Applications are now open for the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026, a fully funded international capacity-building program taking place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 30 March to 1 April 2026. This three-day, in-person seminar focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights.
The program is organized by the Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF) in collaboration with the co-organisers of the Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar (ASEMHRS) series. There is no application fee, and all major expenses are fully covered, including international travel, accommodation, and meals.
Program Overview
The ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 is designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in developing rights-respecting AI governance frameworks. The seminar will bring together early-career professionals from Asia and Europe to exchange perspectives, analyze real-world cases, and build practical solutions for ethical AI development and deployment.
Event Details
The seminar will be held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, over a period of three days, from 30 March to 1 April 2026. Approximately 25 to 30 participants will be selected to take part in this international program.
Financial Coverage
The seminar is fully funded, and selected participants will receive:
- Return economy-class airfare to Yogyakarta
- Four nights of accommodation
- Meals and refreshments throughout the seminar
Participants are not required to cover any program-related costs.
Program Theme
The main theme of the seminar is:
Future-Proofing AI: Building Human-in-the-Loop Governance Skills for Rights-Respecting AI
This theme highlights the importance of integrating human rights principles into AI governance systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
Program Objective
The primary objective of the seminar is to enhance participants’ understanding of how human rights can be effectively integrated into AI governance across Asia and Europe. The program emphasizes practical, people-centred approaches to managing AI-related risks.
Core Learning Objectives
Participants will work toward the following goals:
- Strengthening understanding of the relationship between AI and human rights
- Developing the ability to critically assess AI-related human rights risks
- Building skills to design inclusive and context-sensitive AI governance models
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:
- Explain key human rights considerations in AI development and deployment
- Compare regional approaches to AI governance in Asia and Europe
- Analyze real-world AI cases from a human rights perspective
- Identify emerging trends, challenges, and stakeholders in AI governance
- Design people-centred and rights-based AI governance strategies
- Develop action-oriented plans to reduce human rights risks in AI systems
- Contribute to broader regional discussions on transparent and accountable AI governance
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Residence: Must be based in an ASEM member country, including countries in Asia and Europe, as well as the EU and ASEAN Secretariat
- Professional Experience: Early-career professionals with 1 to 5 years of relevant experience
- Current Engagement: Actively involved in implementing, evaluating, or advocating for AI deployment
Target Participants
The seminar welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds, including:
- Industry Practitioners: Professionals involved in AI decision-making that affects society and the public
- Civil Society and Advocacy Professionals: Individuals working on AI accountability, documentation of harms, and community support
- Researchers and Academics: Experts contributing research and public discussion on AI and human rights
- Policy and Regulatory Professionals: Emerging practitioners working on AI governance frameworks and regulations
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 is 8 February 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the online application form through the official website before the deadline. Only complete applications submitted on time will be considered.
