ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 applications are now open for international participants. This fully funded seminar will be held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 30th March to 1st April 2026. The program focuses on building practical skills in human-in-the-loop governance and rights-respecting AI, offering a unique opportunity for capacity building in the human rights and AI sector.
Participants will have all expenses covered, including return airfare, accommodation, and meals. The three-day in-person seminar is organized by the Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF) along with co-organisers of the Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar series (ASEMHRS), offering networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development for future leaders in AI and human rights.
Benefits
The ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 Program Covers:
- Return Airfare to Yogyakarta
- Four (4) Nights of Accommodation
- Meals and refreshments during the training program.
Eligibility Criteria
- Location: Must reside in an ASEM member country (includes 51 countries across Asia and Europe, plus the EU and ASEAN Secretariat).
- Experience: Early-career professionals with 1–5 years of relevant experience.
- Involvement: Currently active in implementing, evaluating, or advocating for AI deployment.
- Cohort Size: Approximately 25–30 participants will be selected.
Program Theme
- Future-Proofing AI: Building Human-in-the-Loop Governance Skills for Rights-Respecting AI
Objective of the Program
The objective of the program is to enhance professionals’ understanding across Asia and Europe of integrating human rights principles into artificial intelligence (AI) governance.
Core Objectives
- Strengthening understanding of the relationship between AI and human rights.
- Building the ability to assess AI-related human rights issues critically.
- Developing the capacity to design context-sensitive, people-centred AI governance approaches.
Program Outcome
- Explain the relationship between AI and human rights, including key rights considerations in AI development and deployment.
- Compare and discuss regional perspectives on AI and human rights in Asia and Europe.
- Critically assess AI-related human rights issues through collaborative analysis of real-world cases.
- Identify emerging trends, challenges, and key stakeholders in AI governance.
- Design context-sensitive and people-centred AI governance approaches relevant to their sectors.
- Develop action-oriented plans to mitigate human rights risks in AI systems.
- Contribute to the formulation of a broad regional framework for transparent, accountable, and rights-respecting AI governance.
Target Groups
- Industry Practitioners: Professionals making key decisions on AI deployment that impact both the industry and the public.
- Civil Society & Advocacy: Individuals documenting AI-related harms, mobilizing for accountability, and supporting affected communities.
- Researchers & Academics: Experts contributing to public discourse and sharing knowledge across different sectors.
- Policy & Regulatory Professionals: Emerging practitioners working to put AI governance frameworks and institutional rules into practice.
How to Apply?
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including being an early-career professional from an ASEM country with relevant experience.
- Prepare the required documents, including a letter of organisational endorsement or nomination.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and professional information.
- Upload your endorsement or nomination letter as part of your application.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline, 8 February 2026 (23:59 Singapore time).
- Wait for confirmation; selected applicants will receive instructions on travel, logistics, and participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 in Yogyakarta is a fully funded three-day program for early-career professionals. It develops practical skills in human-in-the-loop AI governance, covers travel and accommodation, and encourages regional collaboration in AI-human rights policies.
What is the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026?
The ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 is a fully funded, three-day in-person training held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It focuses on human-in-the-loop AI governance and rights-respecting AI, bringing together early-career professionals from Asia and Europe.
Who can apply for the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026?
Early-career professionals with 1–5 years of relevant experience from ASEM countries are eligible. Applicants should be involved in AI deployment, evaluation, or advocacy, including roles in industry, civil society, research, or policy-making sectors.
What are the main objectives of the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026?
The seminar aims to strengthen understanding of AI and human rights, build skills to critically assess AI-related human rights issues, and develop context-sensitive, people-centred AI governance strategies for participants’ professional sectors.
How long is the seminar and what is the format?
The training lasts three days, including approximately 70 hours of learning activities. It combines pre-training, in-person sessions, and post-training components with a multidisciplinary approach using policy analysis, case studies, and collaborative exercises.
What will participants learn during the seminar?
Participants will learn to explain AI-human rights relations, assess regional perspectives, critically analyze real-world AI cases, identify emerging challenges, design rights-respecting governance approaches, and develop actionable mitigation plans.
How many participants will join the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026?
The seminar selects about 25–30 participants to ensure diverse perspectives. Participants represent industry, civil society, research, academia, and policy sectors, providing a collaborative and cross-regional learning environment.
Are there any costs for participants?
No, the seminar is fully funded for selected participants. Costs covered include return airfare to Yogyakarta, four nights of accommodation, and meals during the training, ensuring participants can fully focus on learning and networking.
Where and when will the seminar take place?
The seminar will take place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 30 March to 1 April 2026. The in-person format includes intensive workshops, collaborative exercises, and expert-led sessions to enhance practical and policy skills in AI governance.
How do I apply for the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026?
Applicants must submit an online application by 8 February 2026 (23:59 Singapore time). The application requires a letter of organisational endorsement or nomination, showing alignment with the organisation’s priorities and AI-related activities.
Who are the organisers of the seminar?
The seminar is organised by the Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF) alongside co-organisers of the Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar series. They aim to build cross-regional collaboration and develop rights-respecting AI governance skills among early-career professionals.
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