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__NOTOC__
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[[File:WikiGG26Hero.png|433x433px|left|thumb|
[[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>]]


<br><big>'''Examples of issues participants work on:'''</big> <br><br>🌱 <big>Holistic digital security and protection of civil society;<br><br>🌱 Counteracting online censorship and surveillance;<br><br>🌱 Community-focused approaches to issues like AI, disinformation, internet policy and governance, climate and tech, among others.</big>
==== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ====
<big>'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026</big>
 
<big>'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal</big>  
[[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. <br>


=== <big><span>🍃 '''Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃'''</span></big> ===
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
<big>'''When:''' September 4, 5, and 6, 2026</big>


<big>'''Where:''' Estoril, Portugal</big>
<div style="display:flex; justify-content:flex-start; gap:5%; flex-wrap:nowrap;">
[[File:Gathering Defenders.png|right|frameless|232x232px]]
The Global Gathering brings together groups throughout 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.
<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;">
== '''Application and Ticketing Platform ''' ==
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:10px; margin:10px; background:#FFF9C4; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:6px;">
''Not 100% sure you can attend? Please apply anyway as you can always cancel your attendance at a later date. We '''highly recommend''' that you apply as soon as possible, as applications go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. This year we will '''NOT''' accept any applications '''AFTER''' the official deadline.''
</div>[[File:Gt26tickteicon.png|alt=global gathering ticketing platform|left|frameless|161x161px|Gt26tickteicon]]
* 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.
<u>The Global Gathering Platform will be open in Mid-December</u>.


'''<big>🌱 Participants work on issues such as:</big>'''<br><br>
● Holistic digital security and protection of civil society;<br>
● Counteracting online censorship and surveillance;<br>
● Community-focused approaches to issues like AI, disinformation, internet policy and governance, climate and tech, among others.
</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><br>
● Applications will open this week. This year we will <u>not</u> accept any applications <u>after</u> the official deadline. 


== '''Partners and Satellite Events''' ==
● 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. 
[[File:Participants+at+the+GG.jpg|link=File:Participants_at_the_GG.jpg|<big>Did you know that participants represent</big> <big>over 120+ countries, with 51% of</big> <big>attendees</big> <big>living in</big> <big>the</big> <big>Global Majority, and</big> <big>54% identify</big><big>ing</big> <big>as women or gender non-conforming.</big>
</div>
</div>


|thumb|514x514px]]
<div style="clear:both;"></div>
Consider becoming a partner for the Global Gathering 2026, and support one of the largest gatherings in the world of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech. Your support goes directly to support our Equity Fund, and the safety and security of the event.


<big>'''New to 2026: Expanded Opportunities for Villages and Satellite Events'''</big>
== '''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]] .
|
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;">


To ensure that the GG is a more effective tool in 2026, we are expanding opportunities for TCU Partners via '''Villages''' (community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices) and '''Satellite Events''' (private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during or after the GG, such as private workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and more).
'''📣 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>


To learn more about these and other TCU Partner opportunities, please reach out to us at [email protected] as soon as possible to ensure we can provide you with the best possible support.  
== '''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 [email protected] —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.


== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
[[File:Visa26.png|left|frameless|162x162px]]
<div style="overflow-x:auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;">
<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:10px; margin:10px; background:#FFF9C4; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:6px;">
{| style="width:99%;"
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 need be.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
</div>  
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; width:15%;" | <br>[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
=== '''Visa and Security Support''' ===
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; padding:10px;" |
Please review our  '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' page which has detailed information regarding:  


*👉 Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portugal
=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
*👉 Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
Find detailed information regarding:
* 👉 Ongoing support TCU can offer during your visa process
* 👉 How to obtain customized security support from our Visa Support Staff
Please review our thorough [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''] to ensure your protection before, during, and after your participation in the GG. Included is a great checklist of items to bring, contact numbers of both TCU team and Portuguese entities to have on hand, and much more!
----
[[File:Equityfund26.png|left|frameless|162x162px]]


=== '''Equity Fund''' ===
*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>
We will be re-opening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']]. Stay tuned for details.              
* 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;">
[[File:Hotel and transportation.png|left|frameless|162x162px]]
⭐ 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>


=== '''Hotels and Transportation''' ===
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
We have compiled [[Hotels and Transportation|'''a complete list of hotels and transportation options''']], including cost estimates. The venue is only a 10 minute walk from the Estoril train station, and Portugal has incredible public transportation, meaning lodging in nearby towns (and even Lisbon itself) is possible.   
| 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]]''' ===
[[File:Rooster.png|left|frameless|163x163px|rooster]]
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. 


=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
⭐ 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.⭐


* Our [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map, created by the TCU staff, with landmarks, restaurants (including vegan options), printers, and much more!
|- 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;"" |


Our [[Navigating Portugal: Culture, Useful Phrases, Day Trips, and the Digital Rights Ecosystem|'''Navigating Portugal''']] guide features terms to order coffee; recommended day trips from Estoril; an overview of the digital rights ecosystem in the country, and more!
=== '''[[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. 


== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
⭐ 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.  
'''Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026'''
[[File:2025 Black Health Policies.png|left|frameless|161x161px]]
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 0px; width: Auto; background-color:#5BE6EF;"
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 0px; width: Auto; background-color:#5BE6EF;"
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="border:none;style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 0px; width: Auto; background-color:#5BE6EF;"
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}


== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
{|
| style="width:180px;" | <br>[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|135x135px|center]]
|[[File:Visa26.png|frameless|162x162px|center]]
| style="padding:10px;"|
|<div style="float:right; width:400px; padding:10px; margin:10px; background:#FFF9C4; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:6px;">
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 need be.
</div>
=== '''Visa and Security Support''' ===
Please review our  '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' page which has detailed information regarding:   


*👉 Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portugal
*👉 Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
* 👉 Ongoing support TCU can offer during your visa process
* 👉 How to obtain customized security support from our Visa Support Staff
Please review our thorough [https://docs.google.com/document/d/193lcTfl7OYkEGTwB7Of-A2LLgfRvz0nr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104123226664325204942&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Travel and Safety Guide'''] to ensure your protection before, during, and after your participation in the GG. Included is a great checklist of items to bring, contact numbers of both TCU team and Portuguese entities to have on hand, and much more!
|-
|[[File:Equityfund26.png|frameless|162x162px|center]]
|
=== '''Equity Fund''' ===
We will be reopening the [[Equity Fund|'''Equity Fund in 2026''']]. Stay tuned for details.             
|-
|[[File:Hotel and transportation.png|frameless|162x162px|center]]
|
=== '''Hotels and Transportation''' ===
We have compiled [[Hotels and Transportation|'''a complete list of hotels and transportation options''']], including cost estimates. The venue is only a 10 minute walk from the Estoril train station, and Portugal has incredible public transportation, meaning lodging in nearby towns (and even Lisbon itself) is possible.   
|-
|[[File:Rooster.png|frameless|163x163px|rooster|center]]
|
=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
=== '''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>


* Our [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map, created by the TCU staff, with landmarks, restaurants (including vegan options), printers, and much more!
== '''Community, Security & Health Policies''' ==
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.


* Our [[Navigating Portugal: Culture, Useful Phrases, Day Trips, and the Digital Rights Ecosystem|'''Navigating Portugal''']] guide features terms to order coffee; recommended day trips from Estoril; an overview of the digital rights ecosystem in the country, and more!
{| 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>''']
|-
|-
|[[File:2025 Black Health Policies.png|frameless|161x161px|center]]
|
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 0px; width: Auto; background-color:#5BE6EF;"
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Code_of_Conduct '''<big>Code of Conduct</big>''']
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: 0px; width: Auto; background-color:#5BE6EF;"
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Security_Policy '''<big>Security Policy</big>''']
|}
|-
{| class="wikitable" style="border:none;style=" margin-right: Auto; margin-left: 0px; width: background-color:#5BE6EF;"
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|[https://wiki.digitalrights.community/Global_Gathering_COVID-19_Policy '''<big>COVID Policy</big>''']
|}
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 16:27, 16 December 2025



Hosted and designed by
Team CommUNITY

🍃 Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃

When: September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

Where: Estoril, Portugal

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.

🌱 Participants work on issues such as:

● Holistic digital security and protection of civil society;
● Counteracting online censorship and surveillance;
● Community-focused approaches to issues like AI, disinformation, internet policy and governance, climate and tech, among others.

📌 Updates

● Applications will open this week. This year we will not accept any applications after the official deadline.

● 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.

How to Apply

global gathering ticketing platform
Gt26tickteicon
.

Please familiarize yourself with the GG's three step application and ticketing process, designed to ensure the security and safety of the event

📣 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 NOT accept any applications AFTER the official deadline.

Partners, Villages, & Satellite Events

🌱 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.

Consider becoming a partner to one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech.

Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026

The GG is an event is designed as a tool 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.

🌱 Satellite Events: Private or public gatherings hosted by partners before, during, or after the GG, including workshops, stakeholder meetups, team retreats, and other convenings.

To learn more reach out to us at [email protected] —we’re happy to help you brainstorm on how to best achieve your goals.

Planning your Trip

Visa and Security Support

Find detailed information regarding:

  • Obtaining a Schengen visa and applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization, which will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.
  • Customized, ongoing visa and security support available to participants
  • The GG's Travel and Safety Guide, which provides practical security guidance to ensure your protection before, during and after your participation in the GG.

⭐ 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.


Equity Fund

We will be reopening the 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 first apply and be approved for the GG. Once approved, you will receive a separate application for the Equity Fund.⭐


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.


Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides

  • 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.

  • 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.

Community, Security & Health Policies

Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2026.

policies
policies
 Code of Conduct
Security Policy
COVID Policy

Global Gathering Past Editions

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

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