RightsCon 2026 + UNESCO: World Press Freedom Day in Lusaka, Zambia
January 19, 2026 • Partnerships • 3 min read
RightsCon 2026 + UNESCO: World Press Freedom Day in Lusaka, Zambia
January 19, 2026 • Partnerships • 3 min read
Nikki Gladstone
RightsCon Director
We’re pleased to announce an exciting collaboration between RightsCon and UNESCO for World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, which will take place in Lusaka, Zambia from May 4–5, followed by RightsCon 2026 from May 5–8.
This partnership opens the door for deeper connections between the digital rights community and those working on press freedom, journalism, and freedom of expression. As technology continues to shape how information is produced, shared, and controlled, the challenges facing our two communities are increasingly interconnected. Bringing these conversations together will allow for richer exchanges, new ways of coordination, and a more holistic approach to protecting press freedom in the digital age.
We see this collaboration as especially important in a moment when press freedom, civic space, and fundamental rights are under increasing pressure worldwide. Journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations are navigating growing risks amid geopolitical instability, conflict, and the rapid transformation of digital environments. UNESCO’s leadership on WPFD, alongside RightsCon’s longstanding commitment to multistakeholder dialogue, reflects a shared belief in the importance of an open, free, and rights-respecting digital future.
“This collaboration with UNESCO is a symbol of what RightsCon is all about: the power of multistakeholderism to broaden conversations, connect with intention, and open new opportunities through a shared collective goal. I look forward to seeing both communities come together in Zambia and the possibilities this partnership will create.”
— Nikki Gladstone, RightsCon Director
While RightsCon and WPFD will have a distinct registration process, you can expect more details about programming, participation, and opportunities to engage across both events in the coming weeks. In the meantime, registration for RightsCon 2026 (May 5–8, Lusaka, Zambia and online) is open, with early bird tickets available until February 20.
If you want to stay up to date on the RightsCon 2026 program, alternative ways to engage such as the Community Village applications, speaker and session announcements, and more, sign up for our newsletter, the RightsCon Rundown.
Read the latest from RightsCon
We’re pleased to announce an exciting collaboration between RightsCon and UNESCO for World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, which will take place in Lusaka, Zambia from May 4–5, followed by RightsCon 2026 from May 5–8.
This partnership opens the door for deeper connections between the digital rights community and those working on press freedom, journalism, and freedom of expression. As technology continues to shape how information is produced, shared, and controlled, the challenges facing our two communities are increasingly interconnected. Bringing these conversations together will allow for richer exchanges, new ways of coordination, and a more holistic approach to protecting press freedom in the digital age.
We see this collaboration as especially important in a moment when press freedom, civic space, and fundamental rights are under increasing pressure worldwide. Journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations are navigating growing risks amid geopolitical instability, conflict, and the rapid transformation of digital environments. UNESCO’s leadership on WPFD, alongside RightsCon’s longstanding commitment to multistakeholder dialogue, reflects a shared belief in the importance of an open, free, and rights-respecting digital future.
“This collaboration with UNESCO is a symbol of what RightsCon is all about: the power of multistakeholderism to broaden conversations, connect with intention, and open new opportunities through a shared collective goal. I look forward to seeing both communities come together in Zambia and the possibilities this partnership will create.”
Nikki Gladstone, RightsCon Director
While RightsCon and WPFD will have a distinct registration process, you can expect more details about programming, participation, and opportunities to engage across both events in the coming weeks. In the meantime, registration for RightsCon 2026 (May 5–8, Lusaka, Zambia and online) is open, with early bird tickets available until February 20.
If you want to stay up to date on the RightsCon 2026 program, alternative ways to engage such as the Community Village applications, speaker and session announcements, and more, sign up for our newsletter, the RightsCon Rundown.