Welcome to the United Nations 
OHCHR 
Human Rights 75 high-level event
Date
11 - 12 December 2023
AT
Palais des Nations
LOCATION
Geneva, Switzerland
Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) remains the leading international guidepost for achieving freedom, equality, and justice for everyone. The year 2023, with activities in communities, countries and regions around the world, was both a fitting tribute as well as a forerunner to the Geneva high-level event on 11-12 December 2023.
During these two days, we witnessed the culmination of all the dialogues, thematic consultations, multistakeholder recommendations, as well as the birth and growth of our pledging tree. The Human rights 75 high-level event was convened by UN Human Rights and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Participants included Member States, civil society organizations, cities and local governments, human rights defenders, parliamentary representatives, United Nations entities, academics, experts, young people and artists. Side events took place in the regional hubs, at the Palais des Nations and in virtual rooms.
In addition to the high-level event, UN Human Rights held a human rights concert with the support of artists from around the world to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December.
Day 1 highlights
Member States, civil society actors, experts and human rights defenders met in Geneva on 11 December during the first day of a high-level event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hosted by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, the event is an occasion to craft a common vision for the future of human rights and to rejuvenate the spirit that led to the adoption of the Declaration at a time when the protection and promotion of human rights is more relevant than ever.
Day 2 highlights
Promising to rejuvenate the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, heads of State and Government, civil society groups and human rights defenders gathered in Geneva on 12 December to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the landmark text.
Programme
Download the Agenda [PDF]
Download the Event Flyer [PDF]
Think pieces:
The future of human rights and peace and security [PDF]
The future of human rights and digital technologies [PDF]
The future of human rights, development and the economy [PDF]
The future of human rights, the environment and climate [PDF]
Discussion papers:
The future of human rights and peace and security
- Peace and security additional background paper
- Roundtable human rights prevention peace - 20-Nov-2023 - Summary
The future of human rights and digital technologies
The future of human rights, development and the economy
The future of human rights, the environment and climate
Monday 11 December
| Time (GVA) | Events |
|---|---|
| 9:00-10:30 |
WELCOME BY HIGH COMMISSIONER, VOLKER TÜRK Opening panel: |
| 10:30-11:30 |
Voices in defence of human rights 1: Bringing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to life |
| 11:30-13:00 | Pledging Tree Session 1 States - Heads of Delegations Room XX |
| 13:00-14:00 |
You have the Floor |
| 14:00-15:00 | Pledging Tree Session 2 States - Heads of Delegations Room XX |
| 15:00-16:30 |
Voices in defence of human rights 2: Bringing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to life |
| 16:30-18:00 | Bolstering the human rights ecosystem Room XX |
| 18:30 | Human Rights 75 reception |
Tuesday 12 December: Leaders’ Segment
| Time (GVA) | Events |
|---|---|
| 9:00-10:00 | Opening Ceremony with Heads of State Room XX |
| 10:00-12:45 |
Roundtable 1 |
| 10:15-12:15 | Roundtable 2 The Future of Human Rights and Digital Technologies Room XIX |
| 13:00-15:00 | Lunch discussion for High-level dignitaries |
| 15:00-17:00 |
Roundtable 3 Roundtable 4 |
| 17:15-18:15 | Closing Ceremony Room XX |
Each roundtable convened heads of State or Government, high level dignitaries, experts, and other distinguished panellists.