Oslo Freedom Forum 2024

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) invites you to join us in Oslo, Norway, for the 16th annual Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) from June 3 to 5, 2024, at the Oslo Konserthus.

Human rights advocates from around the globe will take the OFF stage to share their efforts to defy repression, speak out against injustice, and promote liberal democracy. This year’s theme, Reclaim Democracy, emphasizes the pivotal role every individual — speaker and participant alike — plays within the global movement for freedom and democracy.

Over the last 18 years, HRF has witnessed a global democratic decline and a rise in authoritarianism. Dictatorships in Russia and Iran grew in strength, while India and Georgia slid into authoritarianism. Today, 5.7 billion people — 72% of the world — live under the tyranny of a hybrid authoritarian regime or a full-fledged dictatorship. HRF’s research overwhelmingly shows that authoritarianism is the largest obstacle not just to political freedom but to the realization of every other basic individual right and societal aspiration.

Amid this global trend, OFF offers an important platform to Reclaim Democracy, bringing together the world’s top human rights defenders and industry leaders to exchange valuable tools, knowledge, and resources in the struggle for basic rights and individual liberties. It does so through inspiring theater talks, thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and a creative expo space.

You, too, can take part in these discussions, learn about the struggle for freedom directly from dissidents on the frontlines, and join a global movement committed to upholding and advancing human rights. Register today for the 2024 Oslo Freedom Forum.

Every year, the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) features talks from inspiring activists, philanthropists, journalists, artists, entrepreneurs, and world leaders, all of whom come together for an immersive experience focused on making the world more peaceful, prosperous, and free. At OFF, you have the opportunity to connect with our community and contribute to the global movement against tyranny.

Over the course of three days, hear from human rights advocates on the Oslo Konserthus stage as they share their efforts to defy repression and speak out against injustice around the globe. At Rebel, through informative panel discussions, interactive workshops, and a creative expo, you can explore the issues raised onstage and brainstorm ways to preserve democracy and freedoms worldwide.

This year’s OFF theme, Reclaim Democracy, emphasizes the pivotal role every individual plays within the global movement for democracy. We invite you to join our community of activists, philanthropists, technologists, and industry leaders at OFF in the struggle for freedom.

Confirmed speakers at the 2024 OFF include:

• Meredith Whittaker, CEO of Signal, the world’s leading encrypted communications app
• Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, researcher, founder of the Trauma Research Foundation, and New York Times best-selling author of “The Body Keeps the Score”
• Sebastien Lai, democracy advocate and son of jailed Hong Kong businessman and publisher Jimmy Lai
• Sam Rainsy, Cambodian activist, economist, and leader of the main opposition party
• Olga González, Venezuelan human rights activist
• Faisal Al Mutar, co-founder and president of Ideas Beyond Borders
• Kholood Khair, Sudanese political analyst
• Agather Atuhaire, Ugandan journalist and digital activist
• Anastasia Shevchenko, Russian politician/opposition figure
• Carlos Chamorro, Nicaraguan journalist in exile
• Fadzayi Mahere, Zimbabwean lawyer and politician
• Zhala Bayramova, daughter of tortured Azerbaijani political prisoner Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu
• Georges Azzi, gender and LGBTQI+ rights activist
• Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter
• Lyn Alden, macroeconomist and author of “Broken Money”
• Paul Rusesabagina, human rights activist and real-life hero of “Hotel Rwanda”
• Raqib Hameed Naik, founder of India Hate Lab and Hindutva Watch
• Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, Gaza writer and analyst