First Conference of the Global Universities Alliance for Cultural Rights

On 2 September 2026, the Global Universities Alliance for Cultural Rights will hold its first international conference at the University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Brazil, within the XV International Meeting on Cultural Rights.

Under the theme “Human (In)Security”, the conference will bring together scholars and experts from different regions and legal traditions to examine how conflict, displacement, climate change, restrictions on civic space, constitutional frameworks and technological transformation are reshaping the enjoyment and protection of cultural rights. Discussions will explore both the threats facing cultural rights and their potential to strengthen dignity, resilience, participation and peace.

The programme will feature four thematic panels on territory and displacement; the state of cultural rights worldwide; constitutional frameworks and cultural pluralism; and science, artificial intelligence and emerging cultural insecurities. A dedicated session with Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, and member of the Global Alliance, will provide a global perspective on the current state of cultural rights.

The conference marks an important first step in the Alliance’s mission to create a global space where academic knowledge, diverse perspectives and practice come together to strengthen cultural rights and turn research into shared action.

2 September 2026 · University of Fortaleza, Brazil.