
The landscape in which Wikimedians operate has changed since RightsCon took place two years ago in 2023. Two examples help understand the scale of change: 1) The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which has led to questions about the future of open source platforms that provide these technologies with valuable training data, and 2) significant international discussions about how the internet should be governed. The sessions that Wikimedians are hosting at RightsCon 2025 demonstrate how the work of the open knowledge movement and its bottom-up model are more important than ever in this context.
RightsCon, organized by Access Now, is the world’s largest conference convening academics, technologists, activists, and artists from around the world to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and technology. It will take place online and in-person from 24–27 February, 2025, in Taipei, Taiwan. Wikimedians have a long history of participating at this conference to contribute unique perspectives rooted in their grassroots efforts to make information accessible and participatory.
This year marks an expanded presence of Wikimedians at RightsCon. The Wikimedia Foundation’s Global Advocacy team will be joined by Wikimedians representing diverse linguistics and cultural backgrounds. In addition to multiple sessions, we are hosting a booth at the Community Village for the first time: Come by and say hi!
Our booth is a great space to meet members of the Global Advocacy team, and to learn more about the work of Wikimedians from Nigeria, Taiwan, Australia, and other countries! We’ll also be hosting an interactive element that, in typical Wikimedia fashion, crowdsources expertise from RightsCon participants to develop a policy analysis tool we’re calling the Wikipedia Test—which can help advocate technology regulation that puts the public interest first.
Below are the Wikimedia sessions at RightsCon 2025. In these sessions we collaborate with partners from across the globe to: share best practices; foster new partnerships; advocate policies that ensure the integrity of online content; preserve cultural knowledge and underrepresented languages; and, promote equitable access to information. If you’re interested in these sessions and the wider RightsCon program, you can register for free until Friday, 31 January, 2025. We hope to see you there!
Please note that session dates and times might be subject to change. For up-to-date information on session details, please check the RightsCon program.
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Intersectionality and sustainability in journalism: Experiences from the Global South
Date & Time: Tuesday, 25 February @ 10:15–11:15 (Taipei Standard Time)
Location: In person, 201A
Host: Wikimedia Foundation | InternetLab
Details: This panel draws from the lived experiences of journalists and knowledge activists across the Global South. It will examine the intersecting challenges they face, from censorship to economic sustainability, and propose frameworks that foster resilient, inclusive journalism. Wikimedians will share insights on how open knowledge platforms can amplify marginalized voices and promote information justice.
Africa knowledge initiative: Revolutionizing access to African indigenous languages
Date & Time: Tuesday, 25 February @ 11:30–12:30 (Taipei Standard Time)
Location: In person, South Lobby
Host: Africa Knowledge Initiative
Details: A cornerstone of Wikimedia’s mission is ensuring linguistic diversity online. This lightning talk focuses on the Africa Knowledge Initiative, which seeks to promote indigenous African languages on Wikimedia projects. Panelists will discuss ongoing efforts to digitize and document native languages, bridging knowledge gaps, and fostering pride in linguistic heritage.
From countering to building: Finding the keys to promote information integrity online
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 25 @ 14:00–15:00 (Taipei Standard Time)
Location: In person, 402A
Host: Wikimedia Foundation | Freedom Online Coalition | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Details: This collaborative session will explore actionable strategies for enhancing the integrity of information ecosystems online. With misinformation posing significant challenges to democracies worldwide, the panel will discuss scalable solutions, including community-driven fact-checking models and technology that supports transparency and accuracy.
Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences using Wikipedia on the continent of Australia
Date & Time: Wednesday, 26 February @ 17:45–18:45 (Taipei Standard Time)
Location: Online
Host: Wikimedia Australia | Macquarie University
Details: Representation and cultural context are vital to Wikimedia’s vision of knowledge equity. This workshop will center the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, exploring their experiences with Wikipedia and the broader Wikimedia ecosystem. The session will focus on improving representation, fostering collaboration, and addressing barriers to participation.
How do we use Wikimedia and open-source technology to preserve cultural heritage in crisis?
Date & Time: Wednesday, 26 February @ 21:30–22:30 (Taipei Standard Time)
Location: Online
Host: Wikimedia Foundation | Wikimedia UK | Wikimedia Georgia | Wikimedia Poland | Wikimedia Sverige | Wikimedia Ukraine
Details: As cultural heritage sites and traditions face increasing threats from conflict, climate change, and political instability, this session will spotlight the power of open-source technology and Wikimedia platforms in preserving endangered knowledge. Case studies from regions experiencing crisis will highlight how communities leverage digital platforms to document and protect their heritage.
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As RightsCon 2025 approaches, we invite all Wikimedians and interested stakeholders to join us in these critical conversations as well as to share their valuable experience and insights at our booth with us. Our collective efforts to build a more inclusive digital space will continue to shape a better future of free and open knowledge for all.

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