From Baghdad to Katowice: Sharing and Learning at #Wikimania2024

From August 7th to 10th, I had the privilege of attending the 19th annual Wikimedia movement conference, #Wikimania2024, held in Katowice, Poland. The event was organized by the Wikimedians of the Central and Eastern European Region (CEE) and took place at the Katowice International Conference Center.

This was my second time participating in Wikimania, and it’s always a rewarding experience to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries who share a commitment to expanding and supporting free knowledge on the Internet.

My Participation: Sessions, Meetups, and Discussions

During Wikimania2024, I worked with my friend Donia Aldomiaty to present a session titled “Older vs. Younger Generations: How the Generation Gap Can Affect Work on Wikimedia Projects.” In our presentation, we shared statistics and insights from a survey we conducted within the wiki community, addressing generational gaps and how to better understand and navigate them to create a more inclusive volunteer environment.

I also took part in a panel discussion about the challenges faced by user groups within the Wikimedia movement “Gap years that challenges force the user groups to experience them. (A panel with cases and discussions)“, particularly focusing on the experience of the Iraqi user group and how we overcame a period of inactivity.

In addition to these sessions, I attended meetups where I engaged in meaningful discussions with youth in the movement, exploring the effects and challenges faced by Generation Z.

Another meetup brought together representatives from the Arabic community in the MENA region, where we emphasized the importance of collaboration and increasing representation within the Wikimedia movement.

Wikidata was another focal point of my participation, as I attended sessions on the “Wikidata WikiProject Research Expedition” and the “Wikidata Community in the Middle East and Africa“.

These discussions are crucial for exploring, sharing, and exchanging ideas among groups with shared interests, whether by age, language, or other commonalities.

Cultural Exchange: Discovering Poland!

Talking about the country, Poland, attending #Wikimania2024 in Katowice provided a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming people. One of the unique strengths of Wikimania is its annual tradition of being hosted in different countries, each time offering participants the chance to immerse themselves in new environments, learn about diverse cultures, and engage with local communities. This cultural exchange enriches the experience and broadens our perspectives as we collaborate on a global scale.

Reflections and Future Directions

As I reflect on my experience at Wikimania2024, I’m reminded of the incredible power of collaboration and the importance of diversity in driving the Wikimedia movement forward. The conversations, presentations, and meetups reinforced the need for continued dialogue across generations, regions, and languages to ensure that the movement remains inclusive and representative of the global community it serves.

Looking ahead, I am excited to bring the insights and connections gained from this conference back to my local community in #Iraq. The knowledge shared and the networks formed will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping our future projects and initiatives. Whether through bridging generational gaps, strengthening regional collaboration, or contributing to Wikidata’s growth, I am committed to continuing this journey of expanding free knowledge for all.

#Wikimania2024 was not just an event; it was a reminder of the collective strength we hold as a global community. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this movement and look forward to contributing to its future successes.