The Joint Master's Program "Identity, Education, and Competences for Democratic Culture" (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & Wergeland European Center) and the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights organized the International Conference “Human Rights and Democratic Culture in Practice: Applications and Challenges” held in Athens, Greece, on April 25–26, 2026.

The conference “Human Rights and Democratic Culture in Practice: Applications and Challenges” explores how the principles of human rights and democratic culture can be applied in real-world contexts while also examining the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Its aim is to serve as an international platform for dialogue and the exchange of best practices among academics, researchers, educators, civil society professionals, policymakers, and students.

1. Philosophical, Sociological, and Theological Dimensions

  • The Identity of the Citizen in the 21st Century
  • Human Rights and Democracy Under Pressure
  • Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights Challenges
  • Diversity and gender identities
  • Multicultural interpretations of human rights

2. Education and Democratic Culture

  • Education to foster competencies for democratic culture
  • Innovative pedagogical practices and intercultural coexistence
  • Empowerment of educators
  • Inclusion and access to education for all

3. Rule of Law and Democratic Culture

  • Independence of the Judiciary
  • Police Violence and the Rule of Law
  • Hate Crimes and Discrimination
  • Freedom of Expression, Fake News, and SLAPP Suits
  • Transparency and the Fight Against Corruption

Organizers: