A unique opportunity for early-career professionals shaping the future of technology is now open! The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), in partnership with the ASEM Human Rights Seminar series, has launched the ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026. This fully-funded, three-day international summit in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, focuses on integrating human rights into Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. If you are a practitioner, researcher, or advocate working on AI’s societal impact, this is your chance to build essential skills with peers from across Asia and Europe. Applications close on February 8, 2026.
ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar 2026 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of this prestigious capacity-building summit:
- Organizers: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) & Informal ASEM Human Rights Seminar (ASEMHRS) series
- Host Country: Indonesia
- Location: Yogyakarta
- Programme Type: Fully Funded International Seminar
- Programme Duration: 3 days (30 March – 1 April 2026)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Target Group: Early-Career AI Professionals from ASEM Countries
- Cohort Size: 25-30 participants
- Application Deadline: 8 February 2026
About the Fully Funded Human Rights Seminar
The ASEF ASEM Human Rights Seminar is a high-level dialogue and capacity-building platform that bridges Asia and Europe on critical human rights issues. The 2026 edition tackles the urgent theme: “Future-Proofing AI: Building Human-in-the-Loop Governance Skills for Rights-Respecting AI.”
This is an intensive, in-person training program designed to move beyond theory. It equips participants with practical tools to assess AI’s human rights impacts, design people-centred governance approaches, and develop actionable plans to mitigate risks in real-world systems, fostering a trans-regional network of skilled professionals.
Seminar Eligibility Criteria
This selective seminar seeks actively engaged early-career professionals. You are eligible if you:
- Are a citizen or resident of an ASEM member country (this includes 51 countries across Asia and Europe, plus the EU and ASEAN Secretariat).
- Are an early-career professional with 1 to 5 years of relevant experience.
- Are currently involved in implementing, evaluating, researching, or advocating for AI deployment and its governance.
- Belong to one of the target professional groups (see below).
Target Professional Groups
The seminar is designed for:
- Industry Practitioners: Professionals in tech companies making key decisions on AI deployment.
- Civil Society & Advocacy: Individuals documenting AI-related harms and mobilizing for accountability.
- Researchers & Academics: Experts studying AI’s societal impact and contributing to public discourse.
- Policy & Regulatory Professionals: Emerging practitioners working on AI governance frameworks and institutional rules.
Comprehensive Seminar Benefits & Coverage
Selected participants receive full support to enable their attendance:
- International Travel: Return economy airfare to Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
- Accommodation: Four nights of hotel accommodation (covering the seminar period).
- Full Board: All meals and refreshments during the official program.
- Networking & Learning: Access to a unique Asia-Europe peer network and expert-led sessions.
Programme Outcomes & Learning Objectives
By the end of the seminar, you will be able to:
- Explain the critical relationship between AI development and human rights.
- Compare regional perspectives on AI governance from Asia and Europe.
- Critically assess real-world AI case studies through a human rights lens.
- Design context-sensitive, people-centred approaches to AI governance.
- Develop action plans to mitigate human rights risks in AI systems.
How to Apply for the ASEF Seminar (Step-by-Step)
The application is submitted online directly to ASEF:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the ASEF project application website.
- Review the Theme: Ensure your experience and interests align with the 2026 focus on AI and human rights governance.
- Prepare Your Application: Highlight your 1-5 years of professional experience and your specific role in the AI ecosystem (implementation, research, advocacy, or policy).
- Complete the Online Form: Provide accurate personal and professional details, and articulate your motivation for attending.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by February 8, 2026.
🔥 Pro Tip: In your application, concisely demonstrate your active involvement with AI. Don’t just state your job title. Describe a specific project, research, or advocacy campaign you are part of that touches on AI’s societal impact, and explain how this seminar will directly enhance that work.
Application Deadline
The window to apply is short:
📅 February 8, 2026.
Official Website
For complete details and to start your application, use the official link below.
👉 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL ASEF PROJECT PAGE AND APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are ASEM countries?
A: ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 51 partner countries across Asia and Europe, plus the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat. This includes nations from Japan to Germany, Indonesia to France, and many others. You must be from one of these countries to apply.
Q2: Is this a conference or a training program?
A: It is a capacity-building seminar, which is more interactive and skill-focused than a traditional conference. The format includes workshops, case studies, and collaborative sessions designed to build practical governance skills.
Q3: I have more than 5 years of experience. Can I apply?
A: The program specifically targets early-career professionals with 1-5 years of experience. Those with significantly more experience may not be eligible as the cohort and curriculum are designed for this career stage.
Q4: What does “human-in-the-loop” mean in the theme?
A: It refers to governance models that ensure meaningful human oversight, judgment, and control are embedded within AI systems. The seminar will focus on building skills to design and implement such human-centric governance frameworks.
Q5: How competitive is the selection for 25-30 spots?
A: The selection is highly competitive, given the fully-funded nature and the prestigious Asia-Europe platform. A strong application that clearly shows relevant, active professional engagement in the AI field is essential.
Need Help? Articulating your professional experience for the application? Ask your questions in the comments below!
Don’t Miss Out: Share this fully-funded professional development opportunity with colleagues in tech, policy, research, and civil society!
