HowShouldEuropePositionItselfinanIncreasinglyAsianCentury?

This question stood at the centre of a high‑level dialogue hosted by Global Neighbours in cooperation with the Austrian Society for Foreign Policy and the United Nations (ÖGAVN) in Vienna. The event featured Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, former President of the United Nations Security Council, former Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations, and one of Asia’s most influential geopolitical thinkers.

The discussion brought together distinguished participants, including Jovanka Porsche, Chairwoman of Global Neighbours, Wolfgang Schüssel, former Federal Chancellor of Austria, and Bernd Hermann, President of ÖGAVN, for a timely exchange on the future of Europe‑Asia relations.

Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Global Neighbours Chairwoman Jovanka Porsche and Wolfgang Schüssel, former Federal Chancellor of Austria

Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Prof. Mahbubani emphasised that the defining geopolitical reality of the 21st century is the return of Asia as a central force in global affairs. While Europe remains a global leader in innovation, economic development, and institution‑building, he argued that a rapidly changing world requires a shift in mindset: from hierarchy to partnership, from assumptions to understanding, and from speaking to Asia to engaging with Asia.

Prof. Kishore Mahbubani with the Global Neighbours Team

A key theme of the evening was the importance of building relationships grounded in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. As economic weight, technological capabilities, and political influence continue to diversify globally, Europe and Asia share a growing interest in strengthening dialogue and working together on challenges that transcend borders.