Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

04/09/2026

CALD Youth Statement on the Trial of Joshua Wong and the Protection of Democratic Freedoms in Hong Kong

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) Youth is deeply concerned about the continued prosecution and imprisonment of Joshua Wong and other political activists in Hong Kong. We are equally alarmed by the increasingly broad application of the Hong Kong National Security Law to suppress legitimate political advocacy and international engagement.

The pursuit of democracy must not be treated as a crime, peaceful political expression must not be met with disproportionate punishment, and national security must never be used as a pretext for state authorities to extinguish the fundamental freedoms that underpin the rule of law.

CALD Youth calls upon the Hong Kong authorities to ensure that the proceedings against Joshua Wong and all other political prisoners are conducted in full accordance with due process, the right to a fair trial, and internationally recognized human rights standards.

We remain steadfast in our belief that lasting peace and stability in Asia can only be achieved when governments uphold the dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms of their people.

04/09/2026

📸 Sessions I & II | CALD Conference on Democratic Resilience in Southeast and East Asia

Session I: Anatomy of Democratic Backsliding in Southeast Asia

Session II: Holding the Line: Democratic Resilience and Institutional Safeguards in Asia

Two insightful sessions exploring the challenges facing democracy in the region and the institutions and safeguards needed to strengthen democratic resilience across Asia.

04/09/2026

📸 IN PHOTOS | Opening Ceremony

The CALD Conference on Democratic Resilience in Southeast and East Asia officially begins in Yogyakarta, Indonesia!

Stay tuned as we share more highlights from the conference!

04/09/2026

🔴 WE’RE LIVE IN A FEW MINUTES!

The CALD Conference on Democratic Resilience in Southeast and East Asia is about to begin!

Join us as political leaders, experts, and advocates come together to discuss the challenges facing democracy in the region and explore ways to strengthen democratic resilience.

📺 Watch us live on YouTube!

The CALD Conference on Democratic Resilience in Southeast and East ...

03/09/2026

Meet the speakers! 🎤

We’re bringing together political leaders, experts, and democracy advocates from across the region for the CALD Conference on Democratic Resilience in Southeast and East Asia in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

📍 In Yogyakarta? There’s still time to join us!
Register by scanning the QR code on the poster and be part of the conversation.

03/09/2026

Welcome to Indonesia! 🇮🇩

Delegates from across Asia are arriving today for the CALD Conference on Democratic Resilience in Southeast and East Asia and the 9th CALD Party Management Workshop, taking place from 3–7 September 2026.

We begin this evening with a Dinner, bringing together CALD members, partners, speakers, and friends ahead of the discussions and activities in the days to come.

Stay tuned for more updates!

02/09/2026

SOUTH ASIA, CHINA & STRATEGIC AUTONOMY
——What can South Asia learn from Taiwan?

🔺ONLINE WEBINAR - 7 September | 7PM (GMT+8)

As China’s economic, political and strategic influence continues to shape the Indo-Pacific, South Asian countries face a critical question: How can smaller and middle-sized states protect their sovereignty and policy choices while engaging with major powers?

This policy dialogue explores:
🔸Sovereignty & Strategic Autonomy
🔸Economic Resilience & Diversification
🔸China’s Growing Role in South Asia
🔸Lessons from Taiwan
🔸Democratic Space & Institutional Resilience
🔸What South Asian countries can learn from Taiwan’s experience

Registration Form: https://reurl.cc/3y6dRR

31/08/2026

Happy Independence Day, Malaysia! 🇲🇾

Wishing our Malaysian partners and friends a joyful Independence Day as we celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity, and democracy.

Selamat Hari Kebangsaan ke-69! 🇲🇾

31/08/2026

Another chapter of the AWE Interview Series is here! 🇵🇭

This time, we feature Sam Santos from the Philippines, as she shares her experiences, perspectives, and aspirations as part of the AWE Mentorship Program 2026.

Stay tuned as we continue to meet the inspiring women behind this year’s AWE journey.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Asia

27/08/2026

From learning about leadership to experiencing it in action. 🌏

Community exposure is at the heart of Chapter 2: TFL in Action of the AWE Mentorship Program. It brings mentees closer to the lived realities, challenges, and experiences that shape women’s participation in political and public life.

Through exchanges with women leaders from local government, academe, and communities, mentees are encouraged to listen, reflect, and connect Transformative Feminist Leadership with real-world practice.

It is a space to understand leadership beyond the individual and to see how personal experiences, powerful narratives, and collective action can come together to create meaningful democratic change.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Asia