“Human rights are about how people see the world. This vision determines our actions and decisions. We cannot leave the protection of human rights solely to lawyers and diplomats.
It is not enough to adopt quality laws and form democratic institutions. Society’s values always prevail. Their energy enables laws and institutions to protect people and their dignity.”
Oleksandra Matviichuk
The event opened with classical music performed by the ArTime Quartet and continued with welcome speeches from GC Secretary General Manfred Nowak, GC Vice-President Elina Pirjatanniemi, Diego Vecchiato, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, and EMA Programme Director Orla Ní Cheallacháin.
“September is an important moment of celebration and connection for the EMA Programme; representatives from our 43 participating universities come together to examine our graduating students and to welcome our new students. It is a moment when we collectively reaffirm the importance of our network and of inter-university and international collaboration around human rights education. Nearly 90 students from 33 countries will begin the EMA programme this year showing the continued relevance and resonance of human rights and democracy in Europe and beyond.” As stated, Orla Ní Cheallacháin.
Two further powerful keynote speeches marked the Ceremony and the Opening of the new Academic Year 2025/2026:
- Artūrs Kučs, Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, former EMA National Director for Latvia for almost two decades and EMA alumnus of 2002, “EMA was one of the best decisions in my professional life, it opened many doors in the future. You will take different paths, because there are many ways to defend human rights. For the graduates, follow your dreams, enjoy the celebration and for the new students support each other like a community.”
- Micha Ramakers, Deputy Head of Unit “Gender Equality, Human Rights and Democratic Governance” at the European Commission’s Directorate-General on International Partnerships (INTPA), the closest and most long-standing partner and supporter of the Global Campus of Human Rights, “All of you here today can still see clearly that all human beings are born equal in dignity and rights. In this turbulent world you are key actors, your leadership and expertise will advance human rights education and work.”
During the event, the EMAlumni Award 2025, a glass sculpture “Collective Memory” donated by the Artist Koen Vanmechelen, was given to Thomas Coombes, former GC alumnus, human rights strategist and expert in hope-based communication. Founder of the community of activists “Hope-based communications” and with a background in journalism and strategic communications, Thomas has worked globally with NGOs, activists, and media to develop messaging that uplifts and mobilises rather than divides. The Sports, Arts, Peace&Human Rights Award was conferred to Francesca Tarantello, Paralympic athlete, silver medalist at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, and was given by Davide Giorgi, Veneto President of the Paralympic Committee.
Student representatives Vitória Assis and Dhruv Maroo shared inspiring reflections before the diplomas were awarded to this year’s graduates.
The Graduation Ceremony concluded with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and reaffirmed the mission of the Global Campus: to support a global community dedicated to human rights, democracy, and peace.
(To download the programme – EMAprogrammeceremonyFINAL (1)
Let’s start with the Welcome addresses by ✨Manfred Nowak: “on the International Day of Peace, we have to remember that human rights are the main pillar on which prosperity and security are built.” pic.twitter.com/sz8dvGCnWC
— Global Campus of Human Rights (@gchumanrights) September 21, 2025