First Planning Subcommittee Meeting Held

The 14th WHRCF Theme Confirmed - “Civic Space and Human Rights Cities”

 

The first meeting of the Planning Subcommittee was held on January 30 to discuss the theme of the 14th World Human Rights Cities Forum and its planning process.

The theme of the 14th World Human Rights Cities Forum was discussed first. During the Planning Committee meeting last December 23, the proposed themes were narrowed down to three choices: “Civic Space and Human Rights Cities”, “New Technologies and Human Rights in the Digital Environment”, and “Human Rights Cities and Cross-Generational Solidarity with Focus on Youth Participation” and were discussed in depth during this meeting due to the fact that all three topics are important in the field of human rights.

Noting that civic space, which should be secured and expanded, is shrinking both domestically and internationally, this year's Forum, under the theme of “Civic Space and Human Rights Cities”, will identify areas of human rights that are being constrained and actively seek solutions to explore and expand the meaning of civic space from the perspective of citizens' policy participation processes and public governance.

As for the organization of the Forum, it was agreed that the Roundtable, one of the official events, would be omitted to place a deeper focus on the Plenary Session. The Plenary Session will delve into sharing about the importance of civic space, examples of civic participation, and introducing overseas good practices and programs. The current list of prospective invitees includes German politician Klaus Wowereit and WAGL chairwoman Jinsoon LEE. In addition, regarding the Thematic Sessions, which have been held with the active participation of local civil society organizations, it was decided to hold a separate meeting with the representatives of participating organizations to exchange opinions on the operation of the sessions in the Forum.

The draft concept note is being prepared by Planning Committee member Gi-gon KIM and will be circulated to the Planning Committee and the International Steering Committee for finalization throughout the month of March.

The theme of this year's Forum is expected to resonate with and engage citizen participation, as it is the theme that has received the most citizens’ votes in the theme voting during the 13th WHRCF.