The 2025 Asian Forum on Human Rights opened on April 19 in Chongqing, southwest China. The event brought together experts and scholars to explore the link between technology and human rights. The Southwest University of Political Science and Law hosted the forum under the theme “Science and Technology and Human Rights.”
Jiang Jianguo, executive vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, opened the forum with strong remarks. He emphasized that Asia’s shared development history and cultural traditions support deeper human rights discussions. For that reason, he called for innovation that centers on human survival and global cooperation.
Jiang highlighted the need for advanced technology in areas like health care, food security, and climate response. He said innovation must benefit all of humanity, not just a select few.
Lin Wei, president of SWUPL and dean of its Human Rights Institute, also addressed the forum. He spoke about how modern technology redefines human life. He said if human rights mean the conditions that shape humanity, then technology is changing those conditions quickly.
However, Lin also warned of new threats. He mentioned technologies like gene editing and brain-computer interfaces. If used carelessly, these could widen inequality and damage human dignity. Additionally, he urged governments to guide innovation with values that protect human rights.
Moreover, he stressed that countries must strike a balance between technology and human rights. Lin added that progress must uplift, not divide, people around the world.
Jayanath Colombage, director general of Sri Lanka’s Institute of National Security Studies, focused on artificial intelligence. He warned about the growing use of autonomous weapons. These weapons could cause deadly mistakes and violate the right to life. Therefore, he called for international rules to prevent misuse.
Zamir Ahmed Awan, head of the Global Silk Road Research Alliance, discussed technological justice. He said access to high-tech tools is essential for human rights. Awan criticized the United States for revoking student visas and limiting access to education. He called this a violation of global rights and fairness.
In contrast, Awan praised China’s Belt and Road and Global Development initiatives. He said these efforts promote cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and tech access.
Throughout the forum, speakers repeated a clear message. Technology and human rights must move forward together. Participants agreed that Asia should lead in building ethical frameworks for science and innovation.
Three smaller sessions explored topics like human rights challenges in Asia and how to use technology for good. The 2025 forum followed the first Asian Human Rights Forum, held in 2022 at Renmin University. That event focused on the link between climate change and human rights.
This year’s forum underscored a growing truth. The future of technology and human rights depends on shared values, ethical innovation, and inclusive global cooperation.
