Bangkok, Thailand, 20-22 October 2025 – The Provedoria dos Direitos Humanos e Justiça (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste, represented by Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights Maria Marilia da Costa, participated in the ASEAN-UNESCO Multistakeholder Forum on the Governance of Digital Platforms from 20-22 October 2025. The high-level event gathered key regional stakeholders in Bangkok to formulate a common approach to managing the digital landscape.
The forum, jointly organized by UNESCO and the Kingdom of Thailand in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, centred on developing the “ASEAN Guidelines for Digital Platform Regulation.” This initiative aims to create a regional framework that enhances online safety, promotes information integrity, and ensures that digital platforms operate transparently and accountably, all while aligning with international human rights standards. Over three days, the agenda covered pressing issues such as combating disinformation, protecting minors online, and tackling illegal content.
The engagement of the PDHJ delegation was particularly focused on the forum’s dedicated session addressing emerging technologies, Workshop I: Governance principles for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on digital platforms. This workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to examine the implications of generative AI on user safety, privacy, and cultural diversity, discussing international tools like the UNESCO Companion document and the EU’s Digital Services Act.
The active participation of PDHJ at this pivotal forum demonstrates Timor-Leste’s commitment to engaging in regional digital policy dialogue. Its presence ensured that the perspectives of national human rights institutions were part of the multilateral discussions shaping the future of a safer and more accountable digital environment for all ASEAN citizens.
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