High-level informal discussion

This informal high‑level discussion in Geneva marks the Human Rights Council's 20th anniversary by convening senior stakeholders for a moderated, forward‑looking exchange on what the Council has built over two decades, the extent to which its mechanisms deliver impact, and how its tools and partnerships might evolve in the coming years.

- Moderator:

H.E. Mr. Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, President of the Human Rights Council

- Keynote speaker:

H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General (video message)

- Panellists:

Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;

H.E. Mr. Luis Alfonso de Alba Góngora, first President of the Human Rights Council

H.E. Mr. Carlos D. Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Office at Geneva, representing the ASEAN Chair in Geneva for 2026

Ms. Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education

Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights

Institutions

Youth civil society representative Opening remarks: