Where is democracy headed at a time when human rights, open debate, and trust in institutions are under pressure? This question was at the heart of the Semester Question closing event on June 22, 2026, in the Grand Ceremonial Hall of the University of Vienna, co-organized by the Research Network Democracy and Human Rights and Rudolphina.
Democracy as a university responsibility
The evening opened with a welcome by Rector Sebastian Schütze, who emphasized why democracy is a central topic for the University of Vienna. As he noted, universities not only conduct research and teach, but also have a responsibility to bring knowledge into society.
This responsibility also guides the work of the Research Network Democracy and Human Rights, whose co-directors Sylvia Kritzinger and Lysander Fremuth outlined the network’s aims: to strengthen interdisciplinary research, foster academic exchange, and make research more visible beyond academia.
Human rights as a foundation of democracy
This close relationship between democracy and human rights was also at the center of the keynote by Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. He emphasized that human rights are not an addition to democracy, but one of its foundations. Democracy needs human rights to remain resilient, credible, and just. Human rights, in turn, need democratic systems to protect freedom, participation, and accountability. One of the most memorable images from his keynote was the idea of an “empty chair” for future generations: democratic decisions must also take into account those who will live with their consequences decades from now.
Erosion, resilience, and ways forward
After the keynote, international students of the University of Vienna shared their perspectives in short video statements. They spoke about rising populism, disinformation, declining trust in the media, and who actually gets to participate. At the same time, they stressed that democracy is more than voting. It depends on participation, public debate, freedom of expression, and the belief that one’s voice matters.
A panel discussion with Volker Türk, Barbara Prainsack, Christian Göbel, and Maria Mayrhofer, moderated by Gerold Riedmann followed. The discussion focused on democratic erosion, digital public spheres, social resilience, and the role citizens, institutions, academia, and civil society can play in responding to authoritarian developments. The panel highlighted the many challenges democracies face today, such as attacks on independent institutions, social inequality, zero-sum thinking, and the growing power of digital platforms. At the same time, it also pointed to possible ways forward: strengthening solidarity, recognizing warning signs early, protecting spaces for public debate, and making participation possible in everyday life.
Continuing the conversation
The accompanying program for the events then invited visitors to continue the conversation. Interactive stations, conversations with researchers, and participatory formats created space for exchange on democracy, human rights, and social responsibility.
For the Research Network Democracy and Human Rights, the Semester Question closing event marked an important public starting point. It was an invitation to connect research, teaching, and public dialogue, and to think together about how democratic societies can be understood, strengthened, and renewed.
The recording of the event is available (in German):
