APF joined the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) and the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea to co-host the International Human Rights Conference on New Technologies and Human Rights - Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Seoul on 16 September 2025. The conference examined how fast-moving AI is reshaping rights protection, from data bias and algorithmic discrimination to widening digital divides, and what NHRIs can do now to respond.

The conference opened with a keynote from Prof Philip Alston (NYU and former UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty) on how emerging technologies can entrench inequality and why governance must be grounded in human rights. Panels then examined global AI norms and practical methodologies for human rights impact assessment, the uneven impacts of AI, including privacy and surveillance risks and harms to women and workers, and the roles of NHRIs and international organisations in sustaining cooperation and long-term strategies.

Looking ahead, participants noted that AI is increasingly relevant to NHRI work and warrants ongoing, practical dialogue. Members were encouraged to explore how AI considerations can be integrated into existing inquiries and policy advice, to advance inclusion and non-discrimination, to strengthen privacy and civic-space safeguards including access to remedy, and to share evidence and learning across the region. APF will continue facilitating exchanges to help members assess opportunities and risks and identify tools that support their mandates.