Secretary of State John Kerry and Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Uzra Zeya attended the Asia Civil Society Strategic Dialogue on July 2 with activists from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

The Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary led the activists in a wide-ranging discussion of the work by these civil society organizations focusing on land rights, environmental protection, and transparency issues in the region. The activists emphasized the need for governments to consult with civil society in order to ensure inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

The Secretary noted the importance of civil society being able to network and advocate freely throughout the region to address these issues on both national and regional levels, including through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

For further information, please contact Aaron Jensen at JensenAW@state.gov or (202) 647-0516.