TCU Wiki - User contributions [en]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-05-04T14:00:44Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!'''</span></big> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''But June 30 is our hard deadline.'''</span></big><br><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''We will not be accepting applications after that date.'''</span></big>
<big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

Check out this year's themes, formats and what we are looking for, by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]

'''<big>🌱 Open call for Programming</big>'''

The link to the form to submit your programming proposals will be sent to all verified and approved GG participants. Please contact us if you did not receive the form. However, the form is also accessible from the ticket application platform after you login. (see link below)
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Questions about the event or any process?''' Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions.

</div>
</div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-05-04T14:00:16Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!'''</span></big> <br> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''But June 30 is our hard deadline.'''</span></big><br><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''We will not be accepting applications after that date.'''</span></big>
<big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

Check out this year's themes, formats and what we are looking for, by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]

'''<big>🌱 Open call for Programming</big>'''

The link to the form to submit your programming proposals will be sent to all verified and approved GG participants. Please contact us if you did not receive the form. However, the form is also accessible from the ticket application platform after you login. (see link below)
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Questions about the event or any process?''' Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions.

</div>
</div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-05-04T13:59:55Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!'''</span></big> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''But June 30 is our hard deadline.'''</span></big><br><br> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''We will not be accepting applications after that date.'''</span></big>
<big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

Check out this year's themes, formats and what we are looking for, by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]

'''<big>🌱 Open call for Programming</big>'''

The link to the form to submit your programming proposals will be sent to all verified and approved GG participants. Please contact us if you did not receive the form. However, the form is also accessible from the ticket application platform after you login. (see link below)
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Questions about the event or any process?''' Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions.

</div>
</div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-05-04T13:59:20Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!'''</span></big> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''But June 30 is our hard deadline.'''</span></big> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''We will not be accepting applications after that date.'''</span></big>
<big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

Check out this year's themes, formats and what we are looking for, by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]

'''<big>🌱 Open call for Programming</big>'''

The link to the form to submit your programming proposals will be sent to all verified and approved GG participants. Please contact us if you did not receive the form. However, the form is also accessible from the ticket application platform after you login. (see link below)
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Questions about the event or any process?''' Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions.

</div>
</div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-05-04T13:59:02Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!'''</span></big> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''But June 30 is our hard deadline -'''</span></big> <big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''we will not be accepting applications after that date.'''</span></big>
<big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

Check out this year's themes, formats and what we are looking for, by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]

'''<big>🌱 Open call for Programming</big>'''

The link to the form to submit your programming proposals will be sent to all verified and approved GG participants. Please contact us if you did not receive the form. However, the form is also accessible from the ticket application platform after you login. (see link below)
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.

<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Questions about the event or any process?''' Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions.

</div>
</div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Calendar of Events

2026-04-23T19:03:18Z

Sandy: /* APRIL */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Data Centers & Democracy: How US Policymakers Push Back''' ====

* April 8
* Online
* <nowiki>https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rxt-data-centers-democracy-how-policymakers-push-back-tickets-1984908054423</nowiki>

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''Using AI Safely: Practical Strategies for CSOs and Nonprofits''' ====

* April 14
* https://www.theengineroom.org/using-ai-safely-practical-strategies-for-csos-and-nonprofits-from-a-global-majority-perspective/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

==== '''Targeted''' ====

* April 16
* Online
* <nowiki>https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ddb43d68-53cc-4d49-a239-7712dc911bb3@08722067-f231-4f22-bb68-ea4fbf92dabb</nowiki>

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

==== '''Take Back Tech''' ====

* April 17-19
* Atlanta
* <nowiki>https://www.takebacktech.com/</nowiki>

==== '''AI in PRC Influence Operations – Insights from the GoLaxy Papers''' ====

* April 29
* Online
* <nowiki>https://dtl.tw/0429eng</nowiki>

----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* June 18, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Organizational Sustainability and Resilience''' ====

* July 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Trust and Safety Research Conference 2026''' ====

* October 1–2, 2026
* <nowiki>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc63q1yE2hZzc5viRUC_3cfkF0OBqy5lkYRXNVCsliMLnaRoA/viewform</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Global Gathering

2026-04-16T17:17:53Z

Sandy:

The '''Global Gathering (GG)''' brings together digital rights defenders from around the world for three days of collaboration building, knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and rejuvenation. These are individuals working on the most pressing challenges arising at the intersection of human rights, social justice and technology.

=='''2026 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|right|frameless|370x370px]]
<big>'''The official dates of the [[Global Gathering 2026]] edition have been announced:''' '''September 4,5 and 6.'''</big>

* [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/save-the-date-global-gathering-2026 Learn about what to expect here.]
* Applications coming in mid December

.

....

=='''2025 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:GG2025.png|frameless|371x371px|right]][[Global Gathering 2025|The GG 2025 edition]] took place from September 8–10. It featured:

* A Digital Rights Sustainability Village exploring steps forward post historic funding cuts that impacted much of the digital rights ecosystem in 2025
* Regional Villages where folks were able to gather and share intelligence and best practices.
* The first ever '''[[GG 5K|Digital Rights 5K Run/Walk]]! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️'''
* Fun interactive games to defend reality against deceptive AI and deep fakes, and explore the event.
* Much more!

=='''2024 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:2024 Global Gathering Application visual.png|frameless|371x371px|right]]
The '''Global Gathering 2024''' edition was the second in-person event we hosted post-pandemic, welcoming 1,000+ participants.

* [[Global Gathering Agenda 2024|'''2024 Global Gathering landing page''']], has the historical data of the circles and booths that took place.

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 '''The 2024 Global Gathering Report'''] is a snapshot of the event, including notes from conversations that took place. Some highlights
** 755 total organizations representative of 120 countries.
** 54% women or gender non-conforming
** 51% living in Global Majority
** 358 individuals provided with visa and/or security support
** Formally reopened TCU’s Equity Fund which received 227 requests totaling 715,761.60 USD
** 16 Circles; 66 Booths, 6 Villages, 14+ self-organized meetups, and numerous satellite events
** 34+ Partners representing diverse projects and organizations

=='''2023 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:2023 Global Gathering Main Page.png|right|frameless|374x374px|2023 Global Gathering Main Page]]
The '''Global Gathering 2023''' edition was the first in-person event we hosted post-pandemic, welcoming 550 participants.

* '''The [[Global Gathering 2023|2023 Global Gathering]] landing page''' has the historical data of the circles and booths that took place

* '''The [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit 2023 Global Gathering Report]''' is a snapshot of the event, including notes from conversations that took place. Some highlights:
** TCU had a [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/team-community-participates-in-meet-and-greet-with-portuguese-organizations-previous-the-global-gathering <u>five minute segment during Portugal’s most popular lunchtime news program.</u>]
** 332 organizations representative of 92 countries
** 57.6% of participants identified as women or GNC
** 54.3% living in the Global Majority
** 35.75% new voices, or people that have never attended a digital rights event
** 109 high risk people were supported with visa and border crossing support.
** Sample of satellite events: Vietnam Cyber Dialogues, Global Network for Digital Resilience, Feminist Funders convening

<span id="pics">pics</span>
== Global Gathering in Images ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:Venue1.png|link=File:Venue1.png|alt=venue
File:Venue2.png|link=File:Venue2.png|alt=venue
File:Venue3.png|link=File:Venue3.png|alt=venue
File:Venue4.png|link=File:Venue4.png|alt=venue
File:2023+GG,+OONI.jpg|link=File:2023_GG,_OONI.jpg|alt=Global Gathering 2023 OONI speakers
File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg|alt= Global Gathering 2023 participants
File:2023+GG,+Tor.jpg|link=File:2023_GG,_Tor.jpg|alt=Tor at Global Gathering 2023
File:2023 GG venue aisle with a person walking.png|link=File:2023_GG_venue_aisle_with_a_person_walking.png|alt=2023 Global Gathering venue aisle with a person walking
File:GG 2023 staff member on a swing.png|link=File:GG_2023_staff_member_on_a_swing.png|alt=GG 2023 staff member on a swing
File:GG 2023 venue and participants.png|link=File:GG_2023_venue_and_participants.png|alt=GG 2023 venue and participants
File:2023 GG board with TCU logo.png|link=File:2023_GG_board_with_TCU_logo.png|alt=Board with notes and TCU logo at Global Gathering 2023
File:2023 GG Calyx booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Calyx_booth.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 Calyx Institute's booth and speaker
File:2023 GG Greenhost booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Greenhost_booth.png|alt=Greenhost's booth at the Global Gathering 2023
File:2023 GG Sasha's booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Sasha's_booth.png|alt=SASHA's booth at the Global Gathering, the staff member is chatting with 2 other attendees
File:2023 GG Nemo's booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Nemo's_booth.png|alt=Nemo's booth at the Global Gathering with a staff member hosting
File:GG+Team.png|link=File:GG_Team.png|alt=Global Gathering team
File:2023 Global Gathering colorful balloons.png|link=File:2023_Global_Gathering_colorful_balloons.png|alt=colorful balloons at the main area of the 2023 Global Gathering
File:GG 2023 dj attendee.png|link=File:GG_2023_dj_attendee.png|alt=GG 2023 DJ and attendee
File:2023 GG venue at night.png|link=File:2023_GG_venue_at_night.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023's venue at night
File:GG 2023 participant checking the swag corner.png|link=File:GG_2023_participant_checking_the_swag_corner.png|alt=GG 2023 participant checking the swag corner
File:2023+GG,+participant+smiling.jpg|link=File:2023_GG,_participant_smiling.jpg|alt=Global Gathering 2023 participants smiling
File:2023 GG accessibility resources.png|link=File:2023_GG_accessibility_resources.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 booth with accessibility resources
File:GG 2023 high contrast keyboard.png|link=File:GG_2023_high_contrast_keyboard.png|alt=High contrast keyboard at the GG 2023
File:GG 2023 venue at the evening.png|link=File:GG_2023_venue_at_the_evening.png|alt=GG 2023 venue at the evening
File:GG 2023 space.png|link=File:GG_2023_space.png|alt=GG 2023 space that works for public announcements
File:GG 2023 one attendee at the main aisle.png|link=File:GG_2023_one_attendee_at_the_main_aisle.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 one attendee at the main aisle
File:GG_2023_booth_to_decorate.png|alt=GG 2023 booth to decorate
File:2023 GG resting area.png|link=File:2023_GG_resting_area.png|alt=A group of people is sharing at the resting area in the 2023 Global Gathering
File:2023 GG food vendor.png|link=File:2023_GG_food_vendor.png|alt=Food vendor at the Global Gathering, the person is showing their dish
File:GG 2023 - Another food vendor with a staff member.png|link=File:GG_2023_-_Another_food_vendor_with_a_staff_member.png|alt=image shows a vendor with her booth selling food
File:GG 2023, a person trying a virtual reality device.png|link=File:GG_2023,_a_person_trying_a_virtual_reality_device.png|alt=A person trying a virtual reality headset device at the Global Gathering
File:2024 Global Gathering Bubble Station.png|link=File:2024_Global_Gathering_Bubble_Station.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 bubble station with coloful bubble toys
File:GG 2023 participant listening.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_participant_listening.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 participant listening
File:GG 2023, venue space with trees.png|link=File:GG_2023,_venue_space_with_trees.png|alt=GG 2023, venue space with trees
File:2023 GG stickers booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_stickers_booth.png|alt=Booth with stickers and pamphlets from the Global Gathering participants
File:GG 2023 booths with colors.png|link=File:GG_2023_booths_with_colors.png|alt=GG 2023 booths with colors
File:GG 2023 group of women speaking.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_group_of_women_speaking.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 group of women speaking in a circle
File:GG 2023 speaker.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_speaker.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 speaker
File:GG 2023 brainstorming hands and postits.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_brainstorming_hands_and_postits.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 brainstorming hands and postits
File:GG 2023 three participants discussing.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_three_participants_discussing.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 three participants discussing
File:GG 2023 trees and sky.png|link=File:GG_2023_trees_and_sky.png|alt=GG 2023 trees and sky
File:GG 2023 participant walking in the main area.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_participant_walking_in_the_main_area.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 participant walking in the main area
File:GG 2023 participants laughing during social event.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_participants_laughing_during_social_event.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 participants laughing during social event
File:2023 GG venue aisle.png|link=File:2023_GG_venue_aisle.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023's venue main aisle
File:GG 2023 group in circle talking.png|link=File:GG_2023_group_in_circle_talking.png
</gallery>

Community Updates

2026-04-13T20:20:39Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

== Digital Rights Monthly Socials ==
{| style="width:100%;"
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:20px;"|
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; background:#e0feff; border:5px solid #02cad3; border-radius:20px;">
<big>'''When:''' Every Third Thursday of the Month<br><br>
'''Time:''' 14 UTC /
[https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2026&month=1&day=14&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=37&p2=176&p3=179&p4=155&p5=241&p6=108 Check my time zone here]<br><br>
'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost| TCU Mattermost | Secure an account here]]</big>

<big>
Connect with the global Digital Rights community every month on TCU's virtual community space. Learn about new projects, share your own work and research, and discuss updates and announcements from the digital rights space! Leading experts and projects will also be featured on a regular basis.
</big>

''To attend you must be registered on [[TCU Mattermost|TCU's Mattermost]]. Want to be a featured guest? Reach out to team@digitalrights.community!''
</div>
| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png|alt=Digital Rights monthly socials|frameless]]
|}
'''📌 Upcoming Socials'''

<big>[[April 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big> '''<big>Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression</big>'''

<big>[[May 21, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big> '''<big>Regional Updates</big>'''

<big>[[June 18, 2026, Digital Rights Social]]</big> '''<big>Security Clinic Best Practices and Q&A</big>'''

<big>[[July 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big> '''<big>Organizational Sustainability and Resilience</big>'''

<big>[[October 15, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] '''TBD'''</big>

<big>[[November 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] '''TBD'''</big>

<big>[[December 17, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big> <big>'''TBD'''</big>

== '''📁 Past Socials With Notes''' ==

<big>[[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] - '''Organic Social'''</big>

<big>[[February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] - '''Secure Communications'''</big>

<big>[[March 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] - '''Autonomous Infrastructure'''</big>

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=='''Notes from Past Glitter Meetups'''==

The following are community updates from a weekly meetup we use to host, that served as a type of weekly town hall of the digital rights community. This was put on paused because of historic funding cuts the digital rights field began to face in 2025. However, we encourage you to look at the notes.
----
'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2025]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2024]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2023]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2022]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2021]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2020]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes Before March 26, 2020]]'''

Community Updates

2026-04-10T11:14:13Z

Sandy: /* 📁 Past Socials With Notes */

__NOTOC__

== Digital Rights Monthly Socials ==
{| style="width:100%;"
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:20px;"|
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; background:#e0feff; border:5px solid #02cad3; border-radius:20px;">
<big>'''When:''' Every Third Thursday of the Month<br><br>
'''Time:''' 14 UTC /
[https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2026&month=1&day=14&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=37&p2=176&p3=179&p4=155&p5=241&p6=108 Check my time zone here]<br><br>
'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost| TCU Mattermost | Secure an account here]]</big>

<big>
Connect with the global Digital Rights community every month on TCU's virtual community space. Learn about new projects, share your own work and research, and discuss updates and announcements from the digital rights space! Leading experts and projects will also be featured on a regular basis.
</big>

''To attend you must be registered on [[TCU Mattermost|TCU's Mattermost]]. Want to be a featured guest? Reach out to team@digitalrights.community!''
</div>
| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png|alt=Digital Rights monthly socials|frameless]]
|}
'''📌 Upcoming Socials'''

<big>[[April 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression</big>'''

<big>[[May 21, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Regional Updates</big>'''

<big>[[June 18, 2026, Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Security Clinic Best Practices and Q&A</big>'''

<big>[[July 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Organizational Sustainability and Resilience</big>'''

<big>[[October 15, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[November 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[December 17, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>.

== '''📁 Past Socials With Notes''' ==

<big>[[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] - Organic Social</big>

<big>[[February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] - Secure Communications</big>

<big>[[March 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]] - Autonomous Infrastructure</big>

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<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>

=='''Notes from Past Glitter Meetups'''==

The following are community updates from a weekly meetup we use to host, that served as a type of weekly town hall of the digital rights community. This was put on paused because of historic funding cuts the digital rights field began to face in 2025. However, we encourage you to look at the notes.
----
'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2025]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2024]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2023]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2022]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2021]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2020]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes Before March 26, 2020]]'''

February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social

2026-04-10T11:13:25Z

Sandy:

{| style="width:100%;"
| style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:20px;"|
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; background:#e0feff; border:5px solid #02cad3; border-radius:20px;">

<big>'''When:''' February 19, 2026</big><br><br>

<big>'''Time:''' 14 UTC /
[https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2026&month=1&day=14&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=37&p2=176&p3=179&p4=155&p5=241&p6=108 Check my time zone here]</big><br><br>

<big>'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost| TCU Mattermost | Secure an account here]]</big><br><br>

<big>'''Host''': Erin</big>

<hr />

<big>''Communicating Securely With Your Network: Secure Communications Apps, Protocols, and Best Tips''</big>

<big>During our February Digital Rights Social, we will be discussing secure communications apps and best tips to communicate securely with your network. While the conversation will remain organic, and also include space to connect with other participants, we will be inviting experts to join the conversation as well!</big>
</div>
| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png|thumb|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]
|}

== Notes ==
<big>The following [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-secure-communications What is Secure Communications] primer was created with these notes, with some other information added.</big>

'''What the community is reading right now...'''

* The Hakawati - Rabih Alameddine
* Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
* The Expanse (series) - James S. A. Corey
* The Other Wind - Ursula K. Le Guin
* Cielos de Córdoba - F. Falco
* Seeing (Portuguese: Ensaio sobre a Lucidez, lit. Essay on Lucidity) - José Saramago
* Accidental Czar: The Life and Lies of Vladimir Putin - Andrew S. Weiss
* White Nights - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
* El invencible verano de Liliana - Cristina Rivera Garza
* Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë
* Moderation - Elaine Castillo
* Sunburn - Chloe Michelle Howarth

'''Community News and Project Updates'''

* [https://cyd.social/ Cyd] is trying to (finally) make a dev release to delete all your wall data from Facebook! Cyd currently allows you to back up, delete and migrate your data on X.
* [https://services.globalvoices.org Global Voices Services] is in the process of being launched!
* The early beta of [https://phnx.im/ Phoenix R&D]'s Air ([https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7410371597062258690-r5_Y LinkedIn], [https://mastodon.social/@phoenix_r_d/115787008878946009 Mastodon]) was launched a couple of weeks ago!
** The beta is invite-only, so if you are interested in trying it out, message @cityroler directly on Mattermost for an invitation code.
* The [https://escuelacomun.yanapak.org/ Escuela Común] 2026 cohort has started!
* [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6ed1549yvo Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new law]

'''Community-recommended projects and reading to explore...'''

* [https://blackskyweb.xyz/ Blacksky Algorithms]
* [https://aihumanstory.substack.com/p/when-the-internet-goes-dark When the Internet Goes Dark]: ''Uganda killed the internet. 400,000 people had already downloaded Bitchat''
* [https://riseagainstbig.tech/ Rise Against Big Tech]
* [https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/ Resist and Unsubscribe]
* [https://fedi.the-counterforce.org/ Fediverse Punk Month]

'''Because a tool in itself is not a solution to securing comms...Which practices have you found most valuable to improving security and safety within your network communications?'''

* This is a good question, I think one of the main things is '''really leaning into message safety and also being sure to not talk about specific things on platforms or certain messaging apps that can be traced'''. Another thing is '''setting times on how long a message will show''' specifically in spaces like signal. That's what we do in some of the groups that I'm in and specifically with our work at Blacksky.
* One small practice I have found really helpful in one larger Signal group I am in that I haven't seen in other larger groups I've been in... The group is invite-only and the admins not only '''first introduce any new recommendations''' '''to the group''' within the chat, but they '''require that more than one person within the existing group approve of the new add'''.
* In my case, in my trainings and other engagements, I try to '''find the balance between security and usability''', because in many communities people don't necessarily are up to adopting more complicated tools even when that means more security. So that's the tricky part. '''We usually need to find weird balances ensuring the security of this at risk communities but in a way that makes sense to them'''.
* For me, the most important practice (very low tech, I know) is '''starting by understanding how target communities communicate among themselves already, so you can build strategies and improve processes from there, instead of imposing new tools and processes'''. Once this is overcome, it's way easier to create more awareness, conduct trainings, introduce new concepts, and in some cases new tools, but the start would be to meeting people where they are and going from there.
* '''Skill-sharing and internal mentoring for new members''' help to include our less technical members and make the whole network stronger.
* '''Create an environment where no question is stupid''', and is OK to say 'I dont know how to do that'.
* TBH lately I've had to '''warn and then block persons who are careless with critiques over chats''' like WhatsApp. Reverting to email (not a great replacement) or in-person (limited).
* Even in "secure comm" channels, I try to get people to consider:
** '''Is it necessary to share this much information?'''
** '''Does the information I share help those who would choose to carry out nefarious actions?'''
* In my case, I also have to '''balance usability and security'''. Lately, I have been '''focusing on WhatsApp’s security settings''', especially in the context of searching mothers of missing people. Many of them are '''older adults''' who travel to '''areas with very limited mobile data coverage''' (and dangerous places). '''In these situations, WhatsApp’s lower cost represent a significant advantage'''. And trying in small steps moving to signal for part of the communications.
** It's a challenge when connectivity is limited. Also, WhatsApp is the network of choice - everyone's there and adoption of another app where few family and local community members "reside" is resisted by older folks, less digitally literate people, and people who have cheap phones with limited storage space.
* '''There is a nuance here where we want people to feel the freedom to share what they need to have the community they need... and yet, still be proactively thinking about what they share and how it can be misused.'''
* The whole '''<nowiki/>'no, I don't have social media' is getting harder to do'''. Lately is getting hard with some collectives using their Instagram handle as their point of contact. They don't even have a gmail address anymore. They just say their Instagram handle. I have tried to explain that you cannot even look at their page without an Instagram account and they think I am an idiot. I think it is important to make collectives understand that Instagram is an addictive app and is simply not OK to force people to join, is like inviting people to try heroine.
** In my country (at least) it is almost impossible not to use Whatsapp: you need it even for citizenship matters and procedures... also, because if you do not have instagram other people will not notice you... '''it is almost impossible not to need [social media] at some point.'''
* Just a simple thing to mention, but I find it makes a difference, is a little game in which '''we try apps for funny things, or sexy things among some queer communities'''. '''People have fun, keep the emotional good feeling related to those apps/tools''' and that makes it more likely to give them a try in new contexts, after the training<br />

'''Do you have a favorite educational resource that you share with your networks about communicating more securely?'''
* [https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/locking-down-signal/ Locking down Signal] - Freedom of the Press Foundation
* [https://ssd.eff.org/module/communicating-others Communicating With Others] - Surveillance Self-Defense from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
** Easy, short, and introduces a-bit-more-complex subjects. Full of links if people want to know more.
* [https://tor-https.eff.org/ How HTTPS and Tor Work Together to Protect Your Anonymity and Privacy] - Surveillance Self-Defense from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
* [https://www.theverge.com/tech/872493/signal-community-organizing-guide-group-chat A community organizer’s guide to Signal group chats] - The Verge
* <nowiki>https://securemessagingapps.com</nowiki> - Secure Messaging App Comparison Site
* [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]
** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.
* [https://micahflee.com/using-signal-groups-for-activism/ Using Signal groups for activism] - Micah Lee

'''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?'''

* There are so many different applications, groups, chats, servers, etc. It's very hard to keep up with and might create a sense of having too much information to consume every hour of your day. Hopefully there are ways that we can moderate and better control this influx of information so it's not like a community equivalent to social media.
* We need to get away from everything WhatsApp. People really believe WhatsApp "encryption" is safe and secure to speak about GBV and state violence. It's not true. The digital divide between Global South and Global North is not just delayed access to resources, devices, internet services and digital use literacy, but a time lag in understanding that surveillance and data collection are everywhere... and we don't just have to accept it, we can move to alternatives.
* Big tech's increased capitulation to surveillance and fascism, lack of interoperability between platforms, and inertia are some big challenges. Migrating from discord, Slack, Whatsapp, etc. should be made easier. The question remains "to what" of course! So answering that, and making migration dead-easy, is critical.
** There also needs to be healthy skepticism of the big tech alternatives. A tool may be more privacy-preserving in its early stages, but what guarantees are in place to ensure it won't grow and evolve into a data-mining, surveillance tool in future?

Calendar of Events

2026-04-08T18:32:45Z

Sandy: /* MAY */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Data Centers & Democracy: How US Policymakers Push Back''' ====

* April 8
* Online
* <nowiki>https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rxt-data-centers-democracy-how-policymakers-push-back-tickets-1984908054423</nowiki>

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''Using AI Safely: Practical Strategies for CSOs and Nonprofits''' ====

* April 14
* https://www.theengineroom.org/using-ai-safely-practical-strategies-for-csos-and-nonprofits-from-a-global-majority-perspective/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

==== '''Targeted''' ====

* April 16
* Online
* <nowiki>https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ddb43d68-53cc-4d49-a239-7712dc911bb3@08722067-f231-4f22-bb68-ea4fbf92dabb</nowiki>

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

==== '''Take Back Tech''' ====

* April 17-19
* Atlanta
* <nowiki>https://www.takebacktech.com/</nowiki>
Take Back Tech
----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* June 18, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Organizational Sustainability and Resilience''' ====

* July 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Calendar of Events

2026-04-08T18:30:17Z

Sandy: /* APRIL */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Data Centers & Democracy: How US Policymakers Push Back''' ====

* April 8
* Online
* <nowiki>https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rxt-data-centers-democracy-how-policymakers-push-back-tickets-1984908054423</nowiki>

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''Using AI Safely: Practical Strategies for CSOs and Nonprofits''' ====

* April 14
* https://www.theengineroom.org/using-ai-safely-practical-strategies-for-csos-and-nonprofits-from-a-global-majority-perspective/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

==== '''Targeted''' ====

* April 16
* Online
* <nowiki>https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ddb43d68-53cc-4d49-a239-7712dc911bb3@08722067-f231-4f22-bb68-ea4fbf92dabb</nowiki>

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

==== '''Take Back Tech''' ====

* April 17-19
* Atlanta
* <nowiki>https://www.takebacktech.com/</nowiki>
Take Back Tech
----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* June 18, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Organizational Sustainability and Resilience''' ====

* July 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Fundraising Opportunities

2026-04-08T18:28:15Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__[[File:Fundraising opps icon.png|71x71px|left]]<big>'''Do you have a funding opportunity you want to share?'''</big> <big>[https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Send it to us] using our simple online form. We will post it here and in Weekly Digital Rights Newsletter.</big> <big>Make sure to [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter sign up!]</big>
{| style="width:100%"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"

! style="background-color:#a7eaed; padding: 20px" |<p style="text-align: left; " text-size: 20px"> <big>This page has three sections:</big> </p>

<p style="text-align: left; " text-size:20px"> [[Fundraising Opportunities#Funding Opportunities with Specific Deadlines|1) Funding opportunities with specific deadlines]]</p><p style="text-align: left; " text-size:20px"> [[Fundraising Opportunities#Funding Opportunities Received on a Rolling Basis|2) Funding opportunities received on a rolling basis]]</p><p style="text-align: left; " text-size:20px"> [[Fundraising Opportunities#Emergency Grants and Relocation and Resettlement Support Specifically for HRDs at Risk|3) Emergency Grants and Relocation and Resettlement Support Specifically for HRDs at Risk]]</p>
|}
== <big style="text-shadow:#6dbdc9 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#b7f8db -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;"> Funding Opportunities with Specific Deadline</big> ==
'''Common Application'''

* Deadline: April 12
* https://islamicscholarshipfund.submittable.com/submit/344726/2026-isf-common-application-internships-fellowships-law-policy-media

'''Summer School in Digital Human Rights'''

* Deadline April 15
* https://www.law.lu.se/study/summer-school-digital-human-rights

'''Nepal Grants'''

* Deadline: Rolling basis until April 15, 2026.
* https://www.icnl.org/wp-content/uploads/Nepal-Call-for-Proposals_March-2026_final.pdf

'''OpenMedia Summer Fellowship 2026'''

* Deadline April 19
* https://openmedia.org/article/item/openmedia-summer-fellowship-2026-next-gen-policy-changemakers-wanted

'''EU Grant for Media Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Journalist Protection in Pakistan'''

* Deadline is April 21, 2026.

* https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/prospect-details/186121PROSPECTSEN

'''Laboratory for Women’s Rights Online Initiative'''

* Deadline: April 21, 2026

* https://pops.expertisefrance.fr/sdm/ent2/gen/ficheCsl.action?PCSLID=CSL_2026_4sZQPjYqHf&ongletActif=2

'''2026 Oxford AI and Media Policy Summer Institute July 20 to 31'''

Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund - Information Session

* Deadline April 23, 2025

* https://solidairenetwork.org/how-we-partner/movement-protection-fund/

'''2026 Oxford AI and Media Policy Summer Institute July 20 to 31'''

* Deadline: Early decision March 14; Final deadline April 21
* https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/oxford-ai-and-media-policy-summer-institute/2026-oxford-ai-and-media-policy-summer-institute
'''ISOC Community-Centered Connectivity Grant Program'''

* Deadline May 7
* https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/community-centered-connectivity/

'''Community Access Fund for LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers'''

* May 31
* https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/community-access-fund-application

'''InDiCo-Global'''

* Deadline: June 30, 2026

* https://indico-global-grants.eu/indico-global-third-open-call
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[Funding Opportunities Archive|Past Funding Opportunities with deadlines (Archive)]]
|}

== <big style="text-shadow:#6dbdc9 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#b7f8db -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;"> Funding Opportunities Received on a Rolling Basis </big> ==
'''AI Security Institute Challenge Fund'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://www.aisi.gov.uk/grants#challenge-fund

'''Global Fund for Community Foundations'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://globalfundcommunityfoundations.org/what-we-do/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
'''Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Funding Opportunity'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://www.drkfoundation.org/apply-for-funding/
'''The Bitcoin Development Fund'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* Human Rights Foundation
* https://hrf.org/program/financial-freedom/bitcoin-development-fund/

'''Digital Rights Fund for WANA Region'''

*SMEX
*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://smex.org/digital-rights-fund/

'''FOSS United'''

*Deadline: Rolling Basis
*https://fossunited.org/grants
'''Digital Impact Alliance Fellowship'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://dial.global/apply-to-our-fellows-program/

'''Sovereign Tech Fund'''

*Deadline: Rolling

*https://sovereigntechfund.de/en/applications/

'''Incident Emergency Fund'''

*Digital Defenders Partnership

*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://www.digitaldefenders.org/incident-emergency-fund/

'''Safety Net Fund'''

*Deadline: Ongoing

*https://wphfund.org/whrds-safety-net/

'''Rapid Response Fund'''

*Derechos Digitales

* Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://www.derechosdigitales.org/sobre-el-fondo-de-respuesta-rapida/

'''Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism'''

*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://urgentactionfund.org/

'''Urgent Action Fund - Asia & Pacific'''

*Deadline: Rolling

*https://www.uafanp.org/our_grants
'''Apoyos de Respuesta Rápida'''

*Fondo Acción Urgente
*Deadline: Rolling
*https://fondoaccionurgente.org.co/es/que-hacemos/apoyos-de-respuesta-rapida/

'''Open Briefing’s Responsive Assistance'''

*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://www.openbriefing.org/support/referral/

== <big style="text-shadow:#6dbdc9 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#b7f8db -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;"> Emergency Grants and Relocation and Resettlement Support Specifically for HRDs at Risk </big> ==

=== Emergency Grants ===
'''[https://www.csolifeline.org/ Lifeline]''' (an initiative by Freedom House and Front Line Defenders) provides small, short-term emergency grants to CSOs threatened because of their human rights work. Lifeline grants can address security, medical expenses, legal representation, prison visits, trial monitoring, temporary relocation, equipment replacement, and other urgently needed expenses.

'''[https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/programme/protection-grants Front Line Defenders Protection Grants]''' can pay for provisions (grants are for amounts up to a maximum of €7,500) to improve the security and protection of human rights defenders and their organizations including, but not limited to:

* improving physical security of an organization or individual, digital security and communication security;
* supporting legal fees for HRDs who are being judicially harassed;
* paying for medical fees for HRDs who have been attacked or who have suffered a medical condition as a result of their peaceful human rights activities;
* providing family assistance for imprisoned HRDs or family members who are at risk because of a HRD's activities.

'''[https://urgentactionfund.org/our-grants/ Urgent Action Fund’s Rapid Response Grants]''' resource the resilience of human rights and gender justice movements by supporting the security and advocacy interventions of activists when a swift response is needed. Specifically, Rapid Response Grants offer quick, flexible funding to respond to security threats or unexpected advocacy opportunities experienced by women, transgender, or gender non-conforming, activists and human rights defenders.

'''[https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do-2/defend/crisis-response-fund CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund]''' welcomes applications from formal or informal civil society actors & consortia, including social movements. Grants must be for a 3-6 month period. Amount: US$10,000 - US$20,000 for Advocacy Grants or Resiliency Grants.

'''[https://wphfund.org/ The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund]''' provides rapid, flexible funding and direct logistical support to women HRDs from/working in crisis and conflict-affected areas, working at community, national, regional or international levels. For individuals they have an Advocacy Support Stream and a Safety Net Stream.

'''[https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/democracy-programs/human-rights-defenders-program/ McCain Institute's Human Rights Defender Program]''' (under the Democracy Program) provides temporary, transitional support to activists who are forced to work underground or flee their countries so they can continue to fight in the human rights arena.

'''[https://freedomhouse.org/programs/LGBTI-assistance The Dignity for All: LGBTQI+ Assistance Program]''' is a consortium of six leading human rights and LGBTQI+ organizations that provides emergency assistance, advocacy funding, and security support to human rights defenders and civil society organizations under threat or attack due to their work for LGBTQI+ rights.

'''[https://protectdefenders.eu/ ProtectDefenders.eu]''' provides a range of services to human rights defenders at risk, including an emergency helpline (run by Front Line Defenders), emergency grants, and temporary relocation.

[https://www.omct.org/en/what-we-do/material-support/emergency-support-for-human-rights-defenders-at-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com '''Emergency Support for Human Rights Defenders at Risk'''] offers vital aid and urgent support to at-risk human rights defenders worldwide. Support includes various interventions such as medical care (including psychological support and rehabilitation), legal aid, social assistance, physical and digital security, communication tools, security training, safe transportation, and temporary relocation assistance.

=== Relocation and Resettlement support specifically for HRDs at risk ===
'''[https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/democracy-programs/human-rights-defenders-program/ Human Rights Defenders Program, McCain Institute]''' - Through the Human Rights Defenders program, the McCain Institute provides funding, logistical assistance and referrals to human rights defenders in distress, helping them to:

* Settle into a safe environment
* Receive training involving extra security precautions, networking, and career development if unable to return home any time soon
* Find sustainable employment as a means to continue their human rights work throughout the time they are unable to return to their home countries

'''[https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/canada-program-canada-global-refugee-stream-human-rights-defenders Canada Global Refugee Stream for Human Rights Defenders]''' - The Canadian government has established a dedicated refugee stream for human rights defenders for resettlement to Canada.

'''[https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/ Rainbow Railroad]''' is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide.

'''[https://www.journalistsindistress.org/ Journalists in Distress Network]''' resources for journalists who have received serious threats or are in distress in relation to their work, and may need emergency relocation

[https://crd.org/emergency-fund/temporary-relocations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com '''Civil Rights Defenders – Emergency Fund / Temporary Relocations'''] Supports HRDs under threat with rapid assistance: legal fees, security training, psychosocial support, temporary relocations of HRDs and their families from high-risk contexts.

[https://wphfund.org/whrds/?utm_source=chatgpt.com '''UN Women Fund – Window for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)'''] The “Safety Net” Stream provides urgent costs including relocation for women (and trans/LGBTI) HRDs, up to USD $10,000.

Funding Opportunities Archive

2026-04-08T18:23:05Z

Sandy:

This is an archive. '''<big>To see current funding opportunities, go here: [[Fundraising Opportunities]]</big>'''

'''The Tor Privacy Resilience Grants'''
* Deadline January 19
* https://nc.torproject.net/apps/forms/s/ZPWF7M6TzjEKTZorR8mpStkp

'''Convocatoria de Becas del Sur Global 2026 - DeJusticia'''

* Deadline January 21
* <nowiki>https://www.dejusticia.org/becas-para-defensores-del-sur-global-2026/</nowiki>

'''Datafication & Democracy Fund: Deadline January 30'''
* Deadline: January 30th.
* https://globalsouthalliance.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GSA-2025-Call-from-the-Datafication-and-Democracy-Fund.pdf

'''Dr Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026'''

* Deadline: January 31, 2026.
* https://mediarightsagenda.org/media-rights-agenda-invites-entries-from-journalists-for-goodluck-jonathan-foi-awards-2026/

'''Digital Rights Fund in the West Asia and North Africa'''

* Deadline January 31, 2026
* <nowiki>https://smex.org/digital-rights-fund-in-the-west-asia-and-north-africa/</nowiki>

'''Digital Rights Fund in the West Asia and North Africa'''

* Deadline January 31, 2026
* https://smex.org/digital-rights-fund-in-the-west-asia-and-north-africa/

*

'''Aspen Policy Academy Summer 2026 Science and Technology Policy Fellowship'''

* Deadline: February 5, 2026
* <nowiki>https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/program/science-and-technology-policy-fellowship/#informational-webinars</nowiki>

'''La Escuela Virtual de Gobernanza de Internet'''

* Deadline: February 8, 2026
* https://www.virtualsig.org/2025/12/02/982/

'''Digital Freedom Fund'''
* Deadline: February 17

* https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/

'''Several Fellowships at the Carr-Ryan Center'''

* Fellowships include Carr-Ryan Center Fellowship, Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Fellowship, Racial Justice Fellowship, Technology and Human Rights Fellowship.
* Deadline: February 22, 2026
* https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr-ryan/opportunities/fellowship-opportunities/technology-and-human-rights-fellowship

'''Digital Spark Call: Eastern Europe and Central Asia Digital Democracy'''

* Deadline is February 23, 2026
* <nowiki>https://metamorphosis.org.mk/en/aktivnosti_arhiva/call-for-grants-digital-spark/</nowiki>

'''Nigeria’s Digital Rights Litigation Surgery Program'''

* February 25, 2026
* <nowiki>https://digicivic.org/call-for-applications-to-the-digital-rights-litigation-surgery-drls/</nowiki>

'''Countering Mis and Disinformation in Zambian Elections'''

* Deadline: February 27, 2026
* <nowiki>http://web.civicus.org/DDI-Zambia</nowiki>

==== '''2025 Funding Opportunities''' ====
'''AI Reporting Grant Program'''
* December 31, 2025
* <nowiki>https://pulitzercenter.org/grants-fellowships/opportunities-journalists/ai-reporting-grants</nowiki>

'''NLnet Zero Commons Fund'''
* Deadline: December 1
* <nowiki>https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/</nowiki>

'''NLnet Fediversity Programme'''

* Deadline: December 1
* <nowiki>https://nlnet.nl/fediversity/</nowiki>

'''John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship'''

* Deadline: December 3
* <nowiki>https://jsk.stanford.edu/become-a-fellow#why-apply</nowiki>

'''Berkman Fellowship'''

* Deadline: December 5.
* <nowiki>https://cyber.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships</nowiki>

'''African Women in Data Science Fellowship'''
* African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
* Deadline: July 31, 2025
* https://awardfellowships.org/news/call-for-applications-now-open-for-the-inaugural-cohort-of-the-african-women-in-data-science-fellowship-2025/

'''Feminist Digital Security and Holistic Protection Training'''

* Deadline: August 10, 2025
* https://equalityfund.bamboohr.com/careers/103

'''Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Fellowships'''

* Deadline: August 11, 2025
* https://pulitzercenter.org/blog/open-call-proposals-pulitzer-centers-ai-accountability-fellowships-2025-2026

'''Pasantías Para la Seguridad y Resiliencia Digital en América Latina'''

* Derechos Digitales
* Cierre de postulaciones: 15 de agosto, 2025
* https://www.derechosdigitales.org/25638/nueva-convocatoria-al-programa-de-pasantias-para-la-seguridad-y-resiliencia-digital-en-america-latina/

'''Imperial College Research Fellowships'''

* Deadline: August 18, 2025
* https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/research-office/funder-information/research-fellowships/icrf/

'''Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program'''

* Internet Society
* Deadline 2nd window: from 15 July to 27 August, 2025
* https://www.internetsociety.org/funding-areas/connecting-the-unconnected

'''2026 Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program'''

* Deadline: September 15, 2025
* https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/forskningsenheder/samf/digitaldemocracycentre/ddcxtrygfonden-fellowship-call-2026

'''Fondo para los Derechos Digitales'''

* Fecha límite: 15 de julio de 2025
* https://fondos.derechosdigitales.org/home

'''Digital Freedom Fund Open Call'''

* Deadline: July 15, 2025
* https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/

'''2025-26 Foundry Fellowship for African Entrepreneurs'''

* Deadline: July 6, 2025
* https://app.babele.co/application-definition/401

'''OGP’s Helen Darbishire Fund for Civil Society 2025-27'''

* Deadline: July 6, 2025
* https://www.opengovpartnership.org/ogps-helen-darbishire-fund-for-civil-society-2025-27/

'''Digital Public Infrastructure Research Grant'''

* Deadline to submit expression of interest proposals: June 30, 2025
* https://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org/research/global-dpi-insights-community/

'''SA Tech Challenge 2025, Innovation Bridge'''

* Deadline: June 30, 2025
* https://innovationbridge.info/ibportal/g20/tech-challenge

'''Small Grants for Investigative Stories Covering Current or Aspiring EU Countries'''

* Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN)
* First evaluation follows the June 30, 2025 deadline
* https://birn.eu.com/news-and-events/birn-invites-journalists-to-apply-for-grants-for-investigative-stories/

'''Call for Proposals Responsive Fund'''

* Deadline: June 27, 2025
* https://www.ukhih.org/news/call-for-proposals-now-open-responsive-fund-general/

'''Digital Good Research Fund ‘Building the Digital Good’'''

* Deadline: June 26, 2025
* https://digitalgood.net/digital-good-research-fund-round-3-building-the-digital-good-call-for-applications/

'''CNN Academy Program Voices from the South: Storytelling for Impact'''

* Deadline: June 23, 2025
* https://academy.cnn.com/voices-from-the-south-storytelling-for-impact/

'''Grow the Future 2025 Alliance Against Tech Authoritarianism'''

* Deadline: June 20, 2025
* https://usboell.bamboohr.com/careers/77?source=aWQ9OQ%3D%3D

'''The International Foundation 2025 Grant Program'''

* Deadline: June 16, 2025
* https://www.intlfoundation.org/page/eligibility

'''EU Action Grants: Detecting Influence Campaigns and Boosting Societal Resilience'''

* Deadline: June 16, 2025
* https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/detecting-influence-campaigns-and-boosting-societal-resilience

'''EU Action Grants: Boosting the Visibility of Fact-checking Content in Europe'''

* Deadline: June 16, 2025
* https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/boosting-visibility-fact-checking-content-europe

'''Tech For Good Investment for Startups'''

* Bethnal Green Ventures
* Deadline: June 15, 2025
* https://www.bethnalgreenventures.com/apply

'''Spyware Accountability Initiative Call for Proposals'''

* Deadline: June 13, 2025
* https://stopspyware.fund/apply

'''DDP's Sustainable Protection Fund for East Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia'''

* Deadline: June 13, 2025
* https://www.digitaldefenders.org/sustainable-protection-fund-open-call-for-applications-from-eecca-2025/

'''Fellowship on AI for Human Reasoning'''

* Deadline: June 9, 2025
* https://www.flf.org/fellowship

'''Global Agrifood Innovation Challenge 2025'''

* The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
* Deadline: June 7, 2025
* https://unfao.brightidea.com/GlobalAgriInnoChallenge2025

'''Omidyar Network's Reporters in Residence (Summer 2025)'''

* Deadline: May 30, 2025
* https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/omidyarnetwork/jobs/6848749

'''Call for applications: School on Platform Governance'''

* Association for Progressive Communications and Open Net Korea
* Deadline: May 25, 2025
* https://www.apc.org/en/news/call-applications-school-platform-governance

'''Tactical Tech's Training on “AI for Non-profit Newsrooms” (Europe-based)'''

* Deadline: May 25, 2025
* https://exposingtheinvisible.org/en/news/ai-training-berlin
'''The Sustain Fund is Open For Applications'''
* Black Feminist Fund
* Deadline: May 24, 2025
* https://blackfeministfund.org/grantmaking/

'''Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology on Brain Development, Social Behaviours and Mental Health in Children and Young People'''

* The Huo Family Foundation
* Deadline: May 23, 2025
* https://huofamilyfoundation.org/our-grants/funding-opportunities

'''Feminist Batti Jalao'''

* Deadline: May 20, 2025
* https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdajG-ceq_UsnBlYpbQeKLR5Z9iSwWZIxTzWFjbRY2sJXqKOA/viewform

'''Call for Proposals for Projects Looking at Power Dynamics in the SWANA Digital Sphere'''

* The Arab Reform Initiative and Mozilla Tech
* Deadline: May 20, 2025
* https://www.arab-reform.net/job/power-dynamics-in-the-swana-digital-sphere/

'''4D Award Digital Rights by Design: Grants for Democratic Digitalisation Projects'''

* Deadline: May 18, 2025
* https://4d.cat/en/award/

'''Grants for Democratic Digitalisation Projects'''

* Deadline: May 18, 2025
* https://4d.cat/en/award

'''Applied Research on the Relationship Between Responsible Technology Practices and Financial Performance'''

* Ford Foundation and Omidyar Network
* Deadline: May 16, 2025
* https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ford-ON-RFP-April-2025-Tech-Capital-Markets.pdf

'''Eisner Fellowship: USA Leaders in Intergenerational Activism'''

* Deadline: May 16, 2025
* https://eisnerfoundation.org/the-eisner-prize-fellowship-program/

'''Call for Papers to Support Research that Deepens our Collective Understanding of Digital Financial Inclusion'''

* Deadline to submit abstracts: May 15, 2025
* https://submit.interledger.org/submit/5f500d14-8563-4d7c-87a5-d9f1e11d75d0/2025-interledger-foundation-call-for-paper

'''Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions''' 

* UNICEF Venture Fund
* Deadline: May 8, 2025
* https://www.unicef.org/innovation/FemTechCall

'''Regional Partnership Fund for the SWANA Region 2025'''

* Deadline: May 7, 2025
* https://www.digitaldefenders.org/regional-partnership-fund-for-the-swana-region-2025-now-open-for-applications/

'''Sustainable Protection Fund'''

* Digital Defenders Partnership (DDP)
* Deadline: May 7, 2025
* https://www.digitaldefenders.org/sustainable-protection-fund-open-call-for-applications-from-swana

'''Internet Society's Peering Fellowship'''

* Deadline: May 2, 2025
* https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/peering/

'''Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society Fellowship'''

* Deadline: April 30, 2025
* https://cyber.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships/2526Fellows

'''Open Society Foundation's Transformative Peace in Africa'''

* Deadline: April 30, 2025
* First register here: https://grantsmithportal.screenstepslive.com/a/1899218-how-to-create-a-new-account-on-the-grant-portal
* Once registered, fill out this form with your organization’s registered name: https://forms.office.com/e/s0Ts3M8KQv

'''Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon'''

* Deadline: April 30, 2025
* https://hackathon.magambanetwork.com/

'''Tech + Policy Course Scholarship'''

* FOSS United
* Deadline: April 20, 2025
* https://forum.fossunited.org/t/technology-policy-course-scholarship-for-foss-devs/1220/43

'''2025 MIT Solve' Global Economic Prosperity Challenge'''

* Deadline: April 17, 2025
* https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2025-global-economic-prosperity-challenge

'''VinFuture Prize'''

* VinFuture Foundation
* Deadline: April 17, 2025
* https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/

'''2025 MIT Solve' Global Economic Prosperity Challenge'''

* Deadline to apply: April 17, 2025
* https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2025-global-economic-prosperity-challenge

'''Environmental Justice in Tech Fellowship'''

* The Rooted Futures Lab launched
* Rolling application until April 15, 2025
* https://www.rootedfutureslab.io/ejit-fellowship
'''I AM Nala Fellowship'''
* Nala Feminist Collective
* Deadline: April 14, 2025
* https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiBRoptpbn7Td_pDcxg5FKajxOs7a6tG7JDqmiyuAuxFGj_w/viewform

'''Navigating Digital Power in Asia'''

* Common Edge Asia
* Deadline: April 14, 2025
* https://www.commonedge.asia/digitalpower/
'''2025 Mid-Career Fellowship Application'''
* Internet Society
* Deadline: April 11, 2025
* https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/566ae57b98cc48c58e05d3327c970360

'''Short Innovation Projects 2025'''

* EIT Culture & Creativity
* Deadline: April 11, 2025
* https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/short-innovation-projects-2025/

'''Metascience & AI Postdoctoral Fellowship'''

* Deadline: April 10, 2025
* https://sloan.org/programs/digital-technology/aipostdoc-rfp

'''Compute for Climate Fellowship 2025'''
* Deadline: April 6, 2025
* https://ircai.org/ircai-and-aws-climate-fellowship/
'''Summer 2025 U.S. Public Policy Fellowship'''
* Google Public Policy Fellowship
* Deadline: April 4, 2025
* https://www.google.com/policyfellowship/usa/faq/

'''AI at Work: Field Experiments on the Workforce Effects of New AI Tools'''

* Deadline: April 1, 2025
* https://www.schmidtsciences.org/ai-at-work/

'''NGI Zero Commons Fund'''

* Reclaim the Public Nature of the Internet
* Deadline: April 1, 2025
* https://nlnet.nl/commonsfund/
'''Mama Cash's Resilience Fund'''
* Deadline: March 31, 2025
* https://www.mamacash.org/funds/resilience-fund/

'''Data Governance in Africa Research Fund'''

* Initial application account registration: March 11, 2025
* Deadline: March 31, 2025
* https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1trBdzuGlDyss6ikyY-mjCLSoUTplda08

'''The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI'''

* Registration and eligibility forms deadline: March 12, 2025
* Deadline for submitting pitches: March 19, 2025
* https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/gsma-innovation-fund/the-gsma-innovation-fund-for-impactful-ai

'''Call for Proposals: We Rise Campaign'''

* Deadline: March 11, 2025
* https://www.civicus.org/index.php/engage-and-act/campaign-with-us/werise-campaign-call-for-proposals

'''Enabling Women’s Access to Employment Opportunities in STEM, Digital & Clean Energy Sectors (Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra)'''

* Deadline: March 10, 2025
* https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/programme-implementation/2025/02/unw-ap-ind-cfp-2025-003-enabling-womens-access-to-decent-and-safe-employment-opportunities-in-stem-digital-and-clean-energy-sectors-with-a-focus-on-the-states-of-madhya-pradesh-gujarat-and-maharashtra
'''Storytelling Data Fellowship'''
* Equal Measures 2030
* Deadline: March 9, 2025
* https://equalmeasures2030.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Storytelling-with-Data-Fellowship-PDF.pdf
'''Cross-Border Media Literacy Projects'''
* Deadline: March 6, 2025
* https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/call-proposals-cross-border-media-literacy-projects

'''The Sepal Fund'''
* The Calyx Institute
* Deadline: March 3, 2025
* https://calyxinstitute.org/projects/the-sepal-fund
'''Strengthening Independent Public Interest Journalism in Europe'''
* Civitates
* Deadline: March 2, 2025
* https://civitates-eu.org/funding-opportunity/call-for-proposals-strengthening-independent-public-interest-journalism-in-europe/
'''Tony Elumelu Foundation Applications for the 2025 Entrepreneurship Programms'''
* Deadline to apply: March 1, 2025
* https://www.tefconnect.com/
'''UN Democracy Fund'''
* Deadline to apply: February 28, 2025
* https://www.un.org/democracyfund/apply-for-funding

'''Information Controls Fellowship Program'''

* Open Technology Fund
* Deadline: February 28, 2025
* https://www.opentech.fund/fellowships/icfp/

'''OSV Fellowships & Grants 2025'''

* Deadline: February 28, 2025
* https://forms.osv.llc/fellowships2025

'''Tarbell Fellowship for AI Reporting'''

* Tarbell Center for AI Journalism
* Deadline: February 28, 2025
* https://www.tarbellfellowship.org/programme

'''The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy'''

* The New School
* Deadline: February 28, 2025
* https://platform.coop/blog/open-call-for-applications-for-the-2025-2026-icde-fellowship-program/

'''O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants'''

* Deadline: February 28, 2025
* https://forms.osv.llc/fellowships2025

Fundraising Opportunities

2026-04-08T18:21:50Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__[[File:Fundraising opps icon.png|71x71px|left]]<big>'''Do you have a funding opportunity you want to share?'''</big> <big>[https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Send it to us] using our simple online form. We will post it here and in Weekly Digital Rights Newsletter.</big> <big>Make sure to [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter sign up!]</big>
{| style="width:100%"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"

! style="background-color:#a7eaed; padding: 20px" |<p style="text-align: left; " text-size: 20px"> <big>This page has three sections:</big> </p>

<p style="text-align: left; " text-size:20px"> [[Fundraising Opportunities#Funding Opportunities with Specific Deadlines|1) Funding opportunities with specific deadlines]]</p><p style="text-align: left; " text-size:20px"> [[Fundraising Opportunities#Funding Opportunities Received on a Rolling Basis|2) Funding opportunities received on a rolling basis]]</p><p style="text-align: left; " text-size:20px"> [[Fundraising Opportunities#Emergency Grants and Relocation and Resettlement Support Specifically for HRDs at Risk|3) Emergency Grants and Relocation and Resettlement Support Specifically for HRDs at Risk]]</p>
|}
== <big style="text-shadow:#6dbdc9 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#b7f8db -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;"> Funding Opportunities with Specific Deadline</big> ==

*
'''2026 Oxford AI and Media Policy Summer Institute July 20 to 31'''

* Deadline: Early decision March 14; Final deadline April 21
* <nowiki>https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/oxford-ai-and-media-policy-summer-institute/2026-oxford-ai-and-media-policy-summer-institute</nowiki>

'''InDiCo-Global'''

* Deadline: June 30, 2026

* https://indico-global-grants.eu/indico-global-third-open-call

Common Application

Deadline: April 12

<nowiki>https://islamicscholarshipfund.submittable.com/submit/344726/2026-isf-common-application-internships-fellowships-law-policy-media</nowiki>

Summer School in Digital Human Rights

Deadline April 15

<nowiki>https://www.law.lu.se/study/summer-school-digital-human-rights</nowiki>

Nepal Grants

Deadline: Rolling basis until April 15, 2026.

<nowiki>https://www.icnl.org/wp-content/uploads/Nepal-Call-for-Proposals_March-2026_final.pdf</nowiki>

OpenMedia Summer Fellowship 2026

Deadline April 19

<nowiki>https://openmedia.org/article/item/openmedia-summer-fellowship-2026-next-gen-policy-changemakers-wanted</nowiki>

EU Grant for Media Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Journalist Protection in Pakistan

deadline is April 21, 2026.

<nowiki>https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/prospect-details/186121PROSPECTSEN</nowiki>

Laboratory for Women’s Rights Online Initiative

Deadline: April 21, 2026

<nowiki>https://pops.expertisefrance.fr/sdm/ent2/gen/ficheCsl.action?PCSLID=CSL_2026_4sZQPjYqHf&ongletActif=2</nowiki>

2026 Oxford AI and Media Policy Summer Institute July 20 to 31

Deadline: Early decision March 14; Final deadline April 21

<nowiki>https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/oxford-ai-and-media-policy-summer-institute/2026-oxford-ai-and-media</nowiki>

-policy-summer-institute

Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund - Information Session

April 23, 2025

<nowiki>https://solidairenetwork.org/how-we-partner/movement-protection-fund/</nowiki>

ISOC Community-Centered Connectivity Grant Program

May 7

<nowiki>https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/community-centered-connectivity/</nowiki>

Community Access Fund for LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers

May 31

<nowiki>https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/community-access-fund-application</nowiki>

InDiCo-Global. Deadline

Deadline: June 30, 2026

<nowiki>https://indico-global-grants.eu/indico-global-third-open-call</nowiki>

{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[Funding Opportunities Archive|Past Funding Opportunities with deadlines (Archive)]]
|}

== <big style="text-shadow:#6dbdc9 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#b7f8db -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;"> Funding Opportunities Received on a Rolling Basis </big> ==
'''AI Security Institute Challenge Fund'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://www.aisi.gov.uk/grants#challenge-fund

'''Global Fund for Community Foundations'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://globalfundcommunityfoundations.org/what-we-do/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
'''Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Funding Opportunity'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://www.drkfoundation.org/apply-for-funding/
'''The Bitcoin Development Fund'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* Human Rights Foundation
* https://hrf.org/program/financial-freedom/bitcoin-development-fund/

'''Digital Rights Fund for WANA Region'''

*SMEX
*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://smex.org/digital-rights-fund/

'''FOSS United'''

*Deadline: Rolling Basis
*https://fossunited.org/grants
'''Digital Impact Alliance Fellowship'''

* Deadline: Rolling
* https://dial.global/apply-to-our-fellows-program/

'''Sovereign Tech Fund'''

*Deadline: Rolling

*https://sovereigntechfund.de/en/applications/

'''Incident Emergency Fund'''

*Digital Defenders Partnership

*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://www.digitaldefenders.org/incident-emergency-fund/

'''Safety Net Fund'''

*Deadline: Ongoing

*https://wphfund.org/whrds-safety-net/

'''Rapid Response Fund'''

*Derechos Digitales

* Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://www.derechosdigitales.org/sobre-el-fondo-de-respuesta-rapida/

'''Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism'''

*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://urgentactionfund.org/

'''Urgent Action Fund - Asia & Pacific'''

*Deadline: Rolling

*https://www.uafanp.org/our_grants
'''Apoyos de Respuesta Rápida'''

*Fondo Acción Urgente
*Deadline: Rolling
*https://fondoaccionurgente.org.co/es/que-hacemos/apoyos-de-respuesta-rapida/

'''Open Briefing’s Responsive Assistance'''

*Deadline: Rolling Basis

*https://www.openbriefing.org/support/referral/

== <big style="text-shadow:#6dbdc9 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#b7f8db -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;"> Emergency Grants and Relocation and Resettlement Support Specifically for HRDs at Risk </big> ==

=== Emergency Grants ===
'''[https://www.csolifeline.org/ Lifeline]''' (an initiative by Freedom House and Front Line Defenders) provides small, short-term emergency grants to CSOs threatened because of their human rights work. Lifeline grants can address security, medical expenses, legal representation, prison visits, trial monitoring, temporary relocation, equipment replacement, and other urgently needed expenses.

'''[https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/programme/protection-grants Front Line Defenders Protection Grants]''' can pay for provisions (grants are for amounts up to a maximum of €7,500) to improve the security and protection of human rights defenders and their organizations including, but not limited to:

* improving physical security of an organization or individual, digital security and communication security;
* supporting legal fees for HRDs who are being judicially harassed;
* paying for medical fees for HRDs who have been attacked or who have suffered a medical condition as a result of their peaceful human rights activities;
* providing family assistance for imprisoned HRDs or family members who are at risk because of a HRD's activities.

'''[https://urgentactionfund.org/our-grants/ Urgent Action Fund’s Rapid Response Grants]''' resource the resilience of human rights and gender justice movements by supporting the security and advocacy interventions of activists when a swift response is needed. Specifically, Rapid Response Grants offer quick, flexible funding to respond to security threats or unexpected advocacy opportunities experienced by women, transgender, or gender non-conforming, activists and human rights defenders.

'''[https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do-2/defend/crisis-response-fund CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund]''' welcomes applications from formal or informal civil society actors & consortia, including social movements. Grants must be for a 3-6 month period. Amount: US$10,000 - US$20,000 for Advocacy Grants or Resiliency Grants.

'''[https://wphfund.org/ The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund]''' provides rapid, flexible funding and direct logistical support to women HRDs from/working in crisis and conflict-affected areas, working at community, national, regional or international levels. For individuals they have an Advocacy Support Stream and a Safety Net Stream.

'''[https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/democracy-programs/human-rights-defenders-program/ McCain Institute's Human Rights Defender Program]''' (under the Democracy Program) provides temporary, transitional support to activists who are forced to work underground or flee their countries so they can continue to fight in the human rights arena.

'''[https://freedomhouse.org/programs/LGBTI-assistance The Dignity for All: LGBTQI+ Assistance Program]''' is a consortium of six leading human rights and LGBTQI+ organizations that provides emergency assistance, advocacy funding, and security support to human rights defenders and civil society organizations under threat or attack due to their work for LGBTQI+ rights.

'''[https://protectdefenders.eu/ ProtectDefenders.eu]''' provides a range of services to human rights defenders at risk, including an emergency helpline (run by Front Line Defenders), emergency grants, and temporary relocation.

[https://www.omct.org/en/what-we-do/material-support/emergency-support-for-human-rights-defenders-at-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com '''Emergency Support for Human Rights Defenders at Risk'''] offers vital aid and urgent support to at-risk human rights defenders worldwide. Support includes various interventions such as medical care (including psychological support and rehabilitation), legal aid, social assistance, physical and digital security, communication tools, security training, safe transportation, and temporary relocation assistance.

=== Relocation and Resettlement support specifically for HRDs at risk ===
'''[https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/democracy-programs/human-rights-defenders-program/ Human Rights Defenders Program, McCain Institute]''' - Through the Human Rights Defenders program, the McCain Institute provides funding, logistical assistance and referrals to human rights defenders in distress, helping them to:

* Settle into a safe environment
* Receive training involving extra security precautions, networking, and career development if unable to return home any time soon
* Find sustainable employment as a means to continue their human rights work throughout the time they are unable to return to their home countries

'''[https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/canada-program-canada-global-refugee-stream-human-rights-defenders Canada Global Refugee Stream for Human Rights Defenders]''' - The Canadian government has established a dedicated refugee stream for human rights defenders for resettlement to Canada.

'''[https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/ Rainbow Railroad]''' is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide.

'''[https://www.journalistsindistress.org/ Journalists in Distress Network]''' resources for journalists who have received serious threats or are in distress in relation to their work, and may need emergency relocation

[https://crd.org/emergency-fund/temporary-relocations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com '''Civil Rights Defenders – Emergency Fund / Temporary Relocations'''] Supports HRDs under threat with rapid assistance: legal fees, security training, psychosocial support, temporary relocations of HRDs and their families from high-risk contexts.

[https://wphfund.org/whrds/?utm_source=chatgpt.com '''UN Women Fund – Window for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)'''] The “Safety Net” Stream provides urgent costs including relocation for women (and trans/LGBTI) HRDs, up to USD $10,000.

Calendar of Events

2026-04-02T18:47:24Z

Sandy: /* JULY */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Data Centers & Democracy: How US Policymakers Push Back''' ====

* April 8
* Online
* <nowiki>https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rxt-data-centers-democracy-how-policymakers-push-back-tickets-1984908054423</nowiki>

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

==== '''Targeted''' ====

* April 16
* Online
* <nowiki>https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ddb43d68-53cc-4d49-a239-7712dc911bb3@08722067-f231-4f22-bb68-ea4fbf92dabb</nowiki>

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

==== '''Take Back Tech''' ====

* April 17-19
* Atlanta
* <nowiki>https://www.takebacktech.com/</nowiki>

----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* June 18, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Organizational Sustainability and Resilience''' ====

* July 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Calendar of Events

2026-04-02T18:33:41Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Data Centers & Democracy: How US Policymakers Push Back''' ====

* April 8
* Online
* <nowiki>https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rxt-data-centers-democracy-how-policymakers-push-back-tickets-1984908054423</nowiki>

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

==== '''Targeted''' ====

* April 16
* Online
* <nowiki>https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ddb43d68-53cc-4d49-a239-7712dc911bb3@08722067-f231-4f22-bb68-ea4fbf92dabb</nowiki>

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

==== '''Take Back Tech''' ====

* April 17-19
* Atlanta
* <nowiki>https://www.takebacktech.com/</nowiki>

----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* June 18, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/<br>
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Calendar of Events

2026-04-02T18:31:10Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Data Centers & Democracy: How US Policymakers Push Back''' ====

* April 8
* Online
* <nowiki>https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rxt-data-centers-democracy-how-policymakers-push-back-tickets-1984908054423</nowiki>

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

==== '''Targeted''' ====

* April 16
* Online
* <nowiki>https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ddb43d68-53cc-4d49-a239-7712dc911bb3@08722067-f231-4f22-bb68-ea4fbf92dabb</nowiki>

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

==== '''Take Back Tech''' ====

* April 17-19
* Atlanta
* <nowiki>https://www.takebacktech.com/</nowiki>

----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* <nowiki>https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates</nowiki>

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/<br>
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Community Updates

2026-03-31T15:59:38Z

Sandy: /* Digital Rights Monthly Socials */

__NOTOC__

== Digital Rights Monthly Socials ==
{| style="width:100%;"
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:20px;"|
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; background:#e0feff; border:5px solid #02cad3; border-radius:20px;">
<big>'''When:''' Every Third Thursday of the Month<br><br>
'''Time:''' 14 UTC /
[https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2026&month=1&day=14&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=37&p2=176&p3=179&p4=155&p5=241&p6=108 Check my time zone here]<br><br>
'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost| TCU Mattermost | Secure an account here]]</big>

<big>
Connect with the global Digital Rights community every month on TCU's virtual community space. Learn about new projects, share your own work and research, and discuss updates and announcements from the digital rights space! Leading experts and projects will also be featured on a regular basis.
</big>

''To attend you must be registered on [[TCU Mattermost|TCU's Mattermost]]. Want to be a featured guest? Reach out to team@digitalrights.community!''
</div>
| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png|alt=Digital Rights monthly socials|frameless]]
|}
'''📌 Upcoming Socials'''

<big>[[April 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression</big>'''

<big>[[May 21, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Regional Updates</big>'''

<big>[[June 18, 2026, Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Security Clinic Best Practices and Q&A</big>'''

<big>[[July 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Organizational Sustainability and Resilience</big>'''

<big>[[October 15, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[November 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[December 17, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>.

== '''📁 Past Socials With Notes''' ==

<big>[[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[March 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<br>
<br>
<br>
.

.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
.

.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>

=='''Notes from Past Glitter Meetups'''==

The following are community updates from a weekly meetup we use to host, that served as a type of weekly town hall of the digital rights community. This was put on paused because of historic funding cuts the digital rights field began to face in 2025. However, we encourage you to look at the notes.
----
'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2025]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2024]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2023]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2022]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2021]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2020]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes Before March 26, 2020]]'''

Community Updates

2026-03-31T15:57:35Z

Sandy: /* 📌 Upcoming Socials */

__NOTOC__

== Digital Rights Monthly Socials ==
{| style="width:100%;"
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:20px;"|
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; background:#e0feff; border:5px solid #02cad3; border-radius:20px;">
<big>'''When:''' Every Third Thursday of the Month<br><br>
'''Time:''' 14 UTC /
[https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2026&month=1&day=14&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=37&p2=176&p3=179&p4=155&p5=241&p6=108 Check my time zone here]<br><br>
'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost| TCU Mattermost | Secure an account here]]</big>

<big>
Connect with the global Digital Rights community every month on TCU's virtual community space. Learn about new projects, share your own work and research, and discuss updates and announcements from the digital rights space! Leading experts and projects will also be featured on a regular basis.
</big>

''To attend you must be registered on [[TCU Mattermost|TCU's Mattermost]]. Want to be a featured guest? Reach out to team@digitalrights.community!''
</div>
| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png|alt=Digital Rights monthly socials|frameless]]
|}
'''📌 Upcoming Socials'''

<big>[[April 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression</big>'''

<big>[[May 21, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Regional Updates</big>'''

<big>[[June 18, 2026, Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Security Clinic Best Practices and Q&A</big>'''

<big>[[July 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[October 15, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[November 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[December 17, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>.

== '''📁 Past Socials With Notes''' ==

<big>[[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[March 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<br>
<br>
<br>
.

.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
.

.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>

=='''Notes from Past Glitter Meetups'''==

The following are community updates from a weekly meetup we use to host, that served as a type of weekly town hall of the digital rights community. This was put on paused because of historic funding cuts the digital rights field began to face in 2025. However, we encourage you to look at the notes.
----
'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2025]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2024]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2023]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2022]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2021]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2020]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes Before March 26, 2020]]'''

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-18T14:40:51Z

Sandy: /* The Formats */

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open Call for Programming Starts March 19!</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be shared with all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to submit your GG application as soon as possible!

== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==
At the GG we are looking for programming that reflects real needs on the ground and helps tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders, and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels. We especially love programming that is used to advance goals, improve skills, deepen knowledge around a specific area, or address known or emerging challenges. To facilitate these conversations, we use ''Circles'', ''Meetups'', ''Skill-Share Workshops'', and ''Villages''.

We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others. To help organizations highlight their projects, we use ''Booths'', and in rare occasions, ''Circles''.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
<big>'''In addition to the themes listed below, the areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include: spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, as well as autonomous infrastructure and circumvention technology.'''</big>

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation
== '''The Formats''' ==
Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact.

'''Please note that the Global Gathering is held in an unconventional space which is outdoors and low-tech and programming takes these realities into account. Programming formats this year will include:'''

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''', which allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skill-share, or have one-to-one conversations with participants. [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design is unique.]

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Share Workshops:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skill-share workshops will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages''', which combine Circles and Booths into their programming and are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-16T17:22:48Z

Sandy: /* 2026 Themes */

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open Call for Programming Starts March 19!</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be shared with all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to submit your GG application as soon as possible!

== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==
At the GG we are looking for programming that reflects real needs on the ground and helps tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders, and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels. We especially love programming that is used to advance goals, improve skills, deepen knowledge around a specific area, or address known or emerging challenges. To facilitate these conversations, we use ''Circles'', ''Meetups'', ''Skill-Share Workshops'', and ''Villages''.

We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others. To help organizations highlight their projects, we use ''Booths'', and in rare occasions, ''Circles''.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact. Programming formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''', which allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skill-share, or have one-to-one conversations with participants. [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design is unique.]

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Share Workshops:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skill-share workshops will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages''', which combine Circles and Booths into their programming and are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
<big>'''In addition to the themes listed below, the areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include: spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, as well as autonomous infrastructure and circumvention technology.'''</big>

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation

Community Updates

2026-03-05T23:55:04Z

Sandy: /* 📁 Past Socials */

__NOTOC__

== Digital Rights Monthly Socials ==
{| style="width:100%;"
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:20px;"|
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; background:#e0feff; border:5px solid #02cad3; border-radius:20px;">
<big>'''When:''' Every Third Thursday of the Month<br><br>
'''Time:''' 14 UTC /
[https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meetingdetails.html?year=2026&month=1&day=14&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=37&p2=176&p3=179&p4=155&p5=241&p6=108 Check my time zone here]<br><br>
'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost| TCU Mattermost | Secure an account here]]</big>

<big>
Connect with the global Digital Rights community every month on TCU's virtual community space. Learn about new projects, share your own work and research, and discuss updates and announcements from the digital rights space! Leading experts and projects will also be featured on a regular basis.
</big>

''To attend you must be registered on [[TCU Mattermost|TCU's Mattermost]]. Want to be a featured guest? Reach out to team@digitalrights.community!''
</div>
| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png|alt=Digital Rights monthly socials|frameless]]
|}

== '''📌 Upcoming Socials''' ==

<big>[[March 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>The First Step in Building Your Autonomous Tech Infrastructure</big>'''

<big>[[April 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

'''<big>Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression</big>'''

<big>[[May 21, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[June 18, 2026, Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[July 16, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[October 15, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[November 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[December 17, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>.

== '''📁 Past Socials With Notes''' ==

<big>[[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

<big>[[February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]</big>

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=='''Notes from Past Glitter Meetups'''==

The following are community updates from a weekly meetup we use to host, that served as a type of weekly town hall of the digital rights community. This was put on paused because of historic funding cuts the digital rights field began to face in 2025. However, we encourage you to look at the notes.
----
'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2025]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2024]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2023]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2022]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2021]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes 2020]]'''

'''[[Glitter Meetup Notes Before March 26, 2020]]'''

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-05T17:06:18Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</span></big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center>.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

Check out this year's themes, formats and what we are looking for, by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]

'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all verified and approved GG participants on March 19.

For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon so we can verify and approve your attendance.

Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering

2026-03-04T18:33:28Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__
The '''Global Gathering (GG)''' brings together digital rights defenders from around the world for three days of collaboration building, knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and rejuvenation. These are individuals working on the most pressing challenges arising at the intersection of human rights, social justice and technology.

=='''2026 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|right|frameless|370x370px]]
<big>'''The official dates of the [[Global Gathering 2026]] edition have been announced:''' '''September 4,5 and 6.'''</big>

* [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/save-the-date-global-gathering-2026 Learn about what to expect here.]
* Applications coming in mid December

.

....

=='''2025 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:GG2025.png|frameless|371x371px|right]][[Global Gathering 2025|The GG 2025 edition]] took place from September 8–10. It featured:

* A Digital Rights Sustainability Village exploring steps forward post historic funding cuts that impacted much of the digital rights ecosystem in 2025
* Regional Villages where folks were able to gather and share intelligence and best practices.
* The first ever '''[[GG 5K|Digital Rights 5K Run/Walk]]! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️'''
* Fun interactive games to defend reality against deceptive AI and deep fakes, and explore the event.
* Much more!

=='''2024 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:2024 Global Gathering Application visual.png|frameless|371x371px|right]]
The '''Global Gathering 2024''' edition was the second in-person event we hosted post-pandemic, welcoming 1,000+ participants.

* [[Global Gathering Agenda 2024|'''2024 Global Gathering landing page''']], has the historical data of the circles and booths that took place.

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 '''The 2024 Global Gathering Report'''] is a snapshot of the event, including notes from conversations that took place. Some highlights
** 755 total organizations representative of 120 countries.
** 54% women or gender non-conforming
** 51% living in Global Majority
** 358 individuals provided with visa and/or security support
** Formally reopened TCU’s Equity Fund which received 227 requests totaling 715,761.60 USD
** 16 Circles; 66 Booths, 6 Villages, 14+ self-organized meetups, and numerous satellite events
** 34+ Partners representing diverse projects and organizations

=='''2023 Global Gathering''' ==
[[File:2023 Global Gathering Main Page.png|right|frameless|374x374px|2023 Global Gathering Main Page]]
The '''Global Gathering 2023''' edition was the first in-person event we hosted post-pandemic, welcoming 550 participants.

* '''The [[Global Gathering 2023|2023 Global Gathering]] landing page''' has the historical data of the circles and booths that took place

* '''The [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit 2023 Global Gathering Report]''' is a snapshot of the event, including notes from conversations that took place. Some highlights:
** TCU had a [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/team-community-participates-in-meet-and-greet-with-portuguese-organizations-previous-the-global-gathering <u>five minute segment during Portugal’s most popular lunchtime news program.</u>]
** 332 organizations representative of 92 countries
** 57.6% of participants identified as women or GNC
** 54.3% living in the Global Majority
** 35.75% new voices, or people that have never attended a digital rights event
** 109 high risk people were supported with visa and border crossing support.
** Sample of satellite events: Vietnam Cyber Dialogues, Global Network for Digital Resilience, Feminist Funders convening

<span id="pics">pics</span>
== Global Gathering in Images ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
File:Venue1.png|link=File:Venue1.png|alt=venue
File:Venue2.png|link=File:Venue2.png|alt=venue
File:Venue3.png|link=File:Venue3.png|alt=venue
File:Venue4.png|link=File:Venue4.png|alt=venue
File:2023+GG,+OONI.jpg|link=File:2023_GG,_OONI.jpg|alt=Global Gathering 2023 OONI speakers
File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg|alt= Global Gathering 2023 participants
File:2023+GG,+Tor.jpg|link=File:2023_GG,_Tor.jpg|alt=Tor at Global Gathering 2023
File:2023 GG venue aisle with a person walking.png|link=File:2023_GG_venue_aisle_with_a_person_walking.png|alt=2023 Global Gathering venue aisle with a person walking
File:GG 2023 staff member on a swing.png|link=File:GG_2023_staff_member_on_a_swing.png|alt=GG 2023 staff member on a swing
File:GG 2023 venue and participants.png|link=File:GG_2023_venue_and_participants.png|alt=GG 2023 venue and participants
File:2023 GG board with TCU logo.png|link=File:2023_GG_board_with_TCU_logo.png|alt=Board with notes and TCU logo at Global Gathering 2023
File:2023 GG Calyx booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Calyx_booth.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 Calyx Institute's booth and speaker
File:2023 GG Greenhost booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Greenhost_booth.png|alt=Greenhost's booth at the Global Gathering 2023
File:2023 GG Sasha's booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Sasha's_booth.png|alt=SASHA's booth at the Global Gathering, the staff member is chatting with 2 other attendees
File:2023 GG Nemo's booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_Nemo's_booth.png|alt=Nemo's booth at the Global Gathering with a staff member hosting
File:GG+Team.png|link=File:GG_Team.png|alt=Global Gathering team
File:2023 Global Gathering colorful balloons.png|link=File:2023_Global_Gathering_colorful_balloons.png|alt=colorful balloons at the main area of the 2023 Global Gathering
File:GG 2023 dj attendee.png|link=File:GG_2023_dj_attendee.png|alt=GG 2023 DJ and attendee
File:2023 GG venue at night.png|link=File:2023_GG_venue_at_night.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023's venue at night
File:GG 2023 participant checking the swag corner.png|link=File:GG_2023_participant_checking_the_swag_corner.png|alt=GG 2023 participant checking the swag corner
File:2023+GG,+participant+smiling.jpg|link=File:2023_GG,_participant_smiling.jpg|alt=Global Gathering 2023 participants smiling
File:2023 GG accessibility resources.png|link=File:2023_GG_accessibility_resources.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 booth with accessibility resources
File:GG 2023 high contrast keyboard.png|link=File:GG_2023_high_contrast_keyboard.png|alt=High contrast keyboard at the GG 2023
File:GG 2023 venue at the evening.png|link=File:GG_2023_venue_at_the_evening.png|alt=GG 2023 venue at the evening
File:GG 2023 space.png|link=File:GG_2023_space.png|alt=GG 2023 space that works for public announcements
File:GG 2023 one attendee at the main aisle.png|link=File:GG_2023_one_attendee_at_the_main_aisle.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 one attendee at the main aisle
File:GG_2023_booth_to_decorate.png|alt=GG 2023 booth to decorate
File:2023 GG resting area.png|link=File:2023_GG_resting_area.png|alt=A group of people is sharing at the resting area in the 2023 Global Gathering
File:2023 GG food vendor.png|link=File:2023_GG_food_vendor.png|alt=Food vendor at the Global Gathering, the person is showing their dish
File:GG 2023 - Another food vendor with a staff member.png|link=File:GG_2023_-_Another_food_vendor_with_a_staff_member.png|alt=image shows a vendor with her booth selling food
File:GG 2023, a person trying a virtual reality device.png|link=File:GG_2023,_a_person_trying_a_virtual_reality_device.png|alt=A person trying a virtual reality headset device at the Global Gathering
File:2024 Global Gathering Bubble Station.png|link=File:2024_Global_Gathering_Bubble_Station.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023 bubble station with coloful bubble toys
File:GG 2023 participant listening.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_participant_listening.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 participant listening
File:GG 2023, venue space with trees.png|link=File:GG_2023,_venue_space_with_trees.png|alt=GG 2023, venue space with trees
File:2023 GG stickers booth.png|link=File:2023_GG_stickers_booth.png|alt=Booth with stickers and pamphlets from the Global Gathering participants
File:GG 2023 booths with colors.png|link=File:GG_2023_booths_with_colors.png|alt=GG 2023 booths with colors
File:GG 2023 group of women speaking.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_group_of_women_speaking.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 group of women speaking in a circle
File:GG 2023 speaker.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_speaker.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 speaker
File:GG 2023 brainstorming hands and postits.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_brainstorming_hands_and_postits.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 brainstorming hands and postits
File:GG 2023 three participants discussing.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_three_participants_discussing.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 three participants discussing
File:GG 2023 trees and sky.png|link=File:GG_2023_trees_and_sky.png|alt=GG 2023 trees and sky
File:GG 2023 participant walking in the main area.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_participant_walking_in_the_main_area.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 participant walking in the main area
File:GG 2023 participants laughing during social event.jpeg|link=File:GG_2023_participants_laughing_during_social_event.jpeg|alt=GG 2023 participants laughing during social event
File:2023 GG venue aisle.png|link=File:2023_GG_venue_aisle.png|alt=Global Gathering 2023's venue main aisle
File:GG 2023 group in circle talking.png|link=File:GG_2023_group_in_circle_talking.png
</gallery>

Global Gathering

2026-03-04T18:33:03Z

Sandy:

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-03T14:49:19Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</span></big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center>.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible. [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Check out this year's themes and the type of programming we are looking for.]]

<br>'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-03T14:49:00Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big><span style="color:#c71585;">'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</span></big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center>.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible. [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Check out this year's themes and the type of programming we are looking for.]]

<br>'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T16:23:21Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''What We Look For?''' ==
We look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground, and help tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels. We especially love programming that is used to advance goals, improve skills, deepen knowledge around a specific area, or help address known or emerging challenges. For this, we use Circles, Meetups, Skill-Share Workshops, and Villages.

We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others. For this we use booths, and in rare occasion, Circles.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the numerous challenges, disruptions, and state of the world, this year we have begun working on programming earlier in the year. This is because we would like to coordinate numerous folks pre-event, to strengthen the impact of activities. Formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design are unique.] They allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Share Workshops:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skill-share workshops will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
In addition to the themes listed below, areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include, to-date, spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, in addition to theme areas of autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T16:22:14Z

Sandy: /* What We Look For? */

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''What We Look For?''' ==
We look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground, and help tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels. We especially love programming that is used to advance goals, improve skills, deepen knowledge around a specific area, or help address known or emerging challenges. For this, we use Circles, Meetups, Skill-Share Workshops, and Villages.

We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others, which is why we have invested heavily in booths.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the numerous challenges, disruptions, and state of the world, this year we have begun working on programming earlier in the year. This is because we would like to coordinate numerous folks pre-event, to strengthen the impact of activities. Formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design are unique.] They allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Share Workshops:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skill-share workshops will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
In addition to the themes listed below, areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include, to-date, spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, in addition to theme areas of autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T16:16:00Z

Sandy: /* What We Look For? */

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''What We Look For?''' ==
We look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground, and help tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels.

We love programming that is used to advance goals and is done by cross-regional and/or cross-discipline coalitions. We highly value brainstorming for collective strategy design, education for skill-building, and mapping out and hands-on exercises that confront known challenges.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the numerous challenges, disruptions, and state of the world, this year we have begun working on programming earlier in the year. This is because we would like to coordinate numerous folks pre-event, to strengthen the impact of activities. Formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design are unique.] They allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Shares:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skillshares will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
In addition to the themes listed below, areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include, to-date, spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, in addition to theme areas of autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T16:13:52Z

Sandy: /* What We Look For? */

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''What We Look For?''' ==
We look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground, and help tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels.

We love when folks are collaborative and programming is used to advance goals. We love to see cross-regional, and cross-discipline coalitions. We highly value brainstorming for collective strategy design, education for skill-building, and mapping out and hands-on exercises to confront challenges.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the numerous challenges, disruptions, and state of the world, this year we have begun working on programming earlier in the year. This is because we would like to coordinate numerous folks pre-event, to strengthen the impact of activities. Formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design are unique.] They allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Shares:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skillshares will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
In addition to the themes listed below, areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include, to-date, spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, in addition to theme areas of autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T16:12:53Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''What We Look For?''' ==
We look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground, and help tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders and journalists on the local, regional, and global levels.

We love when folks are collaborative and programming is used to advance goals. We love to see cross-regional, and cross-discipline coalitions. We also highly value brainstorming for collective strategy design, education for skill-building, and mapping out exercises to confront challenges.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the numerous challenges, disruptions, and state of the world, this year we have begun working on programming earlier in the year. This is because we would like to coordinate numerous folks pre-event, to strengthen the impact of activities. Formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design are unique.] They allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Shares:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skillshares will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
In addition to the themes listed below, areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include, to-date, spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, in addition to theme areas of autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T16:01:54Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''The Format''' ==
Given the numerous challenges, disruptions, and state of the world, this year we have begun working on programming earlier in the year. This is because we would like to coordinate numerous folks pre-event, to strengthen the impact of activities. Formats this year will include:

'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Skill-Shares:''' Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skillshares will be included in the 2026 event programming.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

== '''2026 Themes''' ==
In addition to the themes listed below, areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include, to-date, spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, in addition to theme areas of autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

2026 Global Gathering Programming

2026-03-02T15:46:55Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:Ggbanner2026.png|frameless|center|2000px|alt=Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights]]
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:14px; margin:10px 0 18px 24px; background:#E9F7F3; border:3px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);">
<ul style="margin:10px 0 0 18px;">
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

==== '''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>''' ====
The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19. For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible.

== '''The Format''' ==
'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

'''Booths''' allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skillshare, or have one-to-one conversations with participants.

'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.

'''Villages:''' In some cases, we will be grouping Circles and Booths into Villages, which are community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.

'''Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skillshares will be included in the 2026 event programming.'''

== '''2026 Themes''' ==

=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
* Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
* Organizational security in low-resource environments
* Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
* Challenges and updates in security education and training
* Whistleblowing protection
* Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field

=== '''Surveillance and Censorship''' ===
* Current research and frontline insights
* Threat and/or trend discovery
* New and emerging spyware developments
* Combatting smart cities, data brokers, and other privacy intrusive tools
* Open source circumvention and encrypted communications tools, as well as protocols and effective approaches to tool use
* Emerging technological challenges and trends in digital surveillance and censorship
* Challenges and updates in security education and training

=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.

=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.
* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.
* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.
* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.
* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.
* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.

=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.
* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.

== '''Villages''' ==
We will additional host a number of villages. List to come soon!

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:45:13Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center>.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible. [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Check out this year's themes and the type of programming we are looking for.]]

<br>'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:44:32Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center>.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possible. Check out this year's themes.

<br>'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:44:04Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center>.<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.

<br>'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:43:47Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>

</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Program Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>'''

'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.

<br>'''If you are in need of a Schengen visa,''' refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:42:57Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19:</big>''' The link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.
</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:42:01Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>'''

A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.
</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:41:32Z

Sandy: /* 🍃 Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃 */

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>'''

<big>A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.</big>
</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:41:14Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <br><big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>'''<br>

<big>A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.</big>
</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:40:43Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!!'''</big> <big>'''https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>'''

<big>A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.</big>
</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:40:27Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!! https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''<big>Open call for programming starts March 19</big>'''

<big>A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.</big>
</center><div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:40:04Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!! https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''Open call for programming starts March 19'''

A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.
</center><br>

<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Global Gathering 2026

2026-03-02T15:39:51Z

Sandy:

__NOTOC__

[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|412x412px|left|thumb|
<br><center><big>'''Hosted and designed by'''<br><big>'''[https://www.digitalrights.community Team CommUNITY]'''<br></center></big><br>]]

==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|upright=0.8]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups from around the world working on the most urgent technology-related challenges affecting human rights, social justice, civil society, and journalism at the local, regional and global levels.

The gathering’s humane design, unique outdoor venue, and robust security and safety protocols have been celebrated for fostering authentic trust-building and catalyzing impactful coalitions.

<center><big>'''Applications for tickets are now open!! https://gathering.digitalrights.community/'''</big>
'''Open call for programming starts March 19'''
A link to the open call for programming will be sent to all approved GG attendees on March 19.
For this reason, make sure to apply for a ticket as soon as possibe.
</center><br>

<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#E9F7F3; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);text-align:left;">

'''<big>🌱 2026 Themes</big>'''

● Surveillance and Censorship

● Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty

● Emerging and Urgent Tech Challenges: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Shutdowns, Etc.

● Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation

● Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health

For a more detailed breakdown of these themes, please check out our [[2026 Global Gathering Programming|2026 Programming page.]]
</div>

<div style="flex:0 0 40%; min-width:0; box sizing:border-box; border:2px solid #DADADA; border-radius:10px; padding:14px; background:#FFFFFF; box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); text-align:left;">
'''<big>📌 Updates</big>''' <br>● If you are in need of a Schengen visa, refer to important support information below. We highly recommend you schedule your embassy / consulate appointment ASAP to avoid delays, even if you are not 100% sure you can attend.
</div>
</div>

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

== '''How to Apply''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:15%;" |[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|135x135px|Gt26tickteicon]] .
|
* '''Apply here:''' https://gathering.digitalrights.community/<br>

* Please familiarize yourself with the GG's '''[[Global Gathering Three Step Application and Ticketing Process|three step application and ticketing process]],''' designed to ensure the security and safety of the event
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:2px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">

'''📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend''' you apply as soon as possible, as all applications must go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. You can always cancel your attendance at a later date.This year we will <u>NOT</u> accept any applications <u>AFTER</u> the official deadline.
</div>
|}
</div>

== '''Programming''' ==
[[File:Programming2026.png|alt=Global Gathering Programming 2026|left|frameless|158x158px]]
Check out the complete list of topics we will be covering in this year's programming by visiting [[2026 Global Gathering Programming]]

We will be doing a call out for proposals soon! However, note that you must first have an approved ticket to submit a proposal.

.

== '''Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events''' ==
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg| <big>🌱</big> Did you know that participants represent over 120+ countries, with 51% of attendees living in the Global Majority, and 54% identifying as women or gender non-conforming. |thumb|397x397px]]Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

<big>'''Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026'''</big>

The GG is an event is <u>designed as a tool</u> to help organizations and networks achieve their specific goals. In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via:

🌱 '''Villages:''' Community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices. In the past, organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work, shared challenges, or regional priorities.<br><br>🌱 '''Satellite Events:''' Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings. <br><br>To learn more reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
{| style="width:99%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Find detailed information regarding:

*Obtaining a Schengen visa <u>and</u> applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.<br>
* Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants<br>
* The GG's [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''], which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG. <br>

<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 20px; background:#FFF1F1; border:2px solid #E57373; border-radius:20px;">
⭐ Even if you are not 100% sure you can attend, we highly recommend you schedule your embassy/consulate appointment '''ASAP''' to avoid delays. You can always cancel the appointment at a later date if needed.
</div>

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |

=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']], which supports travel, lodging, security, and visa assistance for individuals from at-risk communities operating in low-resourced environments who would not otherwise be able to attend the GG.

⭐ This year, you must <u>first apply and be approved</u> for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Hoteltrain.png|center|frameless|135x135px]]
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;"" |

=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled a list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates. You'll also find step-by-step directions for traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

⭐ We encourage you to explore lodging options outside of Estoril - Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and many nearby towns are just a short trip from the venue.

|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|

=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map with recommended restaurants, services and landmarks.<br><br>
* [[Navigating Portugal|'''Navigating Portugal''']] includes an overview of the country, useful terms and practical tips for getting around—such as how to order specific types of coffee—recommended day trips from Estoril, and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem.
|}
</div>

== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 1px; width: Auto; background:#E9F7F3; border:0px solid #6ED7D9; "
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Policies.png|center|frameless|131x131px|policies]]
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|-
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}

== Global Gathering Past Editions ==
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:

* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17-oTUzl81l8FVKmn9P57oeGbafd9fDTADQk8abFc4kg/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vz9pxqHZDmamgZKWkNz7kePt51cIaikgodU66a5YGWI/edit?tab=t.0 Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back]

Calendar of Events

2026-02-19T19:35:32Z

Sandy: /* MAY */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]
----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates''' ====

* May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* <nowiki>https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates</nowiki>

----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/<br>
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Calendar of Events

2026-02-19T19:34:40Z

Sandy: /* APRIL */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]
----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/
<br>
----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/<br>
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]

Calendar of Events

2026-02-19T19:34:31Z

Sandy: /* APRIL */

__NOTOC__
== Digital Rights Calendar of Events 2026 ==
Did you know you can submit your event - whether in-person or virtual - to our newsletter and web entities for promotion? [https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter Use this form!]<br>

<div style=" float: right; width: 25%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; padding: 12px; background: #E9F7F3; border: 2px solid #6ED7D9; border-radius: 6px; ">
<big>'''📣''' '''[[Global Gathering 2026| Join us for Global Gathering 2026!]]'''</big>

<big>📅 September 4, 5 and 6, 2026</big>

<big>🌍 Portugal</big>

[[File:Gathering_Defenders.png|link=File:Gathering_Defenders.png|frameless]]<br /></div>
=== '''JANUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Strategy Design Festival''' ====

* January 20, 2026
* London
* https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/

==== '''Digital Rights Social''' ====
* January 22, 2026
* Virtual on TCU's Mattermost
* [[January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social]]

==== '''Archive and Resist Conclave''' ====

* January 26-27, 2026
* Dhaka
* https://archivecon.activaterights.org

==== '''FOSDEM''' ====

* January 31-February 1, 2026
* Brussels
* https://fosdem.org/2026/

----

=== '''FEBRUARY''' ===
----

==== '''Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege''' ====

* February 5, 2026
* https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration

==== '''Digtial Rights Social: Secure Communications''' ====

* February 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC

* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]<br>
----

=== '''MARCH''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Building Autonomous Infrastructure''' ====

* March 19, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates

==== '''Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026''' ====
* March 30-31, 2026
* https://pdaf.net/about-theme
----
==== '''APRIL''' ====
----

==== '''Cables of Resistance Event''' ====

* April 10 to 12
* Berlin, Germany
* <nowiki>https://cableresist.de/</nowiki>

==== '''Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum''' ====
* April 14-16, 2026
* Abidjan, Ivory Coast
* https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/

==== '''International Journalism Festival (IJF)''' ====

* April 15-18, 2026
* Perugia, Italy
* https://www.journalismfestival.com/

=== '''Digital Rights Social / Focus: Spyware Protection and Transnational Repression''' ===

* April 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
* TCU's Mattermost
* [[Community Updates|https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates]]

----
=== '''MAY''' ===
----

==== '''UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference''' ====

* May 4–5, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* <nowiki>https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-press-freedom-day-2026-global-conference-shaping-future-peace</nowiki>

==== '''RightCon 2026''' ====
* May 5-8, 2026
* Lusaka, Zambia
* https://www.rightscon.org/
<br>
----
==== '''JUNE''' ====
----

==== '''Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)''' ====

* June 8-10, 2026
* Manila, Philippines
* https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/

==== '''Global Media Forum''' ====

* June 23-24, 2026
* Bonn Germany
* https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151

==== '''All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions''' ====

* June 25-26, 2026
* Online and on-demand
* https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions<br />
----
=== '''JULY''' ===
----

==== '''DWeb Camp''' ====

* July 8-12, 2026

* Outside of Berlin, Germany

* https://dwebcamp.org/

==== '''Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)''' ====

* July 20, 2026

* Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada

* https://foci.community/<br>
----
=== '''SEPTEMBER''' ===
----

==== '''Global Gathering''' ====
* September 4-6, 2026
* Portugal
* [https://www.digitalrights.community www.digitalrights.community]

==== '''Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica)''' ====

* Dates not yet posted, typically late Sept<br>
----
=== '''OCTOBER''' ===
----

==== '''Digital Commons: Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy''' ====

* October 8-10, 2026
* Athens, Greece
* [https://www.digicommons.org www.digicommons.org]