The central theme for the 12th European IDAHOT+ Forum, “Advancing SOGIGESC Equality and Inclusion in a Transforming Europe,” reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of human rights in the region. The Forum will explore strategies to enhance inclusivity, ensure equal treatment, and confront the complexities of discrimination in an increasingly diverse and interconnected Continent.
With an eye on the SOGIGESC equality agenda, the Forum seeks to challenge the forces of violence and discrimination that continue to threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTIQ+ individuals, striving for a Europe where equality is not just pursued but achieved. The programme will include plenary discussions and informal parallel sessions, each designed to contribute to this year’s overarching theme.
The Forum will commence with high-level addresses from key officials, policymakers, and representatives from international organisations. Speakers will set the stage by outlining the significance of the Forum’s theme, “Advancing SOGIGESC Equality and Inclusion in a Transforming Europe,” and reflecting on the state of LGBTIQ+ rights across the region. This session will underscore the need for continued collaboration, policy innovation, and community engagement to drive meaningful change.
Leading international NGOs will provide an overview of recent developments in LGBTIQ+ rights across Europe, highlighting both progress and setbacks. These presentations will showcase key research findings, advocacy initiatives, and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening protections for LGBTIQ+ persons. The session will also offer a platform for discussing emerging challenges and identifying areas where civil society can work with governments and international bodies to advance equality and inclusion.
This session will explore the evolving legal and social landscape for LGBTIQ+ rights, assessing progress made and the challenges that persist. Experts and policymakers will discuss effective strategies for implementing national and regional action plans, ensuring the sustainability of equality measures, and addressing gaps in legal protections. The discussion will also examine the role of political will, grassroots activism, and institutional support in securing long-term, meaningful change for LGBTIQ+ individuals across Europe.
The rise of anti-gender and anti-LGBTIQ+ movements across Europe has posed significant threats to equality, human rights, and democratic values. This session will explore the narratives driving these movements, their impact on policy and public discourse, and strategies to counteract misinformation and backlash. Participants will discuss effective advocacy, legislative responses, and coalition-building efforts to safeguard progress and ensure a resilient human rights framework that upholds diversity and inclusion.
Intersex individuals continue to face legal, medical, and social challenges that require urgent attention from policymakers and institutions. This session will focus on how intergovernmental organisations are working to transform recommendations into concrete legal protections and policy measures. Experts will discuss the need for comprehensive legislation banning non-consensual medical interventions, improving access to justice, and fostering public awareness to dismantle harmful stereotypes and practices.
Sport remains a space where LGBTIQ+ individuals often encounter discrimination, exclusion, and unequal opportunities. This session will explore the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ athletes, particularly in relation to policies on participation, gender identity, and inclusion. Participants will discuss best practices for ensuring safe, fair, and equitable access to sports, including the role of sports federations, governments, and civil society in promoting inclusivity from grassroots to professional levels.
LBTIQ+ women often experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, facing barriers to justice, representation, and social inclusion. This session will highlight key challenges related to legal protections, access to healthcare, workplace equality, and gender-based violence. The discussion will focus on how governments and institutions can strengthen legal frameworks and ensure that equality policies fully address the unique needs of LBTIQ+ women.
Achieving lasting progress in LGBTIQ+ equality requires strong collaboration between governments, civil society, and international organisations. This session will bring together policymakers, experts, and activists to explore strategies for strengthening legal protections, promoting social inclusion, and empowering LGBTIQ+ communities across Europe. Participants will discuss the role of intergovernmental cooperation in shaping effective policies, fostering accountability, and driving forward collective action. The session will highlight best practices, challenges, and opportunities for ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to equality.
As the final session of the Forum, this space will be dedicated to amplifying the voices of civil society. Leading representatives from key organisations will deliver keynote interventions, drawing on their frontline experiences in advancing LGBTIQ+ equality across Europe and beyond. Their insights will serve as a powerful closing reflection, reminding us of the lived realities behind the policies and highlighting the urgent need for continued collaboration. This session will ensure that the Forum concludes with a strong call to action, centred on the voices of those leading the fight for lasting change.
The Forum will conclude with final remarks from key speakers, summarising the event’s main outcomes and reinforcing commitments to advancing SOGIGESC equality. This session will serve as a call to action for continued collaboration, policy innovation, and advocacy efforts to ensure that LGBTIQ+ rights remain a priority across Europe.