The 13th edition of the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy, an annual international forum hosted by Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, convened on

2 December 2025, placing human rights defenders at the center of discussions on democracy and international security.

Launched in 2012, the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy has evolved into a key platform for governments, civil society organizations, academics and activists to exchange experiences and strategies for safeguarding democratic values and human rights amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

This year’s edition, held under the theme “Democracy and International Security: Human Rights Defenders at the Frontline of Freedom,” focused on the growing challenges posed by authoritarianism, disinformation and technological change. Participants examined how these trends are reshaping democratic systems and directly affecting those who defend fundamental freedoms.

The forum brought together representatives of academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and international bodies, alongside a strong presence of human rights defenders from regions facing repression. Activists and experts from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, as well as the Middle East and South Asia, shared firsthand perspectives on operating under increasingly restrictive conditions.

Discussions were structured around four key areas: the situation of human rights defenders under pressure; supporting democracy in an era of disinformation and digital authoritarianism; strategies pursued by Belarusian and Russian opposition movements in exile; and the impact of technological development, including artificial intelligence, on human rights and political processes.

Speakers underscored the urgent need to strengthen protection mechanisms for activists, invest in secure digital infrastructure and develop tools to safeguard freedom of expression. Participants also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the active involvement of civil society in defending democratic norms.

The conference was organized in cooperation with the European Endowment for Democracy, the Centre for International Relations and the University of Warsaw.

High attendance and dynamic debate once again confirmed the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy’s growing role as a leading forum for international exchange and cooperation in support of democracy and human rights. Photo by gov.pl.