Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, will lead a congressional hearing on March 5 to discuss how the United States’ presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) in 2026 can be used to advance human rights issues. The G20 is recognized as a major platform for international economic cooperation among leading economies.
The hearing aims to explore ways the U.S. can address human rights concerns, promote religious freedoms, and protect press and speech freedoms during its leadership of the G20 forum. According to Rep. Smith, “U.S. Presidency of the G20–An Opportunity to Champion Human Rights.”
Scheduled for Thursday, March 5 at 2:00 PM, the event will take place at 2360 Rayburn House Office Building and will also be available via livestream.
A partial list of witnesses includes Mary Ann Glendon, Professor Emerita at Harvard Law School and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See; C. Holland Taylor, Special Advisor for International Affairs to Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board; Michael Shellenberger, Chair of Politics, Censorship, and Free Speech at University of Austin; and Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.
Chris Smith has served in Congress representing New Jersey’s 4th district since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981. He was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and currently resides in Manchester Township. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.
Other members of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission are expected to participate alongside Rep. Smith and invited witnesses.
