Freedom of Expression Conference VII

November 22, 2023

7–10 minutes

Freedom of Expression Conference VII
Theme: Youth action for promoting and defending freedom of expression in Southeast Asia
Date: 1-2 December 2023 (Friday-Saturday)
Location: Hive Hotel & Convention Place
68 Sct. Tuason St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila

and online via zoom

FOR ONLINE ATTENDANCE, PLS REGISTER HERE https://bit.ly/47myJOD (SUBJECT FOR SCREENING. LIMITED SLOTS ONLY)

Since its inception in 2017, the Freedom of Expression Conference (FreeXP.con) has served as a
vital platform uniting human rights defenders, journalists, technology experts, academics, and
freedom of expression advocates in the Philippines. This conference has played a crucial role in
empowering advocates, equipping them with essential tools and knowledge to effectively
champion human rights and freedom of opinion and expression both in the digital realm and
offline. It has also fostered a sense of solidarity among human rights defenders working in online
spaces.

Curious about the FreeXP.con experience? You can catch a glimpse of the impactful moments
from past FreeXP.con events at https://hronlineph.com/freexp-con/
This noteworthy initiative has received support from key partners, including the British Embassy
-Manila through its British Embassy Enabling Funds, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and
Development (FORUM Asia), and DKA Austria. These collaborations have played a pivotal role
in shaping the milestones achieved by Human Rights Online Philippines.

For this year’s FreeXP.con VII, Human Rights Online Philippines https://hronlineph.com/ is
proud to partner with the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) https://fma.ph .FreeXP.con
VII is an integral part of the commemoration of International Human Rights Week 2023 and the
celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR@75).
This 7th edition of the conference aims to spotlight specific subjects and challenges related to the
freedom of expression in the region. Moreover, it serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate
the invaluable contributions of youth who have significantly advanced the cause of freedom of
expression. FreeXP.con VII provides a unique opportunity for in-depth discussions on the
distinct challenges and opportunities related to this fundamental right across diverse countries
and contexts in the region.

This year, FreeXP.con VII embraces the theme “Youth Action for Promoting Freedom of
Expression in Southeast Asia,” underscoring the central role of young individuals in championing
freedom of expression and fostering impactful behavioral change in countering disinformation.
FreeXP.con VII is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted challenges that impact our society,
including disinformation and misinformation. The conference will delve into essential topics such
as distinguishing fake news from factual information. It provides a crucial platform for youth to
voice their perspectives, share personal experiences, and engage in collaborative initiatives aimed
at addressing these pressing issues.

The conference will facilitate meaningful discussions and innovative projects that empower young
minds to combat disinformation effectively, encouraging informed dialogue and promoting the
values of truth and freedom of expression in the digital age. Through these efforts, FreeXP.con
VII aims to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of
our information landscape, fostering a community of critical thinkers and responsible
communicators.

On social media and the youth

Social media has become an integral part of the lives of young people in Southeast Asia, shaping
their communication patterns, social interactions, and overall worldview. In this region, where
internet penetration is rapidly increasing, social media platforms play a significant role in the lives
of the youth, offering both opportunities and challenges.

With the widespread adoption of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, young
individuals have unprecedented access to information, entertainment, and social interactions.
While social media offers numerous benefits, such as connecting people globally and providing a
platform for self-expression, it also poses challenges and concerns, particularly in the context of
misinformation, online harassment, and digital addiction.

For youth, social media serves as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a space for
creativity, self-expression, and activism. Young people can raise awareness about social issues,
connect with like-minded individuals, and mobilize for causes they believe in. Social media
platforms enable them to share their talents, art, and opinions with a broad audience, fostering a
sense of belonging and community.

On the other hand, the pervasive influence of social media can contribute to issues like
cyberbullying, body image concerns, and mental health issues. The constant exposure to curated
content and peer interactions may lead to unrealistic standards and social comparison, affecting
the self-esteem and well-being of young users. Moreover, the rapid spread of misinformation and
online hate speech can exacerbate societal divisions and fuel tension among different groups.
Therefore, it is essential to empower youth with digital literacy skills and critical thinking abilities.
Education on media literacy can help them discern credible information from misinformation,
teaching them how to fact-check and verify sources. Encouraging healthy online behaviors, such
as respectful communication and responsible sharing, is crucial in promoting positive digital
experiences.

By creating a supportive environment where youth can discuss their online experiences and
concerns, we can help them navigate the complexities of the digital world while harnessing the
positive aspects of social media for personal growth and societal progress. Empowering young
individuals with critical thinking skills and promoting positive online behavior are essential steps
toward ensuring a safe and enriching social media experience for the youth in Southeast Asia.
Empowering Youth as Advocates for Freedom of Expression and Truth
Youth have historically been catalysts for transformative political movements, predating the
advent of social media. Their potential as agents of change in political landscapes has always been
significant. While social media amplifies their influence, the essence lies in the youth themselves.
In contemporary social movements, especially within the human rights sphere, technology, and
media communication have become indispensable tools. The key isn’t just the technology but how
these movements strategically leverage social media. It’s about rapidly and efficiently
disseminating information to galvanize youth participation.

Social media platforms offer a space where young individuals can articulate their concerns, express
their aspirations, and mobilize for a cause. The challenge, however, lies in sustaining their
engagement and elevating their involvement beyond online activism.

The intersection of youth, social media, and human rights activism highlights the need for strategic
approaches. It involves nurturing the youth’s innate passion for change, equipping them with
critical thinking skills to navigate the digital landscape, and providing avenues for meaningful,
sustained involvement in real-world actions. By fostering these connections and encouraging
thoughtful online activism, we can harness the immense potential of youth-led movements for the
advancement of freedom of expression and truth.

Objectives
The conference endeavors to accomplish the following goals:
 To facilitate dialogue concerning the current state of freedom of expression in the Southeast
Asia region;
 To share experiences, best practices, and challenges related to countering disinformation and
misinformation; and
 To foster collaboration among human rights organizations and freedom of expression
advocates, particularly the youth, by establishing platforms for enhanced youth participation
in asserting freedom of expression and combating disinformation in the region.

Target participants
The conference is tailored for Gen-Z, millennials, students, human rights defenders, civil society
organizations, journalists, and media professionals in Southeast Asia.
In-person: 30 participants
Online participants: 100

Conference format
Similar to its predecessors, FreeXP.con VII will feature innovative and creative presentations
using the Pep Talk and TV talk show formats.

Conference agenda

Day 1. Understanding the landscape
 Opening Ceremony: Welcome addresses, and introductions.
 Understanding Freedom of Expression, Challenges and Opportunities: An overview of the
current state of freedom of expression in the Southeast Asia region, emphasizing its
importance, and relevance to young people.
 Sustaining behavior change among youth in promoting freedom of expression and countering
disinformation: A panel discussion featuring Gen-Z, millennials, and young human rights
defenders sharing their experiences in defending and promoting freedom of expression.
 Country spotlights: Representatives from different Southeast Asian countries share their
experiences, highlighting online and offline challenges including discussions on censorship,
harassment, and limitations on freedom of expression.

Part 2: 13th Human Rights Pinduteros Awards

Day 2: Advocacy and solutions
 Strategies for change: Explore regional collaboration strategies among human rights
organizations and human rights defenders to promote freedom of expression.
 Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Participants engaged in focused sessions covering specific
freedom of expression topics, encouraging in-depth discussions and learning.
 Showcasing youth-led initiatives: Highlight successful youth-led initiatives and campaigns
that effectively countered disinformation and promoted freedom of expression.
 Advocacy success stories: Showcase examples of effective advocacy campaigns in the region.
 The Way Forward: Discuss future plans, potential collaborations, and innovative approaches
to sustaining the momentum for freedom of expression in Southeast Asia.
 Policy recommendations: Identify key policy changes necessary to strengthen freedom of
expression in the Southeast Asia region.
 Closing ceremony: Summarize key takeaways from the conference, acknowledgments, and
make commitment for future collaborative efforts.

Post-FreeXP.con VII actions
 Freedom of Expression Conference VII Declaration.
 Publish a conference report summarizing key findings, recommendations, and action points.
 Create a regional network or platform for ongoing collaboration and information sharing.
 Encourage participants to take concrete actions in their respective countries to promote
freedom of expression.

Speakers/trainers
Human Rights Online Philippines (HRonlinePH)
Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)
Southeast Asian Collaborative Policy Network (SEA-CPN)
Rappler
DAKILA
Young Bataeños for Environmental Advocacy Network -Young BEAN The Asia Foundation

Organized by