The International Conference “Human Rights and Democratic Culture in Practice: Applications and Challenges”, to be held in Athens on 24-26 April 2026, is a major international initiative that highlights the critical link between fundamental Human Rights and democratic culture in the 21st century. The conference is organized by the Joint Master’s Programme “Identity, Education and Competences for Democratic Culture” of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe- and the European Wergeland Centre (EWC), a research and education centre of the Council of Europe and the Norwegian government, and the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights (MFHR) – one of the most distinguished institutions in the field of Human Rights recognized both in Greece and internationally.

The event aspires to be a field of dialogue and knowledge exchange between researchers, academics, educators, students, lawyers, civil society professionals and policy makers, focusing on the practical application of the principles of Human Rights and democratic education.

The thematic axes of the conference highlight contemporary challenges: from the philosophical and sociological foundation of Human Rights and civic identity to pedagogical approaches, to democratic education, but also to issues pertaining to the rule of law, the freedom of expression, artificial intelligence and inclusion.

The conference aims to strengthen the dialogue between theory and practice, seeking to give voice to different scientific and social perspectives, but also to inspire new forms of action, teaching and political thinking. In the context of its work, it will present papers of high scientific quality, hold interactive workshops and highlight good practices from Greece and abroad.

Thematic Axes

Philosophical and Sociological Implications: 

• Citizenship as identity in the 21st century
• Human Rights and Democracy under pressure
• Artificial intelligence and Human Rights challenges
• Sociology of diversity and gender identities
• Multicultural readings of the Human Rights

Education and Democratic Culture:

• Training to cultivate competences for democratic culture
• Innovative pedagogical practices and intercultural coexistence
• The empowerment of teachers
• Inclusion in education and access for all

Rule of Law and Democratic Culture:

• Police violence and the rule of law
• Racist crimes and discrimination
• Media, freedom of expression, fake news and gagging (SLAPP=Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation)
• Transparency and the fight against corruption

A certificate of attendance will be given to the participants. Speakers will also receive a certification for their contribution.

Participating in the conference as a speaker results in publication in the Proceedings of the conference after double anonymous peer review.