The 24th Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 will bring together stakeholders from Asia and Europe to examine the future of human rights protection. The three-day programme will take place from 12 to 14 October 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Selected participants may also join a follow-up capacity-building programme on 15 and 16 October. Applications must be submitted by 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Singapore time.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: 24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights
Theme: The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global
Category: Human rights seminar
Organiser: Asia-Europe Foundation
Host: National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia
Country: Mongolia
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Seminar Dates: 12–14 October 2026
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Singapore time
About the 24th Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar
The seminar forms part of the Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights Series. The series was launched in 1997 to strengthen engagement between civil society actors and governments in Asia and Europe.
ASEF has served as the programme’s secretariat since 2000. The seminar series receives support from the foreign ministries of the Philippines, Switzerland, China and Denmark.
The 2026 seminar is hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia in partnership with Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its project period runs from July to December 2026.
Seminar Theme and Purpose
The seminar will examine how technological change, geopolitical developments, climate pressures and evolving governance affect human rights across Asia and Europe.
Discussions will focus on the gap between internationally agreed standards and the protection people experience in practice. Participants will consider realistic actions that can strengthen existing human rights systems and improve their relevance.
The programme will examine human rights protection across three connected levels:
• Global
• Regional
• Domestic
Participants will work on recommendations that can be applied by governments, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organisations, academics and international organisations.
You may like: INGSA-Africa SASDP 2026–2027 for African Researchers
Programme Format
The three-day seminar will combine several forms of discussion and collaborative work.
Confirmed programme features include:
✓ Plenary sessions
✓ Expert panel discussions
✓ Dedicated working-group discussions
✓ Presentation of working-group findings in plenary sessions
✓ Engagement among stakeholders from government, civil society, academia and international organisations
Working-group discussions will take place under the Chatham House Rule.
Participants are also expected to act as multipliers. They should share the seminar’s findings and insights through their institutions and professional networks after the programme.
Capacity-Building Programme
A separate capacity-building programme will follow the main seminar on 15 and 16 October 2026 in Ulaanbaatar.
The training is intended to strengthen practical skills and support follow-up action. It will be available to selected seminar participants.
Applicants can indicate their interest in the capacity-building programme when completing the seminar application form. Further information will be provided after the initial screening and the seminar application deadline.
Recommended: 2026 GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security
Who Can Participate?
The seminar is designed for stakeholders involved in human rights policy, implementation, research and practice across Asia and Europe.
The target audience includes:
• Government representatives working on human rights policy and implementation
• Representatives of National Human Rights Institutions and ombuds institutions
• Civil society organisations and human rights practitioners
• Youth organisations working on human rights
• Academics and researchers
• Legal experts
• International and regional organisations engaged in human rights
• Relevant intergovernmental organisations
• Private-sector representatives
Civil society participants may include human rights experts and practitioners from civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, universities, research institutes and think tanks.
Representatives of ASEM Partner ministries and government agencies are nominated by the relevant ASEM Partners. Civil society participants may be selected through the application process or invited directly by the co-organisers.
Eligibility Requirements
All participants must meet the programme’s citizenship and language requirements.
Applicants must:
• Be citizens of ASEM Partner countries
• Have working proficiency in English
A strong knowledge of or interest in human rights is desirable. Applicants should also be willing to participate actively and contribute to the seminar discussions.
The programme expects selected participants to share the seminar’s outcomes through their institutions and networks.
Travel and Accommodation Support
The co-organisers will provide participation support to selected participants.
Support for all selected participants includes:
✓ Accommodation for the duration of the seminar
✓ Accommodation for the capacity-building programme when applicable
✓ Meals according to the programme
Selected civil society representatives will additionally receive:
✓ Reimbursement for point-to-point economy-class airfare to and from Ulaanbaatar, subject to a maximum ceiling
The official page does not state that airfare support applies to every participant category.
Expected Outcomes
The seminar aims to improve understanding of the challenges affecting human rights protection at domestic, regional and global levels.
Its expected outcomes include:
✓ Greater awareness of current human rights challenges and opportunities
✓ Identification of gaps and priority areas
✓ Development of practical and forward-looking recommendations
✓ Stronger cooperation among ASEM partners
✓ Continued knowledge-sharing and joint action across Asia and Europe
The programme will seek recommendations that can be used by governments, human rights institutions, civil society, academia and international organisations.
Discover: The Sky Is Not The Limit Social Impact Grant 2026
How to Submit an Application
Interested candidates must complete the official online application form.
Applicants should:
• Review the target-audience and eligibility requirements
• Confirm that they are citizens of an ASEM Partner country
• Complete all required sections of the online form
• Indicate whether they wish to join the capacity-building programme
• Submit the application by the stated deadline
The deadline is Monday, 31 August 2026, at 23:59 Singapore time.
Key Dates
• Project period: July–December 2026
• Seminar dates: 12–14 October 2026
• Capacity-building programme: 15–16 October 2026
• Application deadline: 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Singapore time
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official online application form below.
