03/11/2026
🇪🇺 Bringing human rights closer to people, one city at a time!
EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro took part in the 2nd Regional Forum on Human Rights Cities in ASEAN, taking place in Makati on 3–4 November.
Joining the opening ceremony were Philippine Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay-Angeles, Thailand’s Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, Dr Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Dr Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific, among others.
The EU-supported forum brings together local governments, civil society and regional partners to explore how human rights can shape everyday decisions, from city budgets and public services to meaningful participation in local governance.
“Human rights must be realised where people live,” Ambassador Santoro stressed, highlighting the importance of women’s leadership, inclusive services and ensuring that underrepresented communities have a voice.
Building on the first forum in Bangkok, the EU continues to work with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and its partners to exchange practical experience and strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and European cities.