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 GG's three step application and ticketing process, which we follow to ensure the security and safety of the event.
Global Gathering Program
This year, we are going back to our roots, embracing a self-organized model to ensure conversations are driven by participants’ most pressing needs and challenges. Programming activities include: link=https://wiki.digitalrights.community/File:Black_2025_GG_Icon_Circles.png|left|frameless|154x154px
Meetups & Circles
While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to coordinate self-organized “Circles” or collaborative discussions.
Applications for Circles will open in August, stay tuned!
Booths
Booths will be hosted in the numerous permanent structures available at the venue. Booths are great for showcasing work, demoing a tool, running a skillshare, or having one-to-one conversations with participants.
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Villages and Private Events
Partners will be provided with space to host their own public and/or private events via more robust Village areas. If you are interested in this option, please reach out to us as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, we will be working with trusted community nodes to coordinate regional villages, where participants can host more locally-focused discussions.
link=https://wiki.digitalrights.community/File:Black_Blue_2025_GG_Icon_Travel_Security.png|left|frameless|88x88px|Travel and Safety Advice Guide 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! link=https://wiki.digitalrights.community/File:Black_Blue_2025_GG_Icon_Plan_your_trip.png|left|frameless|88x88px Planning Your Trip
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. link=https://wiki.digitalrights.community/File:Black_2025_GG_Icon_Navigating_Estoril.png|left|frameless|88x88px
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
link=https://wiki.digitalrights.community/File:2025_Black_Visa_and_Equity_Fund_Support.png|right|frameless|143x143px Visa Support
The 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
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:
