We are pleased to share that Dedi Arifka, Managing Director of DEEP EnGender, participated in the United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum Asia-Pacific 2026, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 14–17 September 2026.
The four-day forum brought together civil society organizations, government representatives, businesses, researchers, and other stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss responsible business conduct, human rights, environmental and human rights due diligence, digital technologies, and access to remedy. The programme included a range of formats, including Deep Dives, Panels, Policy Labs, Spotlights, Film Screenings, Plenaries, Roundtables, Workshops, and Exchange Cafés.
One of the sessions attended was the Policy Lab on Platform Power, Consumer Rights, and Corporate Accountability in Asia-Pacific, organized by Tifa Foundation and Open Net Korea. The discussion examined consumer harms linked to digital platforms, gaps in corporate due diligence, cross-border data governance, grievance mechanisms, and the need for stronger accountability from both States and companies. The session also emphasized the importance of developing concrete recommendations for due diligence, remedies, and regulatory coherence across the region.
Dedi also participated in the workshop Sustaining MHREDD Momentum in Asia: Sharing Regional Strategies for Resilient Campaigns and Lessons from the EU’s CSDDD. The workshop brought together civil society organizations and human rights and environmental defenders to exchange practical strategies for sustaining advocacy around mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. Discussions focused on coalition-building, public engagement, counter-narratives, human rights education, and approaches that can be adapted across different national contexts.
Another relevant session was the panel Embedding Human Rights Safeguards in AI Product Design: Taking a Child Rights-Based Approach, organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF. The session explored the need to integrate human rights due diligence throughout the AI product lifecycle, beginning from the design stage and continuing through development and deployment. Particular attention was given to children’s rights, data governance, transparency, accountability, and the role of civil society and communities in shaping safer and more responsible AI systems.
Through the forum, DEEP EnGender had the opportunity to bring perspectives from Indonesia into regional discussions while learning from organizations working on digital rights, corporate accountability, human rights due diligence, and responsible technology across Asia-Pacific.
The participation also strengthened existing relationships and opened new connections with practitioners and organizations working on related issues. These conversations will be continued through further communication, exchange of resources and experiences, and exploration of potential areas for collaboration.
The experience contributes to DEEP EnGender’s ongoing work, including Digital Re-Grow, by connecting local community-based work with broader regional conversations on digital civic space, accountability, participation, and rights-respecting technology.
DEEP EnGender looks forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening collaboration with regional partners toward more inclusive, participatory, and accountable digital and development practices.
