In the face of democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space and complex global crises, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) stand as vital defenders on the frontlines of human rights protection. “National human rights institutions are a cornerstone of any democratic system. Innovative practices encompass the use of a real-time Human Rights Dashboard in Nigeria and the development of a digital platform to enhance public engagement in Costa Rica. “We have seen how investments in digital systems are improving institutional quality and deepening human rights impact,” said Turhan Saleh, Deputy Director, UNDP Crisis Bureau. Discussions on environmental rights and climate justice highlighted experiences from Ecuador, Georgia and North Macedonia, demonstrating how NHRIs supported environmental defenders and helped integrate human rights into national climate responses.