2026 Samuel Dash Conference on Human Rights

The 2026 Samuel Dash Conference on Human Rights, organized by the Human Rights Institute at Georgetown Law, is scheduled for March 31, 2026, at 500 First St NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C. This annual event honors the legacy of Professor Sam Dash by convening leading figures in the human rights field to discuss pressing issues.

This year's conference, titled "Futures at Stake: Climate Change, Human Rights, and Youth Advocacy," will focus on the intersection of environmental protection and human rights. Building on the 2025 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice affirming that environmental protection is a precondition to human rights, the event will feature Indigenous and youth activists sharing how climate change is reshaping their communities and fueling action. Legal experts will explore how recent landmark decisions can drive impact in courts and legislatures worldwide, and how to confront barriers like corporate capture and climate disinformation in the United States.

Attendees can expect a full day of discussions, beginning with coffee and breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by opening remarks at 9:25 a.m. The conference will include panel discussions, keynote addresses, and opportunities for networking with human rights advocates, legal professionals, and scholars.

This conference is ideal for legal practitioners, human rights advocates, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in the nexus of climate change and human rights. It offers a platform to engage with experts, gain insights into current challenges, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on climate justice and youth advocacy.