Call for Papers

International Conference “Human Rights and Democratic Culture in Practice: Applications and Challenges”

 Athens, Greece | April 25-26, 2026

The Joint Master’s Programme “Identity, Education and Competences for Democratic Culture” (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & European Wergeland Centre) and the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights are pleased to invite submissions for the International Conference to be held in Athens, Greece, on April 25-26, 2026.

The conference seeks to explore how the principles of Human Rights and Democratic Culture can be implemented in real-world contexts and to examine the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. It aims to serve as an international platform for dialogue and exchange of good practices among academics, researchers, educators, civil society professionals, policy-makers, and students.

We welcome original research papers, theoretical explorations, and practical applications on the following (non-exhaustive) thematic axes:

1. Philosophical and Sociological Dimensions

• The identity of the citizen in the 21st century
• Human rights and democracy under pressure
• Artificial intelligence and human rights challenges
• Sociology of diversity and gender identities
• Multicultural interpretations of human rights

2. Education and Democratic Culture

• Education for cultivating competences for democratic culture
• Innovative pedagogical practices and intercultural coexistence
• Empowering educators
• Inclusion and access to education for all

3. Rule of Law and Democratic Culture

• Independence of the Judiciary
• Police violence and the rule of law
• Hate crimes and discrimination
• Freedom of expression, fake news, and SLAPP lawsuits
• Transparency and combating corruption

All abstracts and full papers submitted will undergo double-blind peer review. Accepted contributions will be included in the Conference Proceedings (with open-access publication) and authors will receive certificates of presentation.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstracts should be 300–400 words (excluding references) and clearly state objectives, methodology, and key findings.
• Abstracts may be submitted in either Greek or English.
• Submit your abstract online here: https://int.conference.mademocracyedu.theol.uoa.gr/en/presentation-submission/

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: max 60 days after submission
• Registration Opens: January 10, 2026
• Conference Dates: April 25-26, 2026
• Full Paper Submission Deadline (for proceedings): May 31, 2026

We look forward to welcoming you to Athens and having a fruitful and inspiring conference!

Venue: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (central building) & School of Law

Programme & Key Note Speakers: to be announced

Contact Information 

Conference Contact email: MAdemocracy@theol.uoa.gr

Conference website: https://int.conference.mademocracyedu.theol.uoa.gr/en/home/

Conference Registrations: to be announced

Organizing Institutions:

• Joint MA Programme “Identity, Education and Competences for Democratic Culture” (NKUA & EWC)
• Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights (MFHR)