International Congress SHIELD | A Global Platform for Dialogue, Human Rights, Peace and Peaceful Coexistence
The Forum will provide an international platform bringing together representatives of European institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, civil society organizations and human rights stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening dialogue and exchanging perspectives and experiences on a range of pressing humanitarian and international issues.
Day One – 5 October 2026
The Forum will begin with the official opening and welcome, followed by an opening address by International Congress SHIELD focusing on the Organization’s vision and the importance of promoting human rights, fundamental freedoms, peace and international cooperation.
The opening will also include official addresses by high-level guests, including representatives of European institutions, Brussels authorities, the diplomatic corps and international organizations. Each speaker will have five minutes, allowing for broader participation by institutions and distinguished guests.
Session I: Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
The first session will address global challenges and shared responsibilities in the field of human rights, with a focus on the protection of human dignity and fundamental freedoms, freedom of expression and the media, the protection of human rights defenders, and the role of civil society and international institutions in strengthening human rights protection.
Session II: Irregular Migration and Human Security
The second session will examine the causes and consequences of irregular migration, the risks faced by migrants along unsafe routes, combating human trafficking, and the protection of migrants and refugees.
The session will also address the importance of European and international cooperation in promoting safe and regular pathways for migration, while seeking to balance the protection of human life and dignity with the need to strengthen border security.
The first day will conclude with an open dialogue among participants to identify the key issues, ideas and recommendations emerging from the day’s discussions.
Day Two – 6 October 2026
The Forum will continue on its second day with a series of specialized sessions focusing on dialogue, peace, international cooperation and human security.
Session III: Freedom of Expression and the Media in the Digital Age
This session will examine challenges facing freedom of the press and access to information in the digital age, including disinformation, digital manipulation, artificial intelligence and hate speech, as well as the protection of journalists and media professionals.
The session will be followed by an interactive dialogue allowing participants to exchange views and share perspectives on these challenges.
Session IV: International Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
The Forum will address international diplomacy, mediation, dialogue and conflict resolution, with particular attention to the role of international institutions in conflict prevention, crisis management and the promotion of peaceful and sustainable solutions.
Session V: Wars, Conflicts and Their Impact on Human Security
This session will examine the humanitarian consequences of wars and armed conflicts, with a focus on the protection of civilians, displacement and migration, the protection of vulnerable populations, and efforts to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Session VI: Climate Change, Migration and Human Security
The sixth session will explore the growing relationship between climate change, migration, displacement and human security, as well as food and water security, the protection of affected communities, and the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate-related humanitarian challenges.
Brussels 2026 Document – Recommendations and Outcomes
At the conclusion of the Forum’s sessions, the Brussels 2026 Document – Recommendations and Outcomes will be presented, bringing together the principal ideas and recommendations emerging from the Forum’s discussions.
The document will focus, in particular, on:
- Strengthening the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- Promoting peace, peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue.
- Strengthening human security and the protection of civilians.
- Promoting safe and regular pathways for migration.
- Combating human trafficking and the exploitation of migrants.
- Protecting freedom of expression, the press and the media.
- Strengthening diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Addressing the effects of climate change, migration and humanitarian challenges.
- Strengthening cooperation among European and international institutions, governments and civil society.
Brussels 2026 Declaration
The Forum will conclude with the presentation, discussion and adoption of the Brussels 2026 Document – Recommendations and Outcomes, within a shared vision for advancing human rights, peace and international cooperation.
Through this document, International Congress SHIELD seeks to transform the dialogue taking place during the Forum into practical outcomes that can serve as a basis for continued cooperation among participating institutions, organizations and stakeholders.
Towards New Bridges for Dialogue and Cooperation
The Brussels International Forum 2026 represents an opportunity to strengthen communication among institutions and stakeholders and to create spaces for dialogue on pressing humanitarian and international issues, based on the belief that protecting human rights, promoting fundamental freedoms, supporting peace and advancing peaceful coexistence are shared responsibilities that require cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding.
As the Forum approaches, preparations continue in Brussels for the arrival of participants, guests and representatives of European and international institutions on 5–6 October 2026.
International Congress SHIELD reaffirms that the Forum aims to provide an international platform for dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on human rights, fundamental freedoms, peace and peaceful coexistence, while working towards shared recommendations and outcomes that can contribute to further international cooperation.
Brussels, Belgium
25 August 2026
International Congress SHIELD – International Congress for Protecting the Rights and Freedoms of Citizens