Yulia Navalnaya Opens the Oslo Freedom Forum with a Powerful Speech

The Oslo Freedom Forum—the world’s leading gathering for human rights advocates—opened today in Norway’s capital. The event is organized by the Human Rights Foundation, which has been chaired by Yulia Navalnaya since last year.

In her opening speech, Navalnaya addressed the audience with a thoughtful reflection on the state of politics today. She pointed out that modern politics often suffers from haste and superficiality, while meaningful change takes time, patience, and deep, sustained effort. That, she said, is where the strength and responsibility of activists lies—in their ability to think independently, commit to the long game, and boldly use their imagination. 

She also referenced Václav Havel—who served as HRF’s first chairman from 2009 to 2011—and his famous essay The Power of the Powerless, reminding everyone that even under totalitarian regimes, resistance is always possible.