The Union Association for Human Rights, in collaboration with a consultative NGO and a number of international organizations, organized an international symposium under the title “Summit of the Future: Challenges of Human Rights in the Future” on the sidelines of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The event gathered prominent UN experts, representatives of international organizations, and official delegations.

Venue and Date:

• Venue: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
• Date: 8 July 2024.
• Occasion: Side event on the sidelines of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Main Speakers:

• Dr. Fatima Al-Kaabi, President of the Union Association for Human Rights, Vice Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution, and UAE Human Rights Advisor and Expert.
• Abdelwahab El Hani, Human Rights International Expert, Former Member of the UN Committee Against Torture.
• Nadia Balgobin, Sustainable Business Development Consultant, UN Expert on SDG 12.
• Dr. Ramon Rahangmetan, Independent Accredited Lobbyist at the European Parliament, Observer at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, Co-founder of Circle of Sustainable Europe (CoSE).
• Ventzeslav Sabev, Vice-President for International Development and Strategic Partnerships at the Geneva Spiritual Appeal, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of International Social Service (Bulgaria), Goodwill Ambassador for the Aid for the Needy Foundation, Advisor to the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, Former President of the Alumni Association of the Institute of International Studies.
• Counselor Maryam Al-Ahmadi, Human Rights Consultant, Vice Chairperson, Union Association for Human Rights, Expert on the Work of Civil Society Organizations.
• Moderator: Dr. Maha Al Shehab, Expert at the World Health Organization (WHO), Board Member at the Bahrain Institute for Political Development.

Symposium Content and Papers:

• Main Theme: Foresight into the future challenges facing the global state of human rights, particularly amid developments in technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, and declining peace and security.
• Papers presented included:
  • The role of the United Nations in supporting the future of human rights.
  • Proposals for developing a new international charter on future human rights.
  • The UAE’s pioneering experience in harnessing technology for human welfare.
  • The importance of digital readiness in enhancing fundamental rights.
  • The significance of the Summit of the Future in September 2024 for launching the Global Digital Compact.

International experts emphasized the vital role of the United Nations in enhancing the state of human rights in the future and addressing emerging global challenges. They called for strengthened international collaboration among all stakeholders to establish an effective and comprehensive approach to human rights that responds to global transformations and pressing issues. The Summit of the Future was highlighted as a landmark opportunity to bring world leaders together to secure a better present and safeguard the future.

The symposium also praised the UAE’s pioneering and inspirational approach to anticipating the future of human rights. The country’s model was presented as a unique international example of leadership and innovation in the field, particularly through digital readiness and advanced indicators reflecting its global standing. Participants affirmed that the UAE has successfully overcome many future challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance human well-being. The session stressed the importance of learning from the UAE’s global leadership in future foresight and its commitment to human-centered development.

Significance of the Symposium:

• The symposium served as a high-level international platform to address issues of justice, equality, technology, education, environment, peace, and security within the framework of human rights.
• It highlighted the UAE’s global model in utilizing modern technology to foresee the future and ensure human prosperity.
• It called for the launch of a new global agreement on the future of human rights, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future.
• It shed light on strengthening international partnerships with civil society and the role of human rights organizations in responding to a changing world.

Participants:

• UN experts.
• Official international delegations.
• Representatives of international NGOs.
• UN Accredited journalists and media professionals.
• A distinguished audience attending the Human Rights Council meetings.

Key Recommendations:

• Calling for the development of a new global agreement on future human rights.
• Supporting the Global Digital Compact to be launched during the Summit of the Future in New York – September 2024.
• Prioritizing environmental, technological, and digital challenges in future UN human rights work.
• Strengthening partnerships with global civil society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Drawing on successful international models, particularly the UAE experience, in employing AI to advance justice, development, and human welfare.