Global Gathering 2026: Difference between revisions

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


In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for TCU Partners via <br><br>🌱 '''Villages''' (community-led hubs focused on specific themes, regions or areas of practices) and<br><br>🌱 '''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). <br><br>'''Contact Us:''' To learn more about these and other Partner opportunities, please reach out to us at gather@digitalrights.community as soon as possible to ensure we can provide you with the best possible support.
In 2026, we are expanding opportunities for GG Partners via <br><br>🌱 '''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 about these and other opportunities, please reach out to us at team@digitalrights.community —we’re happy to explore how we can best support your participation and help you achieve your goals.  


== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
== '''<big>Planning your Trip</big>''' ==
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=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
=== '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' ===
Please review our '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' page which has detailed information regarding:
Our '''[[Visa and Security Support]]''' has detailed information regarding:


*👉 Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portugal
*👉 Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portugal
* 👉 Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
* 👉 Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
* 👉 Ongoing support TCU can offer during your visa process
* 👉 Ongoing and customized visa and security support we can offer you to ensure your safe participation.
* 👉 How to obtain customized security support from our Visa Support Staff
* 👉 Contact information of our Visa and Security Team


Make sure to checkout our [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.<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:3px solid #FFD203; border-radius:20px;">
<div style="max-width:100%; padding:15px; margin:10px 0; background:#FFF4CC; border:3px solid #FFD203; 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 need be.
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>
</div>Make sure to checkout our [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.


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=== '''[[Equity Fund]]''' ===
=== '''[[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 or operating in low-resourced environments, who would not be able to attend otherwise. This year, you must first apply for the GG. Once your application is approve, you will be sent the Equity Fund application.  
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 be able to attend the GG otherwise. This year, you must <u>first</u> apply and be approved for the GG. Once this step is complete, you will receive a seperate application for the Equity Fund.  


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=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
=== '''[[Hotels and Transportation]]''' ===
We have compiled [[Hotels and Transportation|'''a complete list of hotels and transportation options''']], including cost estimates.
We have compiled [[Hotels and Transportation|'''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.  


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=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
=== '''Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides''' ===
* Our [[Navigating Estoril|'''Navigating Estoril''']] guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map.
* [[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.
* Our [[Navigating Portugal: Culture, Useful Phrases, Day Trips, and the Digital Rights Ecosystem|'''Navigating Portugal''']] guide features terms to order coffee; recommended day trips; and an overview of the digital rights ecosystem..
* [[Navigating Portugal: Culture, Useful Phrases, Day Trips, and the Digital Rights Ecosystem|'''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.
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Revision as of 22:56, 14 December 2025



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.

🍃 Welcome to the Global Gathering 2026 🍃

When: September 4, 5, and 6, 2026

Where: Estoril, Portugal

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.

The event is hosted and designed by Team CommUNITY.

How to Apply

global gathering ticketing platform
Gt26tickteicon

📣 Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend you apply as soon as possible, as you can always cancel your attendance at a later date. All applications go through a rigorous vetting and review process for security reasons. 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, and support one of the largest global gatherings of defenders working at the intersection of technology and tech. Your support goes directly to areas like our Equity Fund, and the safety and security of the event. Additionally, the GG is designed as a community tool to help you achieve your specific goals.

Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026

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 about these and other opportunities, please reach out to us at [email protected] —we’re happy to explore how we can best support your participation and help you achieve your goals.

Planning your Trip


Visa and Security Support

Our Visa and Security Support has detailed information regarding:

  • 👉 Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portugal
  • 👉 Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
  • 👉 Ongoing and customized visa and security support we can offer you to ensure your safe participation.
  • 👉 Contact information of our Visa and Security Team

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.

Make sure to checkout our Travel and Safety Guide to ensure your protection before, during, and after your participation in the GG.

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 be able to attend the GG otherwise. This year, you must first apply and be approved for the GG. Once this step is complete, you will receive a seperate 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.

Code of Conduct
Security Policy
COVID Policy

Global Gathering Past Editions

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