"Biometrics of Absence" is a multidisciplinary project that integrates visual art with participatory writing and anthropological research. In the visual component, the fingerprint is used like lines on a sheet, reflecting the idea of identity according to Sam, a person from Syria who traveled the Balkan route to reach the Netherlands. The text is the result of participatory writing work. Anthropological research delves into the profound meaning of identity and highlights how migrant individuals are reduced to mere decoding based on social expectations through the biometrization system, rather than being recognized for their uniqueness.
Who: L.A.S.T. Collective
Where: Top 317
When: 11-12 March
Many people still do not realise how serious climate change is. The climate time machine allows you to experience firsthand with (almost) all your senses what the future will feel like if we do not act decisively now. The cabin is heated to the maximum temperatures that can be expected in the coming years. The year is shown on a display on the time machine. Virtual reality goggles in the time machine, transports you to a virtual city environment of the future: withered trees, dry ground, heat shimmering over the hot asphalt, dried-up fountains, deserted streets and advertising posters adapted to suit your needs.
Who: Tom Poe (Artists For Future)
Where: Steinsaal 2
When: 11-12 March
Award-winning press photograhers will display their work chronicling real-life struggles. Photos from Spanish journalist and documentary photographer Cesar Dezfuli put a name and a face to the human tragedy of people who were rescued from a rubber boat drifting in the Mediterranean Sea. There is also the opportunity to see the 2023 award-winning photo from Evgeniy Maloletka, a Ukrainian war photographer, journalist and filmmaker.
Who: Cesar Dezfuli / Evgeniy Maloletka
Where: Top 317
When: 11-12 March
You can also visit other information stands hosted by various organisations. Participants will have the opportunity to find out more about each organisation’s work as a source of inspiration and possible cooperation.
All stands will be at the Wappensaal.
The Fundamental Rights Agency is the EU’s centre of human rights expertise working on a wide range of issues such as equality, digitalisation, migration, access to justice and threats to civil society. Visit the FRA information stand to find out more about our products, our work and how to engage with us.
Who: European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11-12 March
The declaration of Vienna as “City of Human Rights” by the resolution of the municipal council (December 2014) was the result of a participative process. Vienna had already met high standards from a human rights perspective but through the declaration, the city aimed to raise awareness further and serve as a role model. With the establishment of the Human Rights Office Vienna has committed itself to implement human rights in all areas of its competence (Human Rights Based Approach).
Who: City of Vienna
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11-12 March
The EEA and Norway Grants are funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The Grants have two goals – to contribute to a more equal Europe, both socially and economically – and to strengthen the relations between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and the 15 Beneficiary States in Europe.
In the Marketplace of Connection, the EEA and Norway Grants will have a stand where you will learn more about projects and partners supported under the Grants, and how we work to support human rights, democracy and civil society.
Who: EEA & Norway Grants
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11-12 March
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. At their stand, you can learn more about the importance of human rights for people forced to flee and gain insights into their humanitarian work worldwide. You will have the chance to discover the work of filmmakers and students from the Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights programme as they present their short ‘Glances/Blicke’ documentary focusing on the perspective of refugee and migrant children. You can also sample the power of virtual reality by immersing yourself in the story of a young asylum-seeker in Austria or visiting a refugee camp in Jordan.
Who: UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11-12 March
The Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights at the University of Applied Arts Vienna is a unique interdisciplinary programme at the intersection of human rights and arts. In a time of complex global challenges, the Vienna Master does not look for simple answers but seeks new and innovative ways of training future human rights professionals in becoming true change-makers.
Who: Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11 March 11:30-13:40
Established on the foundation of the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (founded in 2002), the Global Campus has evolved into a network of academic institutions committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect human rights and democratisation across the globe. The Global Campus operates worldwide as a global network comprising eight regional academic hubs based in Africa, the Arab World, Asia-Pacific, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South East Europe. The Global Campus is coordinated by the headquarters located in the Monastery of San Nicolò on the island of Lido in Venice, Italy. The Global Campus is a priority action of the EU international cooperation and development policy, receiving co-funding in alignment with the EU’s dedication to democracy and human rights. Alongside its partnership with the EU, the Global Campus values its long-term collaboration with Right Livelihood, a foundation renowned for awarding the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize.’
For more information about all its educational, training, research and outreach activities, visit: www.gchumanrights.org
Who: Global Campus of Human Rights
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11 March 11:30-13:40
The EU Children’s Participation Platform is set up by the European Commission for children to take part in policy debates affecting their lives.
Through consultations and meetings, children directly inform decision makers about what they think needs to change. An annual work plan co-created with children defines activities and topics of the platform.
Who: EU Children’s Participation Platform
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11 March 11:30-13:40
Febelfin, the Belgian Federation for Finance, launched the first sector approach for Diversity & Inclusion in Belgium.
With the Wo.Men in Finance Charter and association, and the Multicultural Bankers network, it encourages member institutions to accelerate progress.
With the Inclusion in Finance toolbox, it offers 25 tools focusing on inclusive leadership, biases, microaggressions and inclusive communication.
Who: Febelfin
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11 March 15:30-17:40
The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, encompassing more than 21 000 business participants and 3 500 non-business participants. The UN Global Compact Network Austria is one of 60+ National Networks, supporting companies in integrating the 10 Universal Principles into their core business and contributing to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Who: UN Global Compact Network
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11 March 15:30-17:40
The Good Lobby democratises lobbying to make our political system more equal! It provides strategic advocacy advice, training and research support.
Who: The Good Lobby
Where: Wappensaal
When: 11 March 15:30-17:40
European Digital Rights is a dynamic and resilient network of 50+ NGOs, as well as experts, advocates and academics working to defend and advance digital rights across Europe. For 20+ years, it has served as the backbone of the digital rights movement and has achieved landmark successes in digital rights in Europe.
Who: European Digital Rights
Where: Wappensaal
When: 12 March 10:45 – 12:55
We are part of an extraordinary year for the history of democracy, with more countries and people to vote in elections than in any year in human history. The tech sector has taken a vital step forward announcing a new Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections.
Who: Microsoft
Where: Wappensaal
When: 12 March 10:45-12:55
Initiatives such as the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights support digital rights in the urban context through city action, resolving common digital challenges at local level and working towards legal, ethical and operational frameworks to advance human rights in digital environments.
Who: Cities Coalition for Digital Rights
Where: Wappensaal
When: 12 March 10:45-12:55