Asia Centre took part in the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue 2025 on Northeast Asian Security (UBD2025), held in Ulaanbaatar on June 13–14.
Organised by the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue is a high-level forum brought together diplomats, experts, and academics to advance regional dialogue and multilateral cooperation in a deeply fragmented environment.
Representing Asia Centre, Arnaud Leveau, Director of Studies, spoke on a panel dedicated to multilateral confidence-building measures (CBMs) and new frameworks for trust.
In his intervention, titled “From Fragmentation to Pragmatism: Rethinking Confidence-Building in Northeast Asia,” he argued that pragmatic, step-by-step CBMs are essential to reshape regional dynamics and promote lasting trust.
Key proposals included:
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Establishing a Digital Peace Belt to enhance cyber transparency
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Launching a Northeast Asia Youth Security Council to empower the next generation
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Promoting functional cooperation in maritime rescue, environmental monitoring, and public health
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Building digital trust through cyber hotlines and shared norms
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Supporting joint climate resilience initiatives
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Institutionalising UBD through rotating thematic working groups and a CBM Observatory
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Creating a Northeast Asia CBM Index to monitor progress and share best practices
“Real progress begins with trust — and trust is built, not declared.”
— Arnaud Leveau, Asia Centre
🙏 We warmly thank our Mongolian hosts for their leadership, and all participants for their contributions to a stimulating and forward-looking exchange. Mongolia continues to play a vital role as a bridge-builder and credible convener in the region.