Berlin Strengthens its Role as a Global Convening hub with World Liberty Congress Headquarters

Berlin is reinforcing its position not only as one of Europe's leading meetings destinations, but also as a city where international dialogue, advocacy and democratic values increasingly converge.

The World Liberty Congress (WLC), the world's largest alliance of dissidents from countries governed by authoritarian regimes, has announced that it will establish its European headquarters in the German capital. The move comes as Berlin prepares to host the second edition of Berlin Freedom Week, further cementing the city's ambition to become a permanent gathering place for global conversations on democracy, human rights and freedom.

For the meetings industry, the announcement illustrates a broader trend in destination development: cities are increasingly leveraging their historical identity and political legacy to attract international forums that extend well beyond traditional business events.

The World Liberty Congress represents more than 200 dissidents from over 60 countries and will be based at the Robert Havemann Society, home to the Archive of the East German Opposition—a location chosen for its powerful symbolic connection to resistance, democratic transition and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin's Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, said the decision reflects the city's long-standing commitment to democratic values: "As a city of freedom, Berlin stands alongside everyone around the world who is committed to freedom, democracy and human rights. I am therefore delighted that the World Liberty Congress is opening its European headquarters in Berlin and that Berlin Freedom Week will return in November around the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin Freedom Week brings together courageous people from across the world who stand up for democracy and human rights. I invite everyone to take part, because protecting, strengthening and defending our freedom and democracy is a responsibility we all share."

The decision builds on the success of the inaugural Berlin Freedom Week in 2025, which attracted more than 10,000 participants across over 170 events. The 2026 programme, running from 7–14 November, will once again combine conferences, policy discussions, cultural initiatives and public engagement throughout the city.
 

Among its flagship events will be the Women Liberty Congress, the Women Freedom & Security Summit, the Berlin Freedom Conference and the Stories of Freedom film programme, creating a week-long platform bringing together political leaders, civil society organisations, academics, activists and international partners.

For Leopoldo López, Founder of the World Liberty Congress, Berlin's symbolism was decisive.

"Berlin is more than a city, it is where the world learned that no wall can stand against the power of people determined to be free. Today, we return with the World Liberty Congress for the Women Liberty Congress and the second edition of Berlin Freedom Week, inspired by that legacy and by the courage of those who continue to confront dictatorships around the world. From the city of freedom, we renew our commitment to unite those on the frontlines of this struggle and to build, together, a democratic future for our nations."

The city's destination marketing organisation, visitBerlin, sees the initiative as reinforcing Berlin's international identity beyond tourism.

Dr Jürgen Amann, Managing Director of visitBerlin, commented: "Around the world, Berlin is associated with the experience that freedom must be defended time and again. We are delighted that visitBerlin is once again involved as an initiator of the second Berlin Freedom Week. It transforms the city into a stage for voices from around the world that stand for openness, courage and social change."

For the global meetings industry, the development reflects a growing evolution in destination positioning. Rather than competing solely on infrastructure or visitor numbers, leading cities are increasingly differentiating themselves through purpose, legacy and their ability to convene communities around shared global challenges.

With the arrival of the World Liberty Congress, Berlin is further strengthening its credentials as a destination where international meetings are not only hosted, but also contribute to broader political, social and civic dialogue.
 

Berlin Freedom Week 2025: An Interview with Marco Oelschlegel