On March 6, 2024, from 2pm to 5pm ICT, the 5th Tokyo Democracy Forum (TDF) on Defending Democracy and Civic Space in Asia (DDCSA) was held, organised by the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC) and THINK Lobby. Represented by a Technical Advisor  from the New Myanmar Foundation, our partner organisation and Youth Empowerment member, the forum provided a comprehensive discussion on the state of democracy and civic space in Asia, amid the looming 2030 deadline for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite efforts towards SDG16, which focuses on peace, justice, and democratic principles, significant challenges persist in areas such as the rule of law, participatory decision-making, and access to information. 

The forum’s objectives included promoting democracy, human rights, and civic space through research, advocacy, and support for civil society organizations (CSOs), while influencing political discussions on SDG16 at upcoming UN meetings. Key discussions included Roundtable 1, which analyzed the current challenges faced by rights holders like climate activists and voters, and Roundtable 2, which examined the relationship between civic space and responsible business practices, especially in conflict-affected regions. Opportunities for further international engagement were also discussed, with a focus on upcoming global summits to advocate for SDG16 and civic space initiatives. Concluding remarks by Hideki Wakabayashi highlighted the importance of collective action and ongoing collaboration in defending democracy and civic space across Asia.