World Liberty Congress

Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This war is not only about borders — it is about sovereignty, democracy, and the right of a nation to choose its own future. World Liberty Congress stands with Ukraine and with all those defending freedom against authoritarian aggression. #StandWithUkraine

For freedom fighters around the world, Berlin represents more than history. It stands as proof that repression is not permanent, that authoritarian systems can crumble, and that solidarity across borders can change the course of nations. We are proud to share that the World Liberty Congress is joining the Berlin Freedom Society, a coalition uniting public and private stakeholders to strengthen Berlin as a welcoming hub for activists, dissidents, and defenders of democracy worldwide. Together with our partners in Berlin, we are committed to supporting those who work to ensure that more walls — both visible and invisible — fall everywhere.

The World Liberty Congress is honored to receive the 2026 Noble Prize – Guardian of Democracy Award at The World Forum 2026 in Berlin. Presented into the hands of our WLC delegation during the Forum, this recognition strengthens our commitment to defending democracy and fundamental freedoms worldwide. We would like to dedicate this to the million political prisoners and would like to affirm our mission: to stand firmly as guardians of liberty and democratic values everywhere.

Three years ago, Félix Maradiaga, President of the World Liberty Congress, was released after more than 600 days in prison for standing up to authoritarianism in Nicaragua. His release came as part of a mass expulsion: on February 9, 2023, the Ortega-Murillo regime freed 222 political prisoners, only to banish them from the country and strip them of their citizenship — an act widely described as unprecedented in Latin America. For Félix — and for so many former political prisoners around the world — freedom remains incomplete. Detention and silence were followed by statelessness and forced exile, denying them the right to return home or reclaim their identity. His story is not unique. Across the globe, authoritarian regimes replace prison walls with exile, releasing political prisoners only to leave them stateless, separated from their families, and deprived of their most basic rights. Freedom is not just walking out of a cell. It is having a country, an identity, the right to return home, and the ability to rebuild life without fear. Today is not a celebration. It is a reminder: Release is not freedom.

Carine Kanimba—former WLC spokesperson during the General Assembly in Berlin—shares an overview of the work the World Liberty Congress has been building since its very beginning. She highlights how WLC has grown into a global movement bringing together pro-democracy leaders, activists, and dissidents united by a common mission: defending freedom and standing up to authoritarianism.