2025 OHCHR Human Rights Council Social Forum on Education & Human

July 30, 2025

The 2025 Social Forum of the UN Human Rights Council, organized by OHCHR, will take place on 30–31 October 2025 at the Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations, Geneva. This annual, fully funded, in-person forum invites representatives from civil society, youth associations, NGOs, academia, and UN bodies to engage in high-level interactive dialogue under the 2025 theme:
“The contribution of education to the respect, promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights for all.”

This time‑sensitive opportunity empowers changemakers to contribute youth-driven ideas, policy recommendations, and best practices for education as a catalyst for human rights. Participants gain global visibility, network with decision-makers, and contribute to thematic reports shaping HRC outputs. Selected civil society attendees may receive travel and accommodation grants, and approved contributors for roles such as report drafting or communications support can be offered consultancy honoraria.

With limited seats and high demand, this is your last chance to submit your application. Whether you’re an educator, human rights advocate, youth leader, or NGO member, you’ll have the chance to join interactive panels, attend side events, and be featured on live streams via UN Web TV and HRC’s communication channels. Engagement may also include input into HRC thematic reports and potential invitations to side event hosting.

This transformational, high-impact event provides a unique platform to influence global dialogue on education and human rights. With sessions led by UN experts, Member State representatives, and civil society leaders, your ideas can shape the HRC’s future reports and actions. Do not miss your final call—prepare your concept note, confirm your participation plan, and register by 20 August 2025 to join a global movement for education as the foundation of human rights realization.

Name of organizer

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Requirement/Eligibility

1. Applicant must represent a civil society organization, youth association, NGO, academic institution, or intergovernmental body eligible under ECOSOC consultative status or equivalent.
2. Must commit to attending in person in Geneva on 30–31 October 2025, with optional online orientation starting in September.
3. Must submit a short concept note (≤300 words) aligned with the 2025 theme on how education advances human rights.
4. Provide a personal or organizational profile, including name, role, affiliation, and contact information.
5. Applicants seeking contribution roles (e.g. report writing, communications) must submit a portfolio or CV demonstrating relevant experience.
6. Prior experience in education policy, human rights advocacy, youth-led programming, or related areas is strongly encouraged.
7. Must be proficient in English, with knowledge of another UN language (e.g., French, Spanish) considered an asset.
8. Must agree to participate in pre‑Forum virtual orientation and contribute to post‑Forum reporting or evaluation, depending on role.
9. Accept OHCHR principles of social justice, equity, solidarity, and non‑discrimination.
10. Understand that funding (travel/grant/honorarium) is not guaranteed and only confirmed applicants will receive support. Submit all components fully and before the deadline.

Duration / Stipend

Duration: Two-day in-person event, 30–31 October 2025, at Palais des Nations, alongside optional virtual orientation in September 2025.

Stipend: There is no general stipend for participants. However:

Selected contributors (e.g., report drafters, session moderators) may receive consultancy honoraria.
A limited number of approved applicants may be offered travel and accommodation grants, depending on available donor support.