Freedom of Expression Conference VIII

Theme: “Empowering Youth as Advocates for Freedom of Expression and Truth” Date: 1 December 2024, Sunday

Location: Cocoon Boutique Hotel, 61 Scout Tobias corner Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City

Since 2017, the Freedom of Expression Conference (FreeXP.con) has served as a vital platform uniting human rights defenders, journalists, technology experts, academics, youth and freedom of expression advocates in the Philippines. The conference has created a powerful platform for collaboration, learning, and support. By equipping advocates with critical tools and insights, FreeXP.con has empowered them to uphold human rights and freedom of expression in both digital and real-world spaces. It has also nurtured a growing community of solidarity and resilience, strengthening the collective voice of those dedicated to promoting and defending freedom of expression.

Curious about the FreeXP.con experience? You can catch a glimpse of the impactful moments from past FreeXP.con events at  https://hronlineph.com/freexp-con/

This noteworthy initiative has received support from key partners, including the British Embassy

-Manila through its British Embassy Enabling Funds, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM Asia), and DKA Austria. These collaborations have played a pivotal role in shaping the milestones achieved by Human Rights Online Philippines.

For this year’s FreeXP.con VIII, Human Rights Online Philippines  https://hronlineph.com, with the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) in collaboration with DAKILA – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism and the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) [to be confirmed], presents FreeXP as a central event in the commemoration of International Human Rights Week. This year’s conference underscores our shared commitment to advancing freedom of expression, celebrating resilience, and empowering youth voices across the Philippines.

Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of civic engagement and democratic activism worldwide. It empowers individuals to share ideas, advocate for change, and hold those in power accountable. For young people, this right is especially vital, as they represent both the strength and hope of our future. Yet, too often, society’s perceptions of youth overlook their potential as critical thinkers, capable decision-makers, and advocates with powerful voices.

This 8th edition of the Freedom of Expression Conference focuses on the essential role of youth in exercising their right to freedom of expression and participating actively in the political

sphere. With sessions dedicated to the unique challenges young people face, the conference seeks to amplify youth voices and recognize their contributions to advancing human rights, democratic values and social justice. It’s a platform to reaffirm that youth participation is not just beneficial—it is crucial for driving creating change and building a more just and vibrant society.

Join us in celebrating how youth-led initiatives can benefit our democracies as we bring commitments to life through a series of conversation and workshop. Moreover, FreeXP.con serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of youth who have significantly advanced the cause of freedom of expression.

This year’s theme highlights the powerful role young people play in supporting one another to claim, protect, and defend freedom of expression. The focus is on building solidarity among youth, empowering their voices, and creating an environment where young advocates can freely express ideas, address challenges, and foster change. Through collaboration and shared experiences, the conference seeks to inspire a generation of youth dedicated to championing freedom of expression in their communities and beyond.

The FreeXP.con VIII will delve into topics such as youth-led initiatives in defending the right to environment, students’ rights and welfare and communicating and messaging to capture the interest of the youth. It provides a crucial platform for youth to voice their perspectives, share personal experiences, and engage in collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing these pressing issues.

The conference will facilitate meaningful discussions and innovative projects that empower young minds to combat disinformation effectively, encouraging informed dialogue and promoting the values of truth and freedom of expression in the digital age.

By creating a supportive environment where youth can discuss their online experiences and concerns, we can help them navigate the complexities of the digital world while harnessing the positive aspects of social media for personal growth and societal progress. Empowering young individuals with critical thinking skills and promoting positive online behavior are essential steps toward ensuring a safe and enriching social media experience for the youth.

Objectives

Experience and knowledge sharing: To provide a space for youth-led initiatives to share experiences, best practices, and challenges, creating a learning environment that supports and enhances the impact of these initiatives.

Fostering collaboration and youth participation: To encourage collaboration among human rights organizations and advocates of freedom of expression, particularly young advocates, by establishing platforms that promote youth participation and assert their rights to freedom of expression.

Target participants

The conference is tailored for Gen-Z, millennials, youth, students, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations. In-person: 30 participants

Conference modality

Similar to its predecessors, FreeXP.con VIII will feature innovative and creative presentations using the Pep Talk and TV talk show formats.

Conference agenda

December 1, 2024

AM session

Opening Ceremony: Welcome addresses, and introductions. Session 1: The power of youth in promoting freedom of expression

    Understanding the role of youth in advocating for freedom of expression both online and offline.

    Highlighting the challenges and opportunities for youth as agents of change in society.

    Case studies and best practices.

Session 2: Youth and the fight for truth both offline and online

    Exploring the significance of truth and accurate information in the digital age.

    How youth are utilizing digital platforms to combat misinformation and promote transparency.

   Digital rights and responsibilities: youth in the fight for digital justice.

PM session

Session 3: Youth-led advocacy and campaigns: Mobilizing for change

    How youth-led organizations are creating movements and campaigns for freedom of expression.

    Tools and strategies for mobilizing youth and empowering others to speak out.

    Building a sustainable movement for human rights and freedom of expression.

Session 4: Sustaining behavior change among youth in promoting freedom of expression through hope-based narratives and messaging

Session 5

Workshops and breakout session: Participants will engage in focused, interactive sessions through art and curative activities that cover specific topics related to youth and freedom of expression. This session aum to encourage in-depth discussions, creative exploration, and collaborative learning. The expected outpour is the Freedom of Expression Conference Declaration VIII.

The way forward: Discuss future plans, potential collaborations, and innovative approaches to sustaining the momentum for freedom of expression in the Philippines.

Closing ceremony: Summarize key takeaways from the conference, acknowledgments, and make commitment for future collaborative efforts.

Post-FreeXP.con VIII actions

       Freedom of Expression Conference VIII Declaration.

       Publish a conference report summarizing key findings, recommendations, and action points.

    Strengthen “HR Pinduteros” network or platform for ongoing collaboration and information sharing.

Partner organizations

DKA Austria  https://www.dka.at/en

DAKILA-Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism

Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)

Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)