1. Overview Asia Centre’s 11th Annual International Conference will examine the current state and future trajectory of religious freedom in Asia, focusing on representation, restrictions and rights. The right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is fundamental to human dignity. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (1948) enshrines the inalienable right to adopt, change, or renounce a religion without coercion or discrimination – a principle further reinforced by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966). In this context, the conference will examine religious freedom in Asia as a human rights issue, based on legal standards, state responsibility, and institutional accountability. By convening stakeholders from a range of organisations, the event seeks to identify threats to religious freedom, foster dialogue and develop actionable frameworks. This is to ensure that religious freedom is a justiciable right that states are obligated to protect and individuals are empowered to claim. It is hoped that insights gained from the conference will inform effective practices and support policy development that recognises religious freedom as integral to broader democratic and human rights commitments, while fostering a community of practice. Conference Themes  The conference will examine the following sub-themes: FoRB as a Human Right: International Norms and Domestic Obligations Legal and Structural Restrictions on Religious Freedom Division Between Secular and Religious Courts The Bureaucratic Control of Religion Religious Freedom in Conflict Zones and Authoritarian Regimes Transnational Repression of Religious Activists and Asylum-Seekers Religious Fundamentalism, State-Sanctioned Religion and the Erosion of Pluralism Uncivil Society and Social Hostilities against FoRB Representation and Marginalisation of Ethno-Religious Minorities Online Harassment and Surveillance of Religious Communities Gender, Religion, and Intersectional Discrimination Indigenous People, Atheists, and Non-Believers From Tolerance to Accountability: Responses from Civil Society and Media Note: The above sub-themes are a preliminary guide. Flexibility is encouraged, and partners may propose additional topics aligned with their expertise under the overarching theme of Religious Freedom in Asia to ensure contextual relevance and innovation.  3. Objectives  The conference aims to achieve the following objectives: Examine the state of religious freedom in Asia. Identify threats to religious freedom and current responses. Build strategies and actions for advancing religious freedom in the region. 4. Conference Structure  The conference will consist of short opening remarks, keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and breakout sessions arranged according to themes and/or region and country-specific discussions. 5. Conference Participants  Registration is open to participants from national, regional, and global organisations, including civil society organisations, faith-based NGOs, human rights organisations, media and journalism associations, legal and policy entities, parliaments and political parties, technology firms, government agencies, and intergovernmental organisations. 6. Programme Outline Day 1, Thursday, 20 August 2026 9:00 - 17:00     Morning & Afternoon Panels Day 2, Friday, 21 August 2026 9:00 - 17:00     Morning & Afternoon Panels 17:00 - 20:00     Networking Hour 7. Inquiries Please contact us at conference@asiacentre.org For the full concept note, please click here. 8. Registration We invite all participants to register through this Google Form.

1. OverviewThe Asia Centre Summit 2027 examines the intersection of peace and democracy in Asia at a time when both are under increasing strain. While many of the region’s challenges are not new and are widely recognised, the central task lies in identifying democratic pathways to foster dialogue, strengthen cooperation and rebuild trust across divided societies. Building peace in Asia requires a firm commitment to democratic principles to ensure lasting and effective outcomes. Several examples from across Asia illustrate how these principles have already translated into more inclusive and constructive approaches to addressing division. Civil society organisations, women groups, youth movements, journalists associations, faith-based organisations and local communities continue to develop innovative approaches to dialogue, conflict prevention and democratic participation. 2. Conference Themes The conference will examine the following themes:Democratic Resilience Amidst ConflictDemocratic Approaches to Peace-BuildingSelf-Determination, Autonomy and PeaceRise of Nationalism and Identity PoliticsWomen, Gender and Inclusive Peace ProcessesYouth Participation, Peace Activism and Civic SpaceReligious Freedom, Minority Rights, and Social CohesionHate Speech and Social PolarisationPeace Journalism, Media Ethics and Information IntegrityTransnational Repression and the Safety of DissidentsDigital Democracy and SurveillanceTechnology, AI and Peace-BuildingNote: The above sub-themes are a preliminary guide. Flexibility is encouraged, and partners may propose additional topics aligned with their expertise under the overarching theme of Peace and Democracy in Asia to ensure contextual relevance and innovation.. 3. Objectives The Conference aims to achieve the following objectives: Identify the key drivers of ongoing conflicts, social fragmentation and emerging flashpoints across the Asian region.Highlight current peacebuilding initiatives, including their strengths, limitations and potential pathways for strengthening trust and cooperation in divided societies. Discuss how inclusive, participatory and accountable democratic frameworks can support sustained dialogue, conflict management and the long-term maintenance of peace and social cohesion.4. Conference Structure The Asia Centre Summit 2027 features opening remarks, keynote speeches, plenary discussions, and thematic breakout sessions, and other formats bringing together diverse perspectives from across the globe to exchange ideas, address regional challenges, and explore practical solutions for peace and democracy in Asia.5. Conference Participants Open to participants from civil society groups, international NGOs, faith-based organisations, media outlets, journalists’ associations, private sector companies, political parties, parliaments, technology firms, intergovernmental organisations, academic institutions, and individuals promoting peace and democracy.6. Programme OutlineDay 1, Thursday 19 August 20279:00 – 17:00     Morning & Afternoon PanelsDay 2, Friday 20 August 20279:00 – 17:00     Morning & Afternoon Panels17:00 – 20:00     Networking Session7. InquiriesPlease contact us at conference@asiacentre.org For the full concept note please click here.8. RegistrationWe invite all participants to register through this Google Form.