The World Human Rights Cities Forum 2026 (WHRCF 2026) expanded its agenda beyond the main theme, surfacing new topics for discussion. Here's a look inside the special sessions that took a broader approach to human rights cities.😊
Special Sessions
AI, Well-Aging, and Human Rights
Well-Aging, Human Rights, and Digital Inclusion in the Age of AI
The session addressed the digital divide and unequal access to information faced by older persons amid rapid digital change. Participants discussed ways to ensure their active tech engagement and digital access rights within the community, moving toward a Jeonnam-Gwangju model of well-aging.
Chonnam National University Special Session
AI, Authoritarianism, and Democratic Resilience in Cities
This session took a critical look at how artificial intelligence is being used as a tool of authoritarian control. In response, participants agreed on the need to develop concrete AI regulation policies and strengthen international solidarity for digital rights.
Human Rights Paper Session
Human Rights Cities Against Authoritarianism and Populism
This session spotlighted the role of human rights cities as guardians of democracy, sharing case studies of cities and local governments standing up to authoritarianism and populism. Participants agreed that city-to-city cooperation and transnational solidarity must continue, and stressed the need to embed human rights safeguards into digital governance and smart city policies.
UNESCO APCIC
Building Inclusive and Sustainable Cities in Asia-Pacific Region
This session explored ways to expand the network of human rights cities and strengthen cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing that human rights are only meaningfully realized when they become an operating principle of local administration. Participants reaffirmed that citizens must be active decision-makers rather than mere beneficiaries of policy, and that networks for sharing solutions across cities must continue to be strengthened.
Publication of the World Human Rights Cities Forum (WHRCF)
2026 Final Report
A comprehensive final report on the Forum, held from May 13 to 15, is now available. It covers the theme, objectives, key discussions, and future action plans, as well as on-site and networking programmes including the Human Rights Tour and Networking Reception. Check out the WHRCF 2026 Final Report now.
In our next issue, we'll bring you news on the KOICA Fellowship Program, a program held in conjunction with the World Human Rights Cities Forum. Stay tuned! 😍
세계인권도시포럼 사무국 WHRCF Secretariat whrcf@gic.or.kr 1-2F, 5, Jungang-ro 196beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61475, South Korea +82-226-2734 수신거부Unsubscribe
