UCLG co-organised recently a peer learning experience on the role of cultural institutions in protecting human rights and democratic participation in Barcelona.
From 29 September to 1 October 2026, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), through its Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights (CISDPDH) and its Culture Committee, joined Barcelona City Council in organising a three-day Peer Learning Experience in Barcelona with Manchester, Mexico City and São Paulo. Held under the theme “Cultural Institutions as Guarantors of Human Rights in Contexts of Democratic Backsliding,” the exchange explored how local governments and cultural institutions can contribute to protecting human rights, strengthening social inclusion and creating meaningful spaces for democratic participation.
The peer learning brought together local government representatives and cultural actors to examine how cities can respond to growing pressures on civic space, freedom of expression and social cohesion. Through institutional exchanges, site visits and a collective workshop, participants explored how cultural spaces can support rights-based local governance, inclusion and participation, while identifying mechanisms that can strengthen the resilience of local institutions and communities.
The experience will contribute to the development of a Survival Toolkit for Cultural Institutions and Local Governments, as well as further UCLG work on cultural autonomy and human rights in challenging democratic contexts.
The results of the peer learning will also contribute to Culture 21 Plus, the UCLG international framework for cultural rights launched by the UCLG Committee on Culture in collaboration with cities and network partners, and to modules currently being developed.
The Final Report of the peer learning experience will be soon available.
Read the news piece published by the Barcelona City Council, here (in Catalan) and here (in Spanish).
Read the post shared by the Barcelona City Council on LinkedIn here (in Catalan).
