ABOUT EVENT

This year ENNHRI’s Leadership Forum will take place in Brussels from 5-6 November 2026.

Building on discussions at last year’s event, the 2026 edition will gather NHRI leaders from across Europe. It comes at a time when rapid and unpredictable change is bringing challenges for their institutions and the wider human rights, democracy and rule of law environment. Once again, the Forum will provide a dedicated and safe space to reflect together on these and other relevant developments.

Through a mix of plenary and small group sessions, participants will identify priorities, share ideas, and explore ways to respond to these challenges. In doing so, they will consider opportunities for stronger cooperation and collective action.

Among the types of items they will address are:

• Growing societal polarisation and democratic backsliding;
• Pressure on independent institutions and shrinking civil society space;
• The spread of disinformation;
• Engagement at the European Union and the Council of Europe;
• Challenges to the authority and implementation of European Court of Human Rights case law; and,
• NHRIs’ use of new and evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Their discussions and insights will help enhance NHRIs’ effectiveness and impacts across a variety of thematic areas, as well as their resilience. They will also shape ENNHRI’s strategic direction and support to its members.

The Leadership Forum is one of the components of ENNHRI’s NHRI Leadership Programme.