Asia Centre

Asia Centre is a research institute in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council.

The Centre undertakes evidence-based research, convenes events, and advocates for human rights issues through media and social media engagement.

24/04/2026

What does it mean to carry this work forward?

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, concludes in Bangkok, Day 4 centres on Connect— focusing on how ideas, connections, and narratives continue beyond the room.

Participants reflect on how to apply what they’ve built, sustain collaborations, and carry these stories into their communities and work.

Because the real impact begins after this.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

24/04/2026

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, concludes in Bangkok, Day 4 centres on Connect — focusing on sustaining connections, translating ideas into action, and ensuring this work continues beyond the convening.

Participants reflect on how to carry forward the narratives, strategies, and collaborations developed throughout the week — strengthening civic space in their respective contexts.

These final moments mark not an end, but a continuation of a broader effort to shape narratives and support civic action beyond the room.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

24/04/2026

Asia Centre has completed its first trip to Okinawa and made new friends and partners. Thank you and see you all soon!

23/04/2026

What does it take to create change?

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, continues in Bangkok, Day 3 centres on Create — shifting from reflection to action.

Participants bring ideas to life through storytelling, collaboration, and new approaches to reaching people and shaping narratives.

From shared challenges to collective solutions — this is where ideas begin to take form.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

23/04/2026

As the CIVICUS convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, continues in Bangkok, Day 3 centres on Create — focusing on transforming reflection into action.

Participants collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore new ways of storytelling to better engage audiences and strengthen civic space.

These sessions highlight the role of creativity and strategy in shaping narratives that inform, connect, and drive civic action.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

23/04/2026

On 19-23 April 2026, Asia Centre, in collaboration with the Okinawa International University, successfully organised an onsite Digital Security Training - End Beneficiaries (DST-EB) in Naha, Japan. The session was attended by 20 participants, who are mostly local youths. Focused on strengthening participants’ ability to detect digital risks and secure their online identities and accounts, the programme also deepened their understanding of privacy, practical safety strategies, and essential digital security tools.

22/04/2026

What does it mean to truly 'Explore'?

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, continues in Bangkok, Day 2 centres on Explore — creating space for participants to reflect on the challenges they face and the realities of their work.

Through open conversations, participants acknowledge fears, barriers, and shared struggles — while recognising they are not facing them alone.

Because meaningful narratives begin with honest reflection.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

22/04/2026

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, continues in Bangkok, Day 2 centres on Explore — creating space for communicators, activists, and civil society actors to reflect on the challenges shaping their work.

Participants engage in open and honest conversations, acknowledging fears, barriers, and lived realities — while building a shared understanding that these experiences are not faced alone.

These reflections deepen the collective effort to shape narratives that respond to real challenges and strengthen civic space.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

22/04/2026

Roundtable discussion on environmental issues with stakeholders at Okinawa University. A key issue raised was health concerns caused by the contamination of drinking water by PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), primarily linked to US military bases on the island.

21/04/2026

What does “ignite” mean to you?

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, begins in Bangkok, Day 1 centres on Ignite — bringing together voices to connect, reflect, and explore how storytelling supports civic freedoms.

Through shared stories and experiences, participants reflect on the role of storytelling in defending civic freedoms — from expression to assembly and association — while shaping narratives that challenge misinformation and amplify citizen action.

This is just the beginning.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

21/04/2026

As the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation convening, Building Pro-Civic Space Narratives: Communicators for Civic Action, co-organised with Asia Centre, begins in Bangkok, Day 1 centres on Ignite — bringing together communicators, activists, and civil society actors to spark connections and strengthen civic space.

In the face of growing challenges to freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, participants reflect on how storytelling can amplify grassroots voices, counter misinformation, and shift public discourse.

These conversations mark the start of a broader effort to build narrative content that continues throughout the year and supports key campaign moments.

This effort was funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Affairs.

21/04/2026

On 20 April 2026, Dr. James Gomez shared Asia Centre’s work on Indigenous People at Okinawa International University. During the discussion, when Dr. Gomez asked if there are Indigenous People in Japan - the audience were divided if there are indeed Indigenous People in Okinawa or Ryukyu Islands.