Founded in 1960 by the U.S Congress, the East-West Center today is a leading education and research organization promoting peaceful and stable relations between the United States of America and countries of the Asia Pacific. The center has established several cooperative study, research and training programmes. Some of the many active research projects include the Asia-Pacific Energy Outlook, China's Western Development Strategy and Economic Aspects of Population Change. The East-West Center also holds a variety of seminars and conferences, providing an opportunity for emerging leaders and regional specialists to meet and discuss common areas of interest and concern, and to strengthen networking relationships.