ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026: Advancing Human Rights from Local to Global in Mongolia

The 24th Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 is a significant international event focused on human rights, hosted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Organized by the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia in collaboration with Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this fully funded seminar aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from Asia and Europe. Participants will include government representatives, National Human Rights Institutions, academics, researchers, human rights practitioners, civil society members, and other international organizations. The seminar, scheduled from October 12-14, 2026, will delve into "The Future of Human Rights – From Local to Global." It provides a unique platform for discussions on transforming theoretical ideas into practical, actionable steps across global, regional, and local human rights protection frameworks. Following the main seminar, a select group of participants will be invited to a specialized capacity-building training program from October 15-16, 2026. This workshop is designed to enhance the practical skills of human rights advocates, empowering them to disseminate seminar recommendations within their respective networks and institutions upon returning home. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering robust human rights advocacy and implementation across both continents, promoting a collaborative approach to addressing contemporary human rights challenges and strengthening international cooperation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be citizens of ASEM Partner countries, specifically from either the Asian or European regions.

• Candidates should possess strong proficiency in the English language, as all seminar activities and discussions will be conducted in English.

• Applicants are expected to demonstrate a keen interest in and foundational knowledge of human rights issues, reflecting a commitment to the field.

• Selection for the seminar is competitive and can occur either through an official call for applications or by direct invitation from the Co-organizers.

• Representatives from ASEM Partners’ Ministries or government agencies will typically be nominated by their respective ASEM Partners.

• Individuals affiliated with National Human Rights Institutions, or relevant international, regional, or inter-governmental organizations are highly encouraged to apply.

• Professionals from the relevant private sector who are actively engaged in human rights work or related fields are also welcome to submit their applications, ensuring a broad and inclusive representation of expertise and perspectives.

Benefits

Participation in the ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 offers numerous significant advantages to selected attendees. Firstly, there are no registration or participation fees, making this valuable opportunity accessible to a wide range of qualified individuals. The program is designed to be comprehensively supportive, covering all essential expenses: accommodation and meals will be provided for all selected participants throughout the entire duration of the seminar and the subsequent capacity-building training program. For civil society representatives, an additional and crucial benefit is the reimbursement of airfare, which significantly reduces the financial burden of international travel. Beyond the direct financial support, the seminar presents an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth and networking. Participants will gain the chance to interact directly with a diverse array of high-level representatives from various governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and international organizations. This interaction facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas, fosters potential collaborations, and helps build a stronger, more interconnected community of human rights advocates dedicated to advancing human rights protection globally. The integrated capacity-building training further enhances practical skills, equipping participants with advanced tools and strategies to make a tangible and lasting impact in their home regions and beyond.