This summer, the world is suffering from the impacts of abnormal climate conditions. Europe is experiencing severe heat waves that have persisted for several weeks, while regions in South Korea and India are facing significant loss of life and damage due to concentrated heavy rainfall. In South Korea, 13 areas have been declared as special disaster zones due to the intense downpours. As of July 20, 2023, there have been 46 fatalities and approximately 3,200 people have lost their homes and are seeking refuge in shelters.

During last year's World Human Rights Cities Forum, various solutions were discussed to address the profound human rights issues caused by the severity of climate change. Now that the world is experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis, active engagement and collective efforts from diverse entities, including local governments, are urgently needed more than ever.

During the month of July, the WHRCF Secretariat and session organizers have been busily working on inviting keynote speakers and promoting the Forum. This year's theme, "Human Rights Cities Responding to Poverty and Inequalities," will bring together renowned scholars and experts to share diverse knowledge and insights. Various distinguished speakers are responding to the invitations and being confirmed day by day. Detailed information about each session will soon be available on the website, so we hope you will continue paying attention to the updates.👏

The Second Preparation Meeting with Domestic Session Organizers Held

10-Day Overseas Business Trip

In June, the Gwangju delegation consisting of WHRCF Director Mr. KIM Taehyeong, Gwangju International Center Director Mr. SHIN Gyonggu, and Gwangju Metropolitan City officials went on a 10-day overseas business trip to Europe, visiting UNESCO headquarters in Paris, UN Human Rights in Geneva, and Vienna, a renowned human rights city. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen ties, extend invitations to this year’s forum, and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Reflecting on the successful business trip, Mr. KIM Taeheyong shared his impressions.

More details on the cooperation projects and discussions with international organizations that took place during the overseas business trip can be found on the Forum's website.

We are inviting you to expert meeting

held by UN Human Rights Office

"Expert meeting on enhancing capacity-building

for local governments to incorporate human rights into all their work"

[Theme]

Session 1: Human rights cities – Enhancing capacity-building for local and regional governments

Session 2: Strengthening the capacity of local and regional governments to engage with the United Nations human rights mechanisms

28 August 2023 | 10:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00 CET | Hybrid session

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This meeting is organized to share best practices of local governments and identify needs and opportunities for complementarity and cooperation at the national, regional and international levels. It also focuses on strengthening the capacity of local governments to comply with their obligations to respect, protect and fulfill human rights at the local level and to expand their participation in UN human rights mechanisms.

Notably, the WHRCF International Steering Committee Chair SHIN Gyonggu will be participating in the expert meeting as a panelist to share the case study of Gwangju.

Anyone interested in the topic, please kindly check the website and concept note below for more information.