Global Gathering 2025
Welcome to the 2025 Global Gathering!
When: September 8 - 10, 2025
Where: Estoril, Portugal
The 2025 iteration of the Global Gathering (GG) will bring together diverse individuals from 144+ countries for three days of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking. The event focuses on issues related to digital rights, online security for civil society, and other challenges at the intersection of human rights and technology.
The idyllic outdoor venue in Estoril, Portugal provides participants with the ambience and space to rejuvenate, and the event’s celebrated safety and security measures allow for authentic trust-building across regions and disciplines.
Please note that in response to current funding freezes, this year we are changing the format to provide organizations and networks with more space to host their own public and private events. If you are interested in learning more, please email gather@digitalrights.community
Global Gathering Platform
Head over to the Global Gathering Platform where you will be able to:
- Apply to join the 2025 Global Gathering
- View your Global Gathering application status
- Update your Global Gathering application
Global Gathering Overview
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:
- 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. Note: Instructions will be shared after participants have been verified and accepted.
- 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 gather@digitalrights.community. Additionally, we will be working with trusted community nodes to coordinate regional villages, where participants can host more locally-focused discussions.
- Booths
Projects will have the opportunity to host a booth in one of 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.
More details about how to submit Booth proposals and Self-Organized Circles will be shared soon!
Partners and Satellite Events
Consider becoming a partner for the 2025 Global Gathering! Receive a myriad of benefits from hosting a Village or a private event to free tickets for approved colleagues to a guaranteed booth to showcase your organization! Funds collected from partnerships will support our Equity Fund. Reach out to us to learn what services and support we can provide. Email gather@digitalrights.community.
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.
Navigating Estoril
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.
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
Community, Security & Health Policies
Stay tuned! All of our community and security policies will be updated for 2025.
Global Gathering Past Editions
To learn more about the Global Gathering, take a look at:
