The fully sponsored, worldwide, in-person ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar (ASEMHRS) 2026 is currently accepting applications. It will take place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from March 30 to April 1, 2026. There is no application fee, and all expenses—including return foreign airfare, lodging, and meals—are fully reimbursed for chosen participants.
“Future-Proofing AI: Building Human-in-the-Loop Governance Skills for Rights- Respecting AI” is the main topic of this three-day capacity-building course. In addition to providing participants with useful governance tools to guarantee AI systems continue to be transparent, responsible, and compliant with international human rights norms, the seminar seeks to increase participants’ understanding of the human rights implications of AI.
Policymakers, researchers, civil society representatives, and practitioners from all over Asia and Europe come together for this program, which is organized by the Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF) in partnership with the co-organizers of the Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar (ASEMHRS) series. Participants will connect with current and developing issues at the nexus of AI, governance, and human rights through interactive seminars, expert-led debates, and peer learning.
Additional information is given below, including the application procedure and eligibility requirements.
Host Country: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Organized by: The Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF)
Opportunity Type: Seminar
Dates: 30th March to 1st April 2026
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Program Core Objectives
- Enhance participants’ understanding of the intersections between artificial intelligence and human rights.
- Strengthen the ability to critically analyze and evaluate human rights risks and impacts associated with AI systems.
- Build practical capacity to develop context-aware, people-centered AI governance frameworks that uphold human rights principles.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility by Location: Applicants must be residents of an ASEM member country, which includes 51 countries across Asia and Europe, as well as the EU and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Professional Experience: The program is designed for early-career professionals with 1–5 years of relevant experience.
Current Engagement: Applicants should be actively involved in the implementation, assessment, or advocacy of AI systems and policies.
Selection Size: Around 25–30 participants will be chosen for the cohort.
Industry Practitioners: Professionals involved in decision-making around AI deployment with significant implications for industry and the public.
Civil Society and Advocates: Individuals working to document AI-related harms, promote accountability, and support affected communities.
Researchers and Academics: Contributors to research and public debate who share knowledge across sectors.
Policy and Regulatory Professionals: Emerging practitioners engaged in translating AI governance frameworks and institutional rules into practice.
Benefits:
Return International Airfare: For certain participants, full reimbursement of round-trip travel costs to and from Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Local Transportation: Arrangements or reimbursement will be made for transportation between the seminar location, lodging, and airport.
Accommodations: For the length of the program, four (4) nights of cozy lodging are offered.
Meals: Throughout the seminar session, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included.
Refreshments: During training sessions and breaks, tea, coffee, and light refreshments are served.
Training Materials: Free access to all resources, learning materials, and seminar materials.
Participation costs: At no point during the program are registration or participation costs necessary.
Deadline: 8th February 2026
