On 12–13 November 2025, the High-Level Conference of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (Article 18 Alliance) took place at Prague Castle and Czernin Palace, bringing together government leaders, scholars, civil society representatives, and faith communities from across the world.
Our faculty was represented by Jaroslav Franc, the leader of the Department of Communication, who served as a speaker in the parallel panel 2a – Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue: Reclaiming Social Cohesion, dedicated to the role of freedom of religion or belief in strengthening social trust and resilience in times of rising polarisation. The conference began with opening remarks by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, who emphasised freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as a core democratic value.“President Petr Pavel’s opening address was a powerful reminder that freedom of belief is not a given, but a principle that must be continuously protected and upheld,” noted Jaroslav Franc.
The event also highlighted the plight of religious prisoners of conscience around the globe and called in its final declaration for international cooperation in defending their rights and securing their release. “I am grateful to the organisers, and particularly to H.E. Robert Řehák, not only for the excellent preparation of the event, but above all for their ongoing commitment to defending human rights and religious freedom at a time when it is needed more than ever,” said Franc.
