24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights 2026 in Mongolia
The 24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 12–14 October 2026. Selected participants will receive accommodation and meals. Civil society representatives will also receive economy-class airfare reimbursement up to a maximum ceiling. Applications close on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: 24th Informal Seminar on Human Rights
Short Name: ASEMHRS24
Theme: The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Seminar Dates: 12–14 October 2026
Capacity-Building Programme: 15–16 October 2026
Eligibility: Citizens of ASEM Partner countries
Deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026, at 23:59 Singapore time
About the 24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights
ASEMHRS24 will examine the future of human rights protection across domestic, regional, and global levels. The seminar responds to challenges linked to technological change, shifting geopolitics, climate pressures, governance, and uneven enforcement of international human rights standards.
Participants will consider practical steps to strengthen existing human rights systems. Discussions will focus on improving cooperation and developing actionable recommendations across Asia and Europe.
The National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia will host the seminar in partnership with Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Asia-Europe Foundation serves as the Secretariat of the Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights series.
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Target Audience
The seminar is designed for stakeholders working on human rights across Asia and Europe. Its target audience includes:
• Government representatives involved in 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, researchers, and legal experts
• International and regional organisations working on human rights
• Relevant representatives from the private sector
Civil society applicants 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 their respective ASEM Partners.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following confirmed requirements:
• Be a citizen of an ASEM Partner country
• Have working proficiency in English
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of or interest in human rights
• Be willing to participate actively and contribute to discussions
• Be prepared to share the seminar’s outcomes within their institution or professional network
Relevant civil society participants from Asia and Europe may be selected through the open application process or through direct invitation by the co-organisers.
Seminar Format and Focus
The three-day programme will include plenary sessions, expert panel discussions, and working-group discussions conducted under the Chatham House Rule.
The working groups will examine three connected levels of human rights protection:
• Global human rights protection
• Regional human rights protection
• Domestic human rights protection
Each working group will present its findings during plenary sessions. These contributions will inform the seminar’s overall conclusions and recommendations.
Expected Outcomes
The seminar aims to produce the following outcomes:
• Greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities affecting human rights protection
• A shared understanding of human rights issues across local, regional, and global levels
• Identification of gaps and priorities for future action
• Practical recommendations for governments, civil society, academia, and institutions
• Stronger collaboration among ASEM partners
• Continued cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and joint action across Asia and Europe
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Benefits and Financial Coverage
The co-organisers will provide the following support to all selected participants:
✓ Accommodation for the duration of the seminar
✓ Accommodation during the capacity-building programme for participants selected to attend
✓ Meals according to the official programme
Selected civil society representatives will additionally receive:
✓ Economy-class airfare reimbursement for point-to-point travel to and from Ulaanbaatar
✓ Airfare reimbursement up to a maximum established ceiling
The official page does not list airfare coverage for other participant categories.
Capacity-Building Programme
A capacity-building training programme will follow the main seminar on 15–16 October 2026 in Ulaanbaatar.
The training will be available to selected seminar participants. It aims to strengthen practical skills and support follow-up action after the seminar. Applicants can indicate their interest in the training programme on the application form.
Further details will be shared following the initial screening and after the seminar application deadline.
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Application Process
Interested applicants must complete the official online application form.
Applicants who also wish to join the follow-up capacity-building programme should indicate their interest in the same application form. The completed application must be submitted before the stated deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is Monday, 31 August 2026, at 23:59 Singapore time.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
