Human rights have real power to transform our societies for the better. In this historical phase, human rights are facing particularly significant challenges. War, the pandemic, climate change, disinformation, the legacy of colonialism or exciting challenges for the future such as AI test us in our ability and willingness to put human rights at the heart of solutions for our societies. What can we do to renew the centrality of human rights while we work to ensure a World where everyone is free and equal?

I diritti umani hanno il reale potere di trasformare in meglio le nostre società. In questa fase storica, viviamo un periodo particolarmente sfidante per i diritti umani. Guerra, la pandemia, il cambiamento climatico, la disinformazione, l'eredità del colonialismo o sfide entusiasmanti come l'AI ci mettono alla prova rispetto alla nostra capacità e volontà di mettere i diritti umani al centro delle soluzioni per le nostre società. Cosa possiamo fare per rinnovare la centralità dei diritti umani mentre garantiamo un mondo nel quale tutte le persone siano libere e uguali?

Michael O’Flaherty is Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. Previously, Michael O'Flaherty was Established Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He has served as Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Member of the UN Human Rights Committee and head of a number of UN Human Rights Field Operations. He was also chairman of the Irish Penal Reform Trust and deputy chairman of the Universal Rights Group. O'Flaherty received a doctorate of law from the National University of Ireland, as well as degrees in international relations, philosophy and theology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx