Global dignitaries, activists and leaders will speak at USC’s University Park Campus for a free, public symposium, followed by a youth summit at Los Angeles City Hall, on Human Rights Day, Dec. 10.

In celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document in the history of human rights drafted by representatives from all regions of the world, the events will assess today’s most pressing rights issues and propel action for the future.

The morning USC symposium, “Global to Local: Cities for Human Rights & Sustainable Development in Los Angeles and Around the World,” will consider how best to spearhead the most critical human rights issues of our time, from achieving equity and inclusion for all people, to providing for health, basic needs and human dignity.

Audience members will hear remarks and speeches from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who will announce a global call to action, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore and USC Interim President Wanda Austin. A human rights panel discussion with noted celebrity activists and stakeholders will focus on LGBT, disability, immigration, gender equality and other pressing issues impacting L.A. and the world. Panelists include actress Alyssa Milano, Paralympian Candace Cable, digital creator Gigi Gorgeous and writer Rafael Agustín, among others.

“In this critical time for human rights, we are honored to celebrate this occasion at USC, where many of us are working across disciplines and professions to safeguard the health and rights of all people here in Los Angeles and around the world,” said Sofia Gruskin, JD, MIA, professor of law and preventive medicine and director of the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health. “We must take this opportunity to take stock of our achievements and set the stage for the coming decades.”

Following the symposium, the Youth Solutions Summit at City Hall will engage dozens of area high school and college students to provide local solutions for human rights challenges facing L.A. Facilitated by USC ”wicked problems” students, the summit will give young scholars the opportunity to interact with public leaders, partners and organizations.

Speakers include Kate Gilmore; Ambassador Nina Hachigian, L.A. Deputy Mayor of International Affairs; former professional basketball player Jason Collins; Project GRAD Los Angeles President and CEO Ford Roosevelt, and Snap Foundation Executive Director Shawn Kravich.

The Dec. 10 events are cornerstone of the global UN campaign to spotlight the ways human rights contribute to the daily lives of people everywhere. Signature events in 14 cities around the world are focusing on human rights themes relevant to each location from Nov. 30 to Dec. 18. The Los Angeles symposium and youth summit are hosted by the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Foundation and USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health.

RSVP required: https://globalhealth.usc.edu/udhr70. See a video about the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcmO1ykb9u0.

— Larissa Puro

A joint celebration held at USC on Dec. 10, to recognize the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a cornerstone of the global UN campaign to spotlight the ways human rights contribute to the daily lives of people everywhere.