24th ASEF Seminar 2026 in Mongolia | Fully Funded

Overview: Asia and Europe in Dialogue on the Future of Human Rights

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia will serve as the meeting ground this October for the 24th edition of the Asia-Europe Foundation's Informal Seminar on Human Rights, one of the longest-running platforms for structured dialogue between civil society representatives, academics, policymakers, and human rights practitioners from across the ASEM region. Known formally as ASEMHRS24, the seminar brings together young leaders and established professionals under a shared theme: "The Future of Human Rights: From Local to Global."

The main seminar runs from 12 to 14 October 2026, with a smaller group of selected participants invited to continue on into a two-day Capacity-Building Program from 15 to 16 October 2026. Together, the two components form a five-day experience that moves from broad thematic discussion into more hands-on skills development for those selected to continue.

Applications close on 31 August 2026, and the entire program — travel, accommodation, and meals included — is fully funded for selected participants, removing much of the financial barrier that often limits participation in international human rights dialogue.

Seminar Theme: From Local to Global

This year's theme asks participants to examine how grassroots human rights work connects to — and can strengthen — regional and global protection frameworks. Rather than treating human rights as an abstract policy category, the seminar's sessions are structured around practical, interconnected challenges currently facing both regions, including:

• Human rights governance
• Digital rights
• Social inclusion
• Equality and non-discrimination
• Climate justice
• Civic participation
• International cooperation
• Emerging human rights challenges
• Regional collaboration between Asia and Europe

The breadth of these topics reflects ASEF's long-standing approach to human rights dialogue: treating it as a cross-cutting issue that touches technology, climate policy, and civic life, rather than confining discussion to legal or diplomatic frameworks alone.

The Capacity-Building Program

Following the main seminar, a limited number of participants will be selected to continue into a two-day Capacity-Building Program. This extension is specifically designed to translate seminar discussions into practical skill-building, covering leadership development, advocacy strategy, project development, and stronger international collaboration skills. Participants who are invited into this second phase leave with more than conceptual exposure — they gain concrete tools for advancing human rights initiatives within their own communities and organizations.

Because selection for this program is limited to a subset of overall attendees, applicants with a strong track record in advocacy or civil society work may want to highlight this experience clearly in their application, as it likely factors into who gets invited to continue past the main seminar.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the 24th ASEF Seminar, applicants should meet the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of an ASEM Partner country, spanning nations across both Asia and Europe.
• Have prior experience in, or a demonstrated interest in, human rights work.
• Be actively involved in a relevant sector — civil society organizations, academia, research institutions, government agencies, or international organizations are all considered appropriate backgrounds.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, as this is the working language of the seminar.
• Be available to attend the full program in Mongolia across the seminar dates.
• Have a genuine interest in Asia-Europe cooperation and cross-regional dialogue.

Because eligibility is tied to ASEM Partner country citizenship rather than open worldwide participation, applicants should confirm their country's ASEM membership status before applying, since this determines basic eligibility regardless of professional background.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare the following materials before submitting through the official ASEF application portal:

• A completed online application form.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) reflecting relevant experience in human rights or civil society work.
• A motivation statement explaining interest in the seminar's theme and its relevance to the applicant's current work or studies.
• Any additional supporting information requested within the application portal itself.

Given that the seminar draws candidates from civil society organizations, universities, research institutions, public institutions, and international organizations alike, a strong motivation statement that clearly connects the applicant's current work to the seminar's themes is likely to carry significant weight in the selection process.

Financial Benefits

Selected participants receive comprehensive financial support covering the full cost of attendance:

• Round-trip economy class airfare.
• Hotel accommodation for the duration of the seminar.
• Meals throughout the program.
• Local transportation for official seminar-related activities.
• Full access to all seminar sessions and discussions.
• Participation in structured networking events with fellow delegates.
• An official Certificate of Participation issued by ASEF upon completion.

This level of coverage makes the seminar accessible to civil society representatives and researchers who might not otherwise have institutional funding to attend an international human rights dialogue of this scale.

How to Apply

The application process is conducted entirely online through ASEF's official project page. Interested applicants should visit the official website to review full program details, confirm current application instructions, and submit their materials before the 31 August 2026 deadline.

Given that selection likely considers both eligibility and the strength of an applicant's demonstrated engagement with human rights work, candidates are encouraged to take time drafting a clear, specific motivation statement rather than submitting a generic application.

Why This Seminar Is Worth Applying For

For civil society representatives, researchers, and young professionals working in or around human rights, ASEMHRS24 offers a rare structured opportunity to engage directly with peers from across two continents, backed by full financial coverage that removes the typical cost barrier to international dialogue. The addition of a Capacity-Building Program for selected participants also means the seminar isn't purely discussion-based — it offers a genuine pathway toward stronger advocacy and leadership skills for those who continue into the extended track.

Given ASEF's long track record of running this seminar series, participants can expect a well-organized program with meaningful international exposure and a certificate that carries recognition within human rights and civil society circles.

Key Details at a Glance

• Host Organization: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
• Event: 24th Informal Seminar on Human Rights (ASEMHRS24)
• Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Seminar Dates: 12–14 October 2026
• Capacity-Building Program Dates: 15–16 October 2026
• Total Duration: 5 days
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Eligibility: Citizens of ASEM Partner countries