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<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Equity Fund]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[2026 Global Gathering Programming|Programming]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Hotels and Transportation Options]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Estoril]]</li>
<li>[[Hotels and Transportation|Transportation]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Navigating Portugal]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering 2026|Global Gathering Homepage]]</li>
<li>[[Visa and Security Support]]</li>
<li>[[Code of Conduct]]</li>
<li>[[Security Policy]]</li>
<li>[[Global Gathering Health Policy|Health Policy]]</li>
 
</ul>
</ul>
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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.


==== '''<big>Programming Proposals for the 2026 GG Are Open!!</big>''' ====
<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Need emergency support when traveling?''' You can contact Team CommUNITY’s Signal Phone Number +1 (914) 267-3035.
Only individuals who have applied and been approved to join the GG can submit proposals. If you have not applied for the GG, you can do so here: https://gathering.digitalrights.community/
 
Approved applicants will be able to submit proposals on the dashboard of the GG ticketing platform.
 
== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==
The Global Gathering’s programming is unique, using specific formats and focusing on certain themes every year. We highly encourage you to read the page below, which will help you submit a stronger proposal. '''New to 2026:''' We will be featuring a limited number of skill-share workshops!
 
At the GG we look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground and helps:
 
* Advance shared goals
* Improve skills
* Create collective knowledge
* Support the mapping out and mobilization of networks around current and emerging challenges
* Projects and individuals share their work with others.
 
== '''2026 Themes''' ==
<big>In addition to the themes listed below, this year we will be creating special topical hubs via multi-day programming, or “Villages”, focused on organizational security,  spyware, circumvention technology,  and secure communications and documentation, as well as LGBTQAI+ and regional hubs.</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
== '''Programming Formats''' ==
 
=== Booths: Flexible Spaces for Sharing, Creating and Connecting ===
Booths are hosted in the permanent kiosks found in the GG’s unique venue, reminiscent of a renaissance fair. They serve as the cornerstone of the event, offering flexible spaces for participants to share, create and connect, while dynamically engaging directly with participants to  forge trust-based relationships and discover powerful collaborations. 
 
Booth shifts last two hours. We highly recommend you decorate your booth in a fun and creative way and bring your computer or devices if you want to showcase virtual materials. Electrical outlets are available in each booth. More information about booth sizing and amenities is available [[Global Gathering Booths|'''here''']]. You can see a sample of booth pictures [[Global Gathering#pics|here:]]
 
'''There are many ways you can use Booths, including:'''
* '''Showcase your project or organization''' and connect with attendees through conversation, materials, and Q&A.
* '''Run a tool demo''', allowing participants to try out your project firsthand.
* '''Host a game or activity''', especially one with an educational or awareness-raising goal.
* '''Host a community space inside your booth,''' creating a hub for individuals from a particular network to collaborate, share, and network.
* '''Offer a service,''' such as digital security support or UX consultations.
* '''Curate an exhibit''' that creatively showcases your work at the intersection of digital and human rights.
* '''Share research or published work''' with participants and answer their questions.
* '''Host a mini-workshop''' that allows attendees to engage with your team and learn something new.  


=== Circles: Collaborative Discussions Rooted in Action ===
<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Questions about the event?''' Email us at gather@digitalrights.community if you have questions.<br>
Circles are 45-minute collaborative discussions facilitated by you. Rooted in action, they can take the form of strategic discussions, action-planning around common challenges, or knowledge exchange around a specific area.  They  should reflect collective interest, not just individual ideas.  


We prioritize Circles that address urgent needs, reflect GG themes, will be of interest to the largest percentage of participants, and have multiple collaborators and/or stakeholders involved.  
<br>
'''<big>Global Gathering 2026 Programming at a Glance</big>'''
{| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;"
|+
|-
! style="width: 10%;" |'''<big>Sept. 3</big>'''
! style="width: 10%;" |Times
!'''<big>Sept. 4</big>'''
!'''<big>Sept. 5</big>'''
!'''<big>Sept 6</big>'''
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background: #5BE6EF;" |Pre-Registration is from
'''16:00 - 20:00'''
!'''9:00 - 12:00'''
| style="background: #8EE6C0; height: 10%;" |'''[[September 4 2026 Agenda|Satellite Events and Workshops]]'''
| style="background: #8EE6C0; height: 10%;" |'''[[September 5 2026 Agenda|Satellite Events and Workshops]]'''
| style="background: #8EE6C0; height: 10%;" |'''[[September 6 2026 Agenda|Satellite Events and Workshops]]'''
|-
!'''9:00 - 12:00'''
| style="background: #FFD6CD; vertical-align: top;" |'''Wellbeing Morning Activities'''
[[Catalyst Coaching Group]] [[Catalyst Coaching Group|🪴]]
| style="background: #FFD6CD; vertical-align: top;" |'''Wellbeing Morning Activities'''
[[Sound Bath Grounding]] 🌿
| style="background: #FFD6CD; vertical-align: top;" |'''Wellbeing Morning Activities'''
[[GG 5K|GG 5K Run / Walk]] <big>🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️</big>
|-
!'''12:00 - 13:00'''
| style="background: #FFF9C4; width: 25%; vertical-align: top;" | '''[[September 4 2026 Agenda|Regional Meetups]]'''
| style="background: #FFF9C4; width: 25%; vertical-align: top;" |'''[[September 5 2026 Agenda|Networking Hour and Featured Meetups]]'''
| style="background: #FFF9C4; width: 25%; vertical-align: top;" |'''[[September 6 2026 Agenda|Networking Hour and Featured Meetups]]'''
|-
!'''13:00 - 18:00'''
| style="background: #c0e590;" |'''[[September 4 2026 Agenda#Circles, Villages and Offsite Meetups|Circles, Villages, and Booths]]'''
| style="background: #c0e590;" |'''[[September 5 2026 Agenda#Circles, Villages and Offsite Meetups|Circles, Villages, and Booths]]'''
| style="background: #c0e590;" |'''[[September 6 2026 Agenda#Circles, Villages and Offsite Meetups|Circles, Villages, and Booths]]'''
|-
!'''18:00 - 21:00'''
| style="background: #ffa3e8; vertical-align: top;" |[[September 4 2026 Agenda#drag|The Digital Rights Drag Show & DJ Boom Boom Boom]]
| style="background: #ffa3e8; vertical-align: top;" |[[September 5 2026 Agenda#karaoke|The Calyx Karaoke Extravaganza]]
| style="background: #ffa3e8; vertical-align: top;" |[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_6_2026_Agenda#September_6_Global_Gathering_After_Hours_|_18:00_-_21:00 Closing Party! with DJ Manez!]
|}


'''Note:''' Circles are not the right space for one-way presentations or demos; they should be collaborative discussions that engage participants. If you would like to demo or showcase a project, organization, or research, consider hosting a booth.
== <big style="text-shadow:#5BE6EF 0.1em 0.1em 1.5em,#01EE796D -0.1em -0.1em 1.5em;">Detailed Agenda by Day</big> ==
{| style="width:100%"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! style="background-color:#fde68a; padding: 30px" |<big>[[September 4 2026 Agenda|September 4]]</big>
|
! style="background-color:#c0e590; padding: 30px" | <big>[[September 5 2026 Agenda|September 5]]</big>
|
! style="background-color:#5BE6EF; padding: 30px" |<big>[[September 6 2026 Agenda|September 6]]</big>
|}


'''Pro-Tip:''' Prior to the event, we will provide a virtual community space on our Mattermost for networking. This is a great place to find co-faciliators for your proposal OR invite folks to your Circle, if it is accepted.  
== Updates ==


=== Skill-Share Workshops: Strengthening Capacity ===
<div class="responsive-image">
Skill-share Workshops improve capacity by leveling up participants’ skills or deepening their knowledge. Workshops can last from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and can be directed to novices or seasoned experts. Workshops should be focused on skill-building in a particular area and should not centered around one specific tool or project. This year we will be scheduling workshops both in the mornings, before the start of the event, and during the event itself.  
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|right|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|345x345px]]


'''Note:''' The Global Gathering venue is low-tech and workshops must be delivered without the use of projectors or screens, however large notepads will be provided.  
* [[Offsite Meetups 2026|'''We are now starting to update the Offsite Meetups page.''' Check out the directions on how to add a meetup.]]<br><br>
* '''Most morning workshops are at at capacity!''' However, we are still accepting RSVPs for the [https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/desayuno_latino_americano Latin American Breakfast.]<br><br>
* '''The [https://docs.google.com/document/d/12hT-Ho6M495b5Ld2_6kAtwDWS17g-sZI/edit 2026 Travel and Safety Guide]''' has physical and digital security advice for participants.<br><br>
* '''If you wish to report a code of conduct violation,''' you can report on the following Signal number: +1 (347) 646-0379 or by emailing [email protected].<br><br>
* '''If you are having a medical emergency,''' you can call 112 or go directly to the nearest hospital. [https://www2.gov.pt/en-GB/cidadaos-europeus-viajar-viver-e-fazer-negocios-em-portugal/cuidados-de-saude-em-portugal/contactos-de-emergencia-em-portugal Check out this list of Hospitals in Portugal.]
** Note that Portugal also has a Healthline (known as SNS 24) that can be used to obtain general medical advice regarding minor issues - call them at +351 808 24 24 24. If you are calling and experience connectivity issues, you can also [https://www.sns24.gov.pt/ visit sns24.gov.pt] for online services or to access support via the MySNS app. <br><br>
* '''Before you arrive in Portugal''' review the  [https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy Security Policy], [https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct Code of Conduct,] and [[Global Gathering Health Policy|Health Policy]].<br><br></div>


=== Meetups: Building Trust ===
== Tools & Resources ==
'''Meetups''' bring together folks who have a shared interest, demographic, or work area to network and build trust in a more relaxed environment. While Circles are about discussing issues, Meetups are about connecting humans and learning about each other.
<div class="responsive-image">[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|230x230px]]</div>
<big>'''📌'''</big> '''Checkout our [[Hotels and Transportation|hotels and transportation options]]''' guide, which covers traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.


We are currently only accepting proposals for meetups that are focused on specific digital rights themes or profiles that will attract a large number of participants OR off-site meetups that are more complex to plan and require TCU support. You will have ample opportunity while physically in Portugal to propose smaller, off-site meetups. Directions will be provided in the month prior to the event. We have very limited space for meetups in the venue, and may recommend a nearby location.  
<big>'''📌'''</big> Our '''[[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.


'''Examples:'''
<big>'''📌'''</big> The '''[[Navigating Portugal]]''' guide has 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.


* '''Work-Themed Meetups:''' Spyware Researchers, System Administrators Getting Off Big Tech, Security Specialists in Journalism
== Partners ==
* '''Large-Scale Events or Activities Open to All Participants:'''  5K walk or run on boardwalk, picnic at a nearby beach, after-hours fundraiser at a nearby restaurant, game night at a local cafe, surfing get together, regional dinner.
<gallery mode="nolines" widths="150" heights="100">
File:Calyx logo26.png|link=https://calyxinstitute.org/
File:Faulac logo26.png|link=https://es.faulac.org/
File:Apc logo26.png|link=https://www.apc.org
File:Numun logo26.png|link=https://numun.fund/
File:Greenhost_logo26.png|link=https://greenhost.net/
File:Access logo26.png|link=https://www.accessnow.org/
File:Amnesty logo26.png|link=https://www.amnesty.org/en/tech/
File:Tor logo26.png|link=https://www.torproject.org/
File:Resident_logo26.png|link=https://resident.ngo/
File:Guardian_logo26.png|link=https://guardianproject.info/
File:Air_logo26.png|link=https://air.ms/
File:Ok_logo26.png|link=https://okthanks.com/
File:Drf_logo26.png|link=https://digitalrightsfoundation.pk/
File:Otf_logo26.png|link=http://www.opentech.fund/
File:DdP_logo26.png|link=https://www.digitaldefenders.org/
File:Eff_logo26.png|link=https://www.eff.org/
File:Luminate_logo26.png|link=https://luminategroup.com/en
File:Ford logo26.png|link=https://www.fordfoundation.org/
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 00:01, 29 August 2026


Gathering defenders at the intersection of technology and rights

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.

📌 Need emergency support when traveling? You can contact Team CommUNITY’s Signal Phone Number +1 (914) 267-3035.

📌 Questions about the event? Email us at [email protected] if you have questions.


Global Gathering 2026 Programming at a Glance

Sept. 3 Times Sept. 4 Sept. 5 Sept 6
Pre-Registration is from

16:00 - 20:00

9:00 - 12:00 Satellite Events and Workshops Satellite Events and Workshops Satellite Events and Workshops
9:00 - 12:00 Wellbeing Morning Activities

Catalyst Coaching Group 🪴

Wellbeing Morning Activities

Sound Bath Grounding 🌿

Wellbeing Morning Activities

GG 5K Run / Walk 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

12:00 - 13:00 Regional Meetups Networking Hour and Featured Meetups Networking Hour and Featured Meetups
13:00 - 18:00 Circles, Villages, and Booths Circles, Villages, and Booths Circles, Villages, and Booths
18:00 - 21:00 The Digital Rights Drag Show & DJ Boom Boom Boom The Calyx Karaoke Extravaganza Closing Party! with DJ Manez!

Detailed Agenda by Day

September 4 September 5 September 6

Updates

🌱 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

Tools & Resources

📌 Checkout our hotels and transportation options guide, which covers traveling to Estoril from multiple locations, including the airport.

📌 Our 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.

📌 The Navigating Portugal guide has 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.

Partners

Retrieved from "https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=2026_Global_Gathering_Programming&oldid=56906"