Oslo

Freedom

Forum

Virtual Conference | Sept. 24-25, 2020

The Oslo Freedom Forum is a global gathering of activists united in standing up to tyranny.

Featured talks

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Human rights activists with

incredible stories.

Since 2009, dissidents have come from across the world to educate, share, and inspire at the Human Rights Foundation’s annual conference, the Oslo Freedom Forum.

323

Total speakers

247

Combined years in jail as prisoners of conscience

9

Nobel Peace Prize laureates

12

Heads of state

9

Views of talks

507

Books they've written

Who attends the Oslo Freedom Forum?

Activists

Technologists

Artists

Innovators

Philanthropists

Policy Makers

Journalists

Students

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPsQhfXmyOE

2019 Oslo Freedom Forum Recap

Our Sponsors

The Oslo Freedom Forum is generously supported by Twitter, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the City of Oslo, Fritt Ord, Kavli Fondet, and Humanity United.

What The Media is Saying

“A Davos for revolutionaries… Where activists who have overthrown dictatorships meet activists who want to overthrow dictatorships.”
The Guardian

“High-profile summits aren’t just for glitzy politicians and jetsetters anymore. Activists, journalists, artists and dissidents meet in Oslo to share revolutionary ideas.”
Newsweek

“A spectacular human-rights festival.”
The Economist

“If the global human rights movement were to create its own unified representative body, it would look something like this.”
WIRED

Testimonials from Attendees

“
Fred BaumaCongolese human rights activist and 2019 HRF Freedom Fellow
“For activists, the Oslo Freedom Forum is the place to find new reasons to continue fighting for democracy, for liberty, for freedom, because you realize how many people are doing the work in their countries, and you feel really proud to be part of the community.”

“
Diego ArriaVenezuelan diplomat and former chairman of the United Nations Security Council
“I've never met so many men and women with so much commitment to courage, to freedom, and to human rights. I share your hopes, and I am extremely grateful for having been invited to the Oslo Freedom Forum which is a magnificent way to embrace humanity.”

“
Václav HavelFirst Czech president and first HRF chairman
“The Oslo Freedom Forum creates understanding between human rights defenders from very different countries, from Burma to Belarus to Cuba.”

“
Samuel Kofi WoodsFormer Liberian Minister of Labor
“The Oslo Freedom Forum for me vindicates years of struggle around the world. It confirms the universality of the struggle for justice and human rights. It testifies how international solidarity remains an indispensable tool for the international human rights movement.”

“
Dessale BerekhetJournalist and founding member of PEN Eritrea
“The Oslo Freedom Forum was amazingly incredible. Every word uttered by these Peaceful Fighters had a great meaning for me.”

2020 Theme

Resilience

The political and health crises of the past six months have reminded us all how authoritarians use human tragedy to advance their own agendas. Corrupt regimes around the world have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to tighten restrictions on free speech, arrest peaceful protesters, and silence activists. The courage and determination of activists and citizens alike have been tested, yet they remain resilient in the face of tyranny. Resilience is the essential attribute of today and the future.

Learn More