The Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly returns for a third edition this August 26 to 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continuing the vital work of fostering resilience and solidarity within the digital rights community in the Asia-Pacific. Building upon the foundations of DRAPAC23 Chiang Mai and DRAPAC24 Taipei, the assembly will unite diverse stakeholders to combat rising digital authoritarianism in the region by collaboratively shaping rights-based digital governance, bolstering the resilience of at-risk human rights defenders, and pioneering innovative strategies through cross-sector alliances.
DRAPAC25 is jointly hosted by Architects of Diversity (AOD Malaysia), the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), Sinar Project, and EngageMedia. This vibrant cohort and their networks will bring local expertise and regional perspectives to the forefront of the DRAPAC25.
With the theme “collective digital futures: building power, resilience, and imagination”, the two-day programme will feature three tracks:
- Shaping power, driving change – Engaging governments, businesses, regional institutions and global communities to influence the policies, norms, and standards that define our digital world. This track is where digital rights actors shift narratives, challenge power, and advocate for rights-based governance. Through direct engagement with policymakers, corporations, and international bodies, this track advances regional and global strategies for accountability, access, and justice.
- Strengthening movements, securing our future – Building resilience from within by fortifying networks, deepening expertise, and reinforcing the foundations of digital rights in the Asia-Pacific. In this track, we invest in the sustainability of the movement – enhancing security, capacity, and organisational infrastructure while fostering solidarity and wellbeing. By equipping digital rights defenders with the tools, strategies, and support systems they need, this track ensures long-term impact in an increasingly repressive environment.
- Beyond boundaries, beyond limits – Expanding the frontier of digital rights by embracing new allies, radical imagination, and unconventional strategies to drive systemic change. Sessions in this track challenge assumptions, connect unexpected movements, and explore speculative ideas that push digital rights beyond traditional advocacy. By fostering cross-sector collaborations and bold experimentation, this track unlocks new possibilities for impact and innovation.
The Human Rights Tech Fair will run throughout the main event, showcasing privacy-respecting, secure, and open technologies addressing challenges faced by human rights defenders in the region. More Day 0 and post-event activities led by other human rights groups and civil society organisations will complement and enrich the experience of DRAPAC25 attendees.
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Submit your ideas
Have insights, ideas, or solutions to share with the DRAPAC community? Propose a session at drap.ac/25/programme. You can draft, edit, and publish your submissions until 23:59 hrs on Thursday, June 20, 2025 (UTC+8).
We’re seeking dynamic sessions and activities that:
- Align closely with our three thematic tracks.
- Shaping power, driving change – Sessions in this track shift narratives, challenge power, and advocate for rights-based governance through direct engagement with policymakers, corporations, and international bodies.
- Strengthening movements, securing our future – Sessions in this track invest in the sustainability of the movement – enhancing security, capacity, and organisational infrastructure while fostering solidarity and wellbeing.
- Beyond boundaries, beyond limits – Sessions in this track challenge assumptions, connect unexpected movements, and explore speculative ideas that push digital rights beyond traditional advocacy. Activities should aim to foster cross-sector collaborations and bold experimentation.
- Feature speakers from diverse backgrounds, prioritizing underrepresented communities and actively promoting inclusivity. We encourage gender-balanced panels and meaningful participation from all stakeholders.
- Emphasize regionality and foster regional solidarity. DRAPAC25 offers a unique platform to connect and collaborate across the Asia-Pacific digital rights community.
Support the event
We invite interested individuals and organisations to help ensure the success of the event:
- Volunteer: The DRAPAC25 organizing team is also looking for interested individuals to volunteer for the convening! Get behind-the-scenes experience on mounting a regional convening while learning more about digital rights directly from the regional community. Volunteers will receive a daily stipend, swag, and meals during the event. Applicants are to arrange their own travels and lodging. Apply today at drap.ac/25/volunteers
- Financial and in-kind support: We welcome support to cover travel expenses and accommodation for DRAPAC25 fellows to ensure the diversity of attendees and the presence of a broader range of allies.
Apply for the DRAPAC25 fellowship
If you require travel support to cover your flights, lodging, meals, and incidentals to attend DRAPAC25, submit your application at drap.ac/25/fellows. Application closes at 23:59 hrs on Sunday, June 15, 2025 (UTC+8).
Get in touch with the DRAPAC25 team at [email protected].
