The Global Campus of Human Rights and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have entered a new era of collaboration with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement, signed by Manfred Nowak, Secretary General of the Global Campus of Human Rights, and Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, marks a renewed commitment to advancing human rights through education, research, and global cooperation.
The MoU—developed in close coordination with OHCHR’s Human Rights Education Unit—replaces two previous agreements with the European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA) and the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC). It lays the foundation for stronger, more structured cooperation between OHCHR and the Global Campus, engaging regional hubs, OHCHR offices worldwide, and headquarters-level collaboration.
Volker Türk highlighted the importance of this renewed partnership:
“Human rights education is key to countering hate, building social cohesion and shaping the responsible, just leaders our world urgently needs. That’s why I was pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between my Office and the Global Campus of Human Rights. This agreement strengthens our collaboration to advance human rights through education, research, student engagement, and shared expertise at the global, regional, and national levels. It is a vital investment in youth and in the future leadership needed to build more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful societies.”
Echoing this sentiment, Manfred Nowak stated:
“This MoU represents a powerful step forward for the Global Campus network and for global human rights education. It formalises and deepens our collaboration with OHCHR, building on decades of joint efforts. We look forward to launching impactful initiatives that connect youth, academics, and practitioners to promote justice and dignity across all regions.”
Among the first joint initiatives, the Global Campus will serve as a global partner in the OHCHR–Council of Europe Human Rights Education Youth Forum, scheduled to take place in Budapest in December 2025.
The Global Campus of Human Rights celebrates this strengthened partnership with OHCHR, reinforcing a shared mission to expand human rights education and foster the next generation of global leaders committed to dignity, equality, and peace.
