Global Gathering 2026
Welcome to the 2026 Global Gathering!
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.
Examples of issues participants work on: 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; and climate and tech, among others.
Global Gathering Application and Ticketing Platform
- The Global Gathering Platform will be open in Mid-December.
- Please familiarize yourself with the GG's three step application and ticketing process, which we follow to ensure the security and safety of the event.
Global Gathering Program
Planning your Trip: Visa Support & Lodging
We offer customized support for participants that need to obtain a Schengen visa for Portugal. Please review Visa Support page that have detailed information regarding:
- Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portuga
- Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
- Ongoing support TCU can offer during your visa process
Not 100% sure you can attend? We highly recommend that you both apply for a TCU ticket (once the application opens in mid-December) and schedule your appointment with your local embassy/consulate as soon as possible. You can always cancel your GG ticket and/or Embassy/Consulate appointment. This is because embassies/consulates are facing a backlog.
Not 100% sure you can attend? Please apply anyway - you can always cancel your attendance. 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.
Visa Support page has all the information you need regarding:
- Obtaining a Schengen visa for Portugal
- Applying for ETIAS Travel Authorization
- Ongoing support TCU can offer during your visa process
Learn about recommended hotels in the area, how you can get to Estoril from the airport, as well as hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare information.
Review the 2025 Travel and Safety Advice
We have compiled a great document with travel, safety and security advice to ensure you are safe and secure before, during, and after your participation in 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!
We have compiled a list of day trips you can take from Estoril, a list of ATMs and Banks near the venue, general information about public transportation, and some Portuguese language tips, including how to order coffee!
Visa and Equity Fund Support
Equity Fund Support
Due to the ongoing impact of the foreign aid freeze, Team CommUNITY will not have an open application process for travel support. This is to ensure that critical visa, security, and well-being support remain available for 2025 event attendees. We remain committed to helping all participants explore alternative funding options.
Community, Security & Health Policies
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2025. link=https://wiki.digitalrights.community/File:Black_2025_GG_Icon_Health.png|left|frameless|167x167px
| Code of Conduct |
| Security Policy |
| COVID Policy |
Partners and Satellite Events
Consider becoming a partner for the 2025 Global Gathering! Benefits range from free tickets, to space to host your own private or public event, or booths to showcase your organization! Reach out to us to learn what services and support we can provide. Email [email protected].
Global Gathering Past Editions
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:
