This issue highlights the thematic sessions of the World Human Rights Cities Forum 2026. Take a look at what was discussed in each session! 😍
Thematic Sessions
Human Rights in Sport
Solidarity for Advancing the Universality of Human Rights in Sport
The session reaffirmed the need for international solidarity to move beyond oppressive and violent structures and build a human rights-friendly sports environment. The panelists questioned the prevailing culture of prioritizing achievement above all else, and discussed continued action to protect human rights in sport.
Disability
How Authoritarianism and Populism Undermine the
Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The session focused on how the spread of authoritarianism and populism has further undermined the rights of persons with disabilities. Participants also explored social responses at the human rights city level to safeguard their dignity and rights.
Women
Digital Authoritarianism and the Gender Gap
The session noted that while digital transformation has reshaped society, it has also deepened gender inequality. Participants explored what new standards for women's rights should look like in the digital age, and what steps are needed to build an inclusive digital ecosystem.
Human Rights Villages
Human Rights Villages Against Authoritarianism:
Achievements and Challenges
The session shared policy updates and case studies on Human Rights Village initiatives in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeju. Building on this, participants discussed policy directions for advancing human rights at the village level following the planned integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam into a special metropolitan city.
Children and Youth
From Wounds to Respect - Connecting Happiness in the Classroom:
Our Stories of Building Schools Free from Hate
The session shared real-life cases of hatred and discrimination experienced by children and youth in educational settings and explored ways to create better schools. Participants agreed that fostering an environment of mutual respect and consideration requires not only education, but also sustained attention and concrete policy action.
Human Rights Activists Network Workshop
A Civil Society Proposal for a Basic Human Rights Act
and Advocacy Strategies for Its Enactment
Human rights activists from various regions gathered to discuss ways to strengthen the legal foundation of local human rights protection systems. They emphasized the need to enact the civil society proposal for a Basic Human Rights Act and reviewed a strategic roadmap for the legislative campaign. Participants also agreed to establish a promotion committee for the legislation following a series of regional discussions.
The next issue will bring you the discussions from the special sessions, along with the final report of the World Human Rights Cities Forum 2026. Stay tuned! 😊
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