Shukria Barakzai, a former diplomat and prominent women’s rights advocate, has been appointed vice chair of the World Liberty Congress, an international coalition focused on democracy and human rights.
The appointment was announced during the Congress’s second global assembly, which opened Sunday in Berlin with participants from more than 60 countries. The three-day gathering coincides with the 36th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall — a symbolic backdrop for a summit dedicated to confronting authoritarianism and strengthening civil resistance worldwide.
“This appointment reflects the Congress’s commitment to inclusive leadership and the empowerment of women in the global struggle for freedom, equality, and human dignity,” the World Liberty Congress said in a statement.
In her address to members, Ms. Barakzai emphasized solidarity, collective action, and the legacy of those who have laid the groundwork for democratic movements.
“Together, we stand stronger, more united, and more committed to global change,” she said.
Barakzai, a former Afghan member of parliament and ambassador to Norway, has long been an outspoken advocate for democratic reform.
The World Liberty Congress is led by Leopoldo López, a Venezuelan opposition figure who described the gathering as the beginning of a broader global coalition of pro-democracy activists.
“Our goal is to build the largest alliance of freedom fighters and defenders of democracy in the world,” López said during the opening session.
The Berlin assembly also included internal elections to select new leadership for the organization. The Congress aims to create collaborative strategies to support political prisoners, challenge repressive governments, and bolster grassroots democratic resistance around the globe.
