Global Gathering 2026

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.

Application and Ticketing Platform

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Please familiarize yourself with the GG's three step application and ticketing process, designed to ensure the security and safety of the event. The Global Gathering Platform will be open in mid-December. 📣 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. This is because 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 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.

Expanded Opportunities for Partners in 2026

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)

🛰️ 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).

Contact Us: 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.

Planning your Trip

	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 Make sure to checkout our Travel and Safety Guide 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 need be.
	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 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.
	Hotels and Transportation We have compiled a complete list of hotels and transportation options, including cost estimates.
	Navigating Estoril and Portugal Guides Our Navigating Estoril guide has a list of pharmacies, hospitals, ATMs and banks near the venue, as well as an interactive map. Our Navigating Portugal guide features terms to order coffee; recommended day trips; 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:

• Global Gathering 2024 Report-Back
• Global Gathering 2023 Report-Back