The event, organized by the Research Network Democracy and Human Rights, began with opening remarks by Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the University of Vienna. Following that, Co-Directors Sylvia Kritzinger and Michael Lysander Fremuth, Scientific Director at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights, provided an overview of the Research Network’s future work.

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, demonstrated just how closely democracy and human rights are intertwined. In his keynote address, he made it clear that human rights are not merely a supplement to democracy, but form part of its very foundations. Democracy needs human rights to remain resilient, credible and just. Human rights, in turn, need democratic systems to safeguard freedom, participation and accountability. Particularly striking was his image of an “empty chair” for future generations: democratic decisions must also take into account those who will only live with their consequences decades from now.

In the panel discussion that followed, Volker Türk, Barbara Prainsack, Christian Göbel and Maria Mayrhofer joined the debate moderated by Gerold Riedmann, editor-in-chief of “Der Standard”. The focus was on the erosion of democracy, digital public spheres, social resilience and the question of how citizens, institutions, academia and civil society can respond to authoritarian trends. The discussion highlighted the wide range of challenges, from attacks on independent institutions, through social inequality and zero-sum thinking, to the power of digital platforms. At the same time, the conversation centred on scope for action: strengthening solidarity, recognising early warning signs, protecting spaces for public debate and facilitating participation in everyday life.

You can find the full report here and a recording of the entire event here (German language).