Interactive Programming at OFF 2025
Discover the dynamic tracks, thought-provoking panels, and immersive workshops featured at the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum.
Advocacy in Action
- May 26-28, 2025
Take a deep dive into key legal strategies driving change, including the use of sanctions, impact litigation, and advocacy efforts to support those facing arbitrary detention and tyranny.
Debate
Are Sanctions an Effective Policy Tool?
May 26, 2025
15:00-16:00
- Theater
Moderated by
As authoritarian regimes expand their reach, democratic governments often turn to economic sanctions as a response. But are sanctions effective in deterring repression and changing regime behavior — or do they risk harming civilians while entrenching dictators? In this high-stakes debate, debaters will argue in favor of, and against, the effectiveness of sanctions. Join us for a rigorous and timely exchange on the power, pitfalls, and future of one of foreign policy’s most important and contested tools.
Panel
Engaging UN Bodies to Free Prisoners of Conscience
May 26, 2025
16:30-17:30
- Lille Sal
Moderated by
Authoritarian regimes around the world imprison thousands of prisoners of conscience, often for their political beliefs or identities. State-controlled judicial systems provide little recourse for these prisoners. This panel will explore UN bodies and mandates that could pave the way to justice for detainees. Join us to learn how these bodies function and how advocates can use them to secure the release of detainees.
Workshop
Becoming a Democratic Leader
May 26, 2025
15:00-16:00, 14:45-15:45
- Workshops
Join an interactive workshop with Nikola Ilić, founder & CEO of ChangeLab, as he explores key questions: What mindsets, practices, and habits support democratic leadership? How can we practice democracy in our daily lives and rebuild it from the ground up? In this session, participants will uncover their natural leadership instincts, learn the newly developed Democratic Leadership Framework, and engage in meaningful conversations about what it takes to put values into action.
Workshop
Bringing a Case to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
May 26, 2025
12:00-13:00, 15:00-16:00
- Workshops
Join representatives from HRF’s Legal Team to understand how the UNWGAD performs its work, how to submit cases that the UNWGAD can take up, and how to use opinions from the UNWGAD in advocacy efforts.
Workshop
Sneak Peek: HRF’s Tyranny Tracker Index
May 28, 2025
16:15-17:15
- Blue Room
Be one of the first to engage with the Human Rights Foundation’s Tyranny Tracker, a soon-to-be public index that classifies the world’s countries as democratic or authoritarian. Participants will gain insight into the index’s methodology and discuss how the tool can be useful for their own work and activism.
Book Signing
Lilian Tintori Book Signing
May 27, 2025
15:00-16:00
- Atrium
Join us for the presentation of “Camino a la libertad: Manual para la liberación de presos políticos,” a powerful guide created to support families of political prisoners and advance their fight for freedom. Coordinated by Venezuelan activist Lilian Tintori in collaboration with the World Liberty Congress, this manual is already being used in 17 cases worldwide as part of a global push for human rights and democratic change.
AI for Human Rights
- May 26-28, 2025
Dictators are using AI to repress their populations, but at the same time, open-source AI agentic tools have never been more powerful. Join us to learn how we can challenge tyrannical AI systems and promote freedom-based AI tools.
Workshop
AI for Activists
May 26, 2025
14:30-17:30
- AI for Activists
Attend this workshop for a beginner’s introduction to AI tools that can serve activists around the world. Included will be an introduction to using AI for transcription, translation, image generation, grant writing, and privacy preserving tools.
Office Hours
AI for Activists
May 26, 2025
13:30-14:30
- AI for Activists
Meet HRF’s AI for Individual Rights team and ask any questions related to AI and human rights.
Creative Dissent
- May 26-28, 2025
Celebrate the transformative power of art through bold performances, films, and exhibits that amplify the voices of dissidents who use their art to challenge human rights injustices worldwide.
Book Signing
Song Byeok Book Signing
May 26, 2025
16:30-17:30
- Song Byeok
Join us for a powerful and unforgettable book signing event with Song Byeok, author of “Escaping North Korea: The Journey of a Propaganda Painter to the Free World.” Song Byeok’s journey from a North Korean propaganda artist to a free artist in South Korea was one of profound struggle and resilience, marked by his survival of the horrors of famine, imprisonment, and forced repatriation. Through his gripping personal narrative and art, Song sheds light on the darkness of life under a dictatorship, the heartbreak of loss, and the undying hope for freedom. His book offers a glimpse into the devastating realities of North Korea and the human spirit’s unyielding quest for dignity.
Dictators and Dirty Money
- May 26-28, 2025
Uncover the impact of corrupt regimes and illicit financial networks, exploring how they influence global politics, sports, and human rights.
Panel
China and Russia’s Influence in Africa
May 28, 2025
14:45-15:45
- Yellow Room
Moderated by
In the first quarter of this century, China and then Russia joined the global power competition for Africa’s vast natural resources. In doing so, Beijing and Moscow have carved out spheres of influence to project power or evade sanctions while securing critical diplomatic support from African states at the UN. Amid the rise of BRICS and a shifting world order, Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and Moscow’s exchange of gold for arms and mercenaries have spread illiberal ideologies and disinformation, fueling authoritarianism, illicit economies, corruption, environmental destruction, and human rights abuses. Panelists will discuss the evolution of Moscow and Beijing’s strategies and their vision of a multipolar world, along with their impact on human rights, public opinion, the information space, and Africa’s international relations.
Panel
Dark Waters: Combatting Human Rights Abuses at Sea
May 28, 2025
10:30-11:30
- Yellow Room
Moderated by
Criminal activity has flourished in the oceans. Human rights abuses often drive issues like environmental harm, overfishing, piracy, migration, human trafficking, and other illicit activities on the high seas. Traffickers may lure vulnerable individuals onto cargo or fishing vessels with false promises of employment. Migrants fleeing violent authoritarian regimes board dangerous vessels seeking shelter abroad. But those who suffer serious harm at sea often have no legal recourse. Victims of human rights abuses must rely on the jurisdiction of the state operating the vessel, which has no interest in investigating or prosecuting crimes or abuses. Authoritarian regimes often emerge as some of the worst offenders of rights at sea. This panel will examine the various threats to human rights at sea, mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance, and pathways to justice for survivors and victims.
Panel
From Hub to Crisis: Hong Kong’s Shift
May 27, 2025
16:30-17:30
- Lille Sal
Moderated by
After the passage of the National Security Law and the second National Security Law Article 23 and the issuance of bounties for activists in exile, Hong Kong continues to cling to its image as an international hub. As international companies, journalists, and local NGOs flee due to the erosion of freedoms and autonomy, Hong Kong can no longer be considered the international financial hub it once was. Panelists will discuss how these changes impact global businesses, the growing risks for for-profit and nonprofit entities operating in a repressive environment, and the moral imperative for leaders in all realms to prioritize human rights. The panel will also address Hong Kong’s role in facilitating North Korea’s evasion of sanctions, further complicating its international status.
Panel
Sports & Dictators: Gulf Monarchies, Rwanda’s Reputation, and the Global Game
May 27, 2025
15:00-16:00
- Lille Sal
Moderated by
Authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Rwanda continue to weaponize sports as both a political and economic tool. They grow their influence through sponsorships, acquisitions, event hosting, and infiltrating sports governing bodies. Our panelists will explore how sports both advance and resist authoritarianism, discuss the human rights abuses covered up by sports in authoritarian regimes, and analyze how journalists, athletes, fans, and governing bodies can address the pressing challenges facing global sports in the years ahead.
Podcast
Dictators and Dirty Money Live Podcast: Examining the Case of Bashar al-Assad
May 28, 2025
10:30-11:30
- Green Room
Moderated by
Experts will explore how illicit finance supported Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and the lessons learned since his downfall about the relationship between dictators and illicit money, and how these insights apply to other authoritarian regimes.
Book Signing
Miguel Delaney Book Signing
May 27, 2025
16:30-17:30
Join us for a highly anticipated book signing event with Miguel Delaney, chief football writer for The Independent and author of “States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football.” Journeying from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle and onto London, Paris, Moscow, and New York, Delaney investigates the allegations of sportswashing and misconduct in the world of football. The result is a gripping account of how football has been taken over by the world’s wealthiest businessmen, state-backed corporations, media tycoons, and oil-rich oligarchs.
Freedom Tech
- May 26-28, 2025
Meet spyware fighters, Bitcoin advocates, nostr developers, and privacy defenders at the Freedom Tech track, where you’ll learn about the cutting-edge developments helping dissidents and journalists stay safe online.
Workshop
Financial Freedom 101
May 26, 2025
13:30-17:30
- Financial Freedom 101
This hands-on workshop is designed for freedom fighters working under surveillance and facing financial repression. In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn how to set up a Bitcoin wallet, send and receive funds securely, and explore how Bitcoin can be used for fundraising and circumventing financial censorship. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, discover practical ways to integrate Bitcoin into your work and enhance your financial autonomy.
Office Hours
Spyware Surveillance Check with The Citizen Lab
May 26, 2025
15:00-17:30
- The Citizen Lab Room
Activists and dissidents face significant threats from digital surveillance. Join researchers from The Citizen Lab as they share advice and tactics for digital security tailored to the threats that cell phone users face. Citizen Lab representatives will also offer free iPhone checks for signs of hacking from programs like Pegasus.
Resilience
- May 26-28, 2025
Examine how prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being is essential for activists and advocates in sustaining the struggle for democratic freedoms.
Workshop
Bearing Witness and Finding Peace: A Workshop on Community Trauma and Healing
May 28, 2025
16:30-17:30
- Green Room
This workshop will provide insights and practices for understanding and healing from community trauma, second-hand trauma, and moral injury, with a focus on those working on the front lines of social justice and human rights. Presenters will explore how collective trauma leaves deep emotional scars in a community and guide participants through methods to address the symptoms of second-hand trauma, including experiential exercises, meditation, and group discussion aimed at building resilience and finding inner strength.
Office Hours
OFF Medical Clinic
May 26, 2025
15:00-17:30
- OFF Clinic
Activists sometimes do not have time to manage their personal health, which is absolutely vital. We are delighted to have C. Michael Wright, MD, and Tabita A. Wright, MD, accompanied by Norwegian doctor Erik Engebretsen, to offer medical checks for OFF attendees, including physical examinations and laboratory tests.
Office Hours
Resilience Lounge
May 26, 2025
15:00-16:00, 15:00-17:00
- Resilience Lounge
Activists and dissidents face unique challenges as a result of their work, including trauma that may impact their physical health, personal relationships, and work. They may also experience ongoing exposure to threats to both their physical and mental well-being. This panel will begin a dialogue on how to build resilience and find peace under such difficult circumstances. Panelists will participate in a discussion of best practices and engage audience members to explore the challenges that activists face and some tools to aid in resilience-building.
Fireside Chat
Resilience-Building for Activists and Dissidents
May 27, 2025
16:30-17:30
- Theater
Moderated by
Activists and dissidents face unique challenges as a result of their work, including trauma that may impact their physical health, personal relationships, and work. They may also experience ongoing exposure to threats to both their physical and mental well-being. This panel will begin a dialogue on how to build resilience and find peace under such difficult circumstances. Panelists will participate in a discussion of best practices and engage audience members to explore the challenges that activists face and some tools to aid in resilience-building.
The Future Reimagined
- May 26-28, 2025
Imagine a more just and democratic world while exploring regional challenges and envisioning solutions for political and social transformations worldwide.
Panel
After Dictatorship: Will Syrians Embrace a Free, Democratic, and Prosperous Future?
May 26, 2025
16:30-17:30
- Theater
Moderated by
Toppling a dictator is only step one in the fight for freedom and democracy. So often what comes next falls short of human rights advocates’ hopes to secure personal freedoms, participatory democracy, and equality under the law. Join this session to learn how influential, pro-democracy Syrians and scholars are working tirelessly to secure a better future for Syria and why they are cautiously optimistic that a future of peace and prosperity will be achieved.
Panel
Democracy’s Funding Crisis: How Private Philanthropy Can Step In
May 27, 2025
15:00-16:00
- Theater
Moderated by
As authoritarian regimes tighten their grip worldwide and the US reevaluates its pro-democracy funding, the global movement for democracy faces a growing crisis: a severe funding shortfall. While autocrats pour billions into repression and propaganda, pro-democracy activists often operate with limited support. This timely panel will bring together leaders in philanthropy and advocacy to discuss how funders can rise to the moment and scale resources to defend freedom around the world. Panelists will chart a path toward smarter, bolder giving — highlighting how strategic philanthropy can empower high-impact democracy projects, how values-driven funding can help build resilient, open societies, and the funding challenges faced by frontline youth movements. The conversation will also explore how sustained investment can help safeguard democratic institutions amid ongoing global threats.
Panel
In the Shadows: Gendered Violence Under Authoritarian Rule
May 28, 2025
12:00-13:00
- Green Room
Moderated by
Authoritarian repression and armed conflict disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as women and LGBTQI+ individuals, subjecting them to additional forms of violence like threats of sexual violence, conflict-related sexual violence, online harassment, smear campaigns, and slut-shaming. This panel will explore how women’s rights defenders in Afghanistan, Sudan, Tigray, and Libya campaign against gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence while pursuing pathways to protection, accountability, and healing.
Panel
The Path Forward in the Middle East: Democracy or Dictatorship?
May 28, 2025
14:45-15:45
- Green Room
Moderated by
This panel brings together pro-democracy activists and advocates from Syria, Gaza, and the wider Middle East, who will explore key developments shaping the region’s geopolitical landscape. Panelists will discuss democratic pathways forward, including state-building, strengthening civil society, and protecting minorities and human rights. The discussion will also examine the evolving role of the international community in fostering stability and democratic progress.
Panel
Venezuela: A Challenge for Democratic Solidarity in Latin America
May 28, 2025
10:30-11:30
- Blue Room
Moderated by
Besides the general challenges that democracy faces in the region, the Americas have failed to rise to the occasion when critical opportunities or crises emerged. The 11J protests in Cuba, the Nicaraguan crackdown of 2021, the Venezuelan elections in 2024, and the persecution of opposition members in Bolivia all mark defeats in defending democracy. With the struggle in Venezuela still ongoing, the region has an opportunity to fulfill the promise of the Democratic Charter and help bring about the democratic transition that the Venezuelan people demanded with their votes. What has been missing from the regional support strategy, and what can be done moving forward? Hear from high-level representatives of the Organization of American States, members of the Venezuelan democratic opposition that won the 2024 elections, and members of democratic governments across the political spectrum who have supported the Venezuelan people.
Lightning Talks
Ignite Talks: HRF Freedom Fellows
May 26, 2025
15:00-16:00
- Lille Sal
Through HRF’s year-round Freedom Fellowship program, 15 dissidents from authoritarian regimes worldwide receive hands-on mentorship from experts in nonviolent movement building. This year’s cohort of Freedom Fellows from Bahrain, Bolivia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, and Zimbabwe will each deliver five-minute Ignite talks about their activism and vision for the future. Presentations by Freedom Fellows not listed below will be conducted under Chatham House rules.
Fireside Chat
Disrupting the Authoritarian Playbook: Lessons from Serbian Protests
May 28, 2025
12:00-12:40
- Yellow Room
Across Serbia, a powerful civic uprising is challenging authoritarianism with unexpected tools: radical empathy, disciplined nonviolence, and decentralized leadership. Sparked by tragedy and fueled by hope, this student-led movement has united farmers, teachers, and citizens from all walks of life in the fight for accountability and democratic renewal. In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how Serbians are disrupting the authoritarian playbook — and what their movement reveals about the future of nonviolent resistance. Join us for a conversation about courage, strategy, and the power of ordinary people to create extraordinary change.
