FRA brought together a group of human rights leaders and experts to consider what contribution human rights could make to addressing the global crises we are facing and to discuss how to engage the complexity of issues afflicting our world and to seek constructive ways forward. The discussions brought to the fore what works, rehabilitated what has been undervalued, proposed innovative approaches, sparked fresh thinking and participants offered each other mutual challenge, reflection and encouragement. In particular, we considered how we can do better together, demonstrating how partnerships can be transformative.
Despite the magnitude of the issues discussed, the meeting ultimately gave rise to a qualified sense of hope, as fragile as the grounds may be. Cultivating hope involves optimism and pragmatism, breaking down the seemingly impossible into achievable steps, and being propositional about the future. The focus must be on building political will and public support for change and coalitions to enable this.
