, and Singapore's ASEAN Presidency—three milestones that amplify the visibility and impact of Spain's actions. Moreover, 2027 will be the first year of ASEF's new 2027-2030 strategic framework, enabling Spain to influence the institution's future direction at a time when the Asia-Pacific region is consolidating its position as a major center of gravity in international relations.
In what areas is it important to consolidate dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe?
I would say that the main areas of dialogue between Europe and Asia revolve around several key aspects. First, political relations, essential for maintaining high-level contacts in both multilateral forums and bilateral meetings. Second, security, necessary for creating regional stability and jointly addressing transnational threats. In this respect, the EU's Security and Defence Partnerships with India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia are particularly noteworthy.
This is complemented by shared economic prosperity, driven by trade, investment, and integration into value chains. The geopolitical volatility of our era and the resulting increase in economic insecurity necessitate the diversification of trading partners and investors. In this regard, the EU has concluded free trade agreements with several Indo-Pacific countries, including New Zealand, India, and Australia. The EU's Global Gateway projects in the region are also noteworthy.
Furthermore, people-to-people relationships, especially through academic and cultural exchanges, play a central role, strengthening mutual understanding and social ties. Finally, cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is essential to address global challenges and promote sustainable development through joint projects, knowledge transfer, and institutional partnerships.
For more information about ASEF, please visit the website: www.asef.org
