24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights (ASEMHRS24) 2026 in Mongolia (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the 24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights (ASEMHRS24), a prestigious fully funded international seminar organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and its international partners. The seminar will take place from 12–14 October 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme:

“The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global.”

The seminar will bring together government officials, representatives of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society organizations, academics, researchers, and international organizations from across Asia and Europe to discuss emerging human rights challenges and develop practical policy recommendations.

Programme Overview

• Organizer: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
• Programme: 24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights (ASEMHRS24)
• Theme: The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global
• Venue: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Programme Dates: 12–14 October 2026
• Training Programme: 15–16 October 2026 (for selected participants)
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Eligible Regions: Asia and Europe (ASEM Partner Countries)
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)

Financial Benefits

Selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• International round-trip airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Meals during the seminar
• Local transportation
• Participation in all seminar sessions
• Training materials
• Networking opportunities with leading human rights experts and policymakers

Funding is provided by the organizers for selected participants.

Seminar Theme

The 2026 seminar will examine:

“The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global.”

Discussions will explore how local, national, regional, and international human rights systems can better respond to rapidly evolving global challenges while strengthening cooperation between Asia and Europe. Participants will contribute to practical recommendations aimed at improving human rights governance at every level.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from professionals working in:

• Government ministries and agencies
• National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
• Civil society organizations (CSOs)
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Universities and research institutions
• International and regional organizations
• Public policy institutes
• Human rights advocacy organizations

Applicants should have relevant professional experience and demonstrate a strong interest in human rights, governance, public policy, or international cooperation.

Capacity-Building Training

Following the seminar, selected participants will join a two-day specialized training programme from 15–16 October 2026.

The training is designed for practitioners directly involved in implementing human rights commitments and translating the seminar’s recommendations into practical action within their organizations and communities.

What You’ll Gain

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Exchange experiences with experts from Asia and Europe.
• Strengthen knowledge of international human rights frameworks.
• Develop practical policy recommendations.
• Build cross-regional professional networks.
• Learn from leading academics, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Participate in interactive discussions and working groups.
• Contribute to future human rights cooperation between Asia and Europe.

About ASEMHRS

The Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights Series (ASEMHRS) was established in 1997 to promote dialogue and cooperation on human rights among Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partners.

The seminar series is jointly organized by:

• Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
• Raoul Wallenberg Institute
• Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
• Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China

with support from additional international partners. Over nearly three decades, ASEMHRS has become one of the leading platforms for policy dialogue on human rights between Asia and Europe.

The 24th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights (ASEMHRS24) is an exceptional opportunity for professionals committed to advancing human rights, governance, and international cooperation. By bringing together participants from across Asia and Europe, the seminar fosters meaningful dialogue, practical policy development, and long-term partnerships. If you are working in the field of human rights or public policy, this fully funded programme offers an excellent platform to expand your expertise and contribute to shaping the future of human rights from the local to the global level.