On 1–2 December 2025, the city of Gdańsk hosted the conference “Prawa Człowieka w Praktyce Samorządowej” (Human Rights in Local Government Practice), bringing together Polish municipalities, national institutions, and international partners to discuss how local governments can strengthen their role as defenders and promoters of human rights.
The mayor of Gdańsk Aleksandra Dulkiewicz opened the conference by reiterating the city's historic commitment to democratic and social movements, linking it to its history, as the event was hosted in the Europejskie Centrum Solidarności, a center dedicated to the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement. Monika Chabior, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk, explained how the municipality integrates the Human Rights-Based Approach, presenting how the various areas, like transportation, education, health, social services, and urban planning of the city council, incorporate this framework.
The UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights (CSIPDHR) participated in the meeting, represented by its Coordinator, Mr Adrià Duarte. The Committee contributed to the discussions by highlighting the importance of international cooperation and the growing role of cities in protecting rights amid social and political challenges. The Guidance Framework for creating a Human Rights City was presented as a reference for cities interested in adopting the human rights-based approach.
Polish cities as human rights promoters and protectors
During the conference, participants explored how Polish cities are increasingly positioning themselves as key promoters of human rights, leading initiatives to protect vulnerable groups, ensure equal treatment, and strengthen democratic values.
Gdańsk, known for its pioneering work on human rights at the local level, created a valuable space for reflection and exchange among municipalities facing similar challenges across the country.
International perspectives: Barcelona and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute
The event also benefited from the contributions of international partners, including the City of Barcelona, represented by David Llistar, Director of Human Rights, Global Justice and International Cooperation, and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, represented by Morten Kjærum, who shared tools, methodologies, and experiences to support rights-based local governance. Their participation underscored the value of city-to-city cooperation in strengthening local capacities and connecting local action to global human rights agendas.
UCLG as a global hub for local human rights
The CSIPDHR presented UCLG’s ongoing work to support cities worldwide, including its global campaign “10, 100, 1.000 Human Rights Cities & Territories by 2030” and the Guidance framework for creating a Human Rights City, developed with the OHCHR.
The presence of the Committee reaffirmed UCLG’s role as a global hub for local governments committed to human rights, inclusion, and participatory democracy.
A growing movement in Poland
The two-day conference demonstrated the dynamism of Polish municipalities and their commitment to advancing human rights at the local level. Through their engagement with international networks such as CSIPDHR, Polish cities are strengthening their strategies, amplifying their voices, and contributing to a global movement of local governments defending human rights.