Time for ASEM to play its essential role

The Asia-Europe Meeting is the right platform for a conversation on shared global challenges. With Britain's exit from the European Union, the world economy in poor shape, growing inequalities and discontent with globalization on the rise, the two-day meeting of Asian and European leaders in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, from Friday has acquired greater importance.

Add to the list the increasing disconnect and mistrust between governments and citizens - especially between leaders and youths - rising populism, fears of uncontrolled immigration and terrorism and it will become clear that leaders at ASEM have their hands full.

Asian leaders and policymakers may believe most of these issues apply only to Europe. The truth is otherwise. Brexit has highlighted the strength of these and other preoccupations among Britons (and other European voters), but many people across the world also share them.