NEW YORK — On July 30–31, diplomats, educators, judges, lawmakers, and youth delegates from 82 nations gathered at United Nations Headquarters for the 2026 International Human Rights Summit, marking the 25th anniversary of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI). The event, themed “Education for Peace: A 25-Year Legacy,” was hosted by YHRI and United for Human Rights and aimed to launch a renewed global commitment to expand human rights education.
Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, president of YHRI and United for Human Rights, opened the summit by urging participants to turn inspiration into action. “Youth for Human Rights was founded on a simple but powerful belief: when young people understand their human rights, they become champions for the rights of others,” she said. The summit welcomed more than 550 participants, with Timor-Leste as principal sponsor, joined by the Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Denmark, the Republic of Moldova, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, with participation from Mexico and Namibia.
Speakers highlighted how human rights education is transforming societies. Dr. Bertrand Ramcharan, former Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other officials shared insights. The summit also showcased Nobel Peace Prize legacies, with representatives from the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, among others.
The second day opened with a blessing by Dr. Queen Mother Delois Blakely, and the arts played a role with actress Fiona Palomo and a video message from Sheena Chohan. Three panel dialogues focused on the legacy of human rights education, leadership and the way forward, and empowering the next generation. Four individuals were honored for their contributions, including Trish Duggan, Professor Ornella Castellano, Ambassador Ireneo Namboka, and Dr. Vineet Kapoor.
The summit celebrated partnerships that have helped YHRI grow into a movement active in more than 100 countries. Support from the Church of Scientology enables YHRI to provide free educational materials. Beth Akiyama, executive director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, quoted L. Ron Hubbard: “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” She added, “To make human rights a fact, every new generation must know and protect its own rights and the rights of others.”
As delegates departed, they carried renewed determination to expand human rights education. YHRI invites educators, governments, and organizations to join the next chapter of this global movement. After 25 years of educating millions, the mission is more urgent than ever. The next 25 years begin today—and they begin with human rights education.
