What happens when Wikimedians gather to “Learn, Think, and Do”? Reflections from Futures Lab

What does the future of open knowledge look like, and who gets to shape it?

At the beginning of February 2026, I found myself stepping into that question for the first time at Futures Lab, a new international gathering that brought together Wikimedians, affiliate organizers, and contributors from across the open knowledge ecosystem. For me, it was more than just a conference; it was an entry point into a wider conversation about where our movement is heading.

From the start, the energy in the room was unmistakable. The guiding theme, “Learn, Think, and Do,” was not just a slogan but a rhythm that carried through every session, conversation, and spontaneous exchange in the hallways. People weren’t just sharing ideas; they were testing them, questioning them, and imagining what comes next.

Over several days, discussions moved fluidly between the practical and the philosophical. We explored governance models, community dynamics, and ways to strengthen collaboration across projects. At the same time, we zoomed out to reflect on bigger questions: How do we preserve trust in a rapidly changing digital landscape? How do we ensure that open knowledge remains truly open and truly human?

One theme surfaced again and again: artificial intelligence. Not as a distant concept, but as a present reality already shaping how knowledge is created, shared, and consumed. What struck me most was the nuance of these conversations. The question was never simply whether AI is “good” or “bad” but how it can be guided to support the values that define Wikimedia projects, transparency, collaboration, and collective stewardship.

Rather than replacing human contributors, many participants emphasized AI’s potential to assist, augment, and expand what communities can do together. But this possibility comes with responsibility: to design tools thoughtfully, to remain critical of their limitations, and to ensure that human judgment and community norms remain at the center.

Personally, the experience left a strong impression on how I think about projects, both within Wikimedia and beyond. I came away with new approaches to managing collaboration, clearer ways to think about community roles, and a renewed motivation to contribute in ways that are both effective and meaningful.

One of the most memorable moments came on the final day, when I participated in an administrative experiment exploring temporary admin roles for medium-sized Wikipedias, such as Arabic and German. It may sound like a small procedural change, but it revealed something deeper: how even modest adjustments in structure can unlock new forms of trust, flexibility, and shared responsibility within communities.

Moments like this captured the spirit of Futures Lab. It wasn’t about grand declarations or fixed solutions but about experimenting, learning, and building together step by step.

Beyond the sessions themselves, what stayed with me most were the people. Conversations over coffee, quick exchanges between workshops, and late reflections at the end of the day all contributed to a sense of connection that is hard to replicate online. For someone attending such a gathering for the first time, this human dimension was both inspiring and grounding.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and openness to make this experience so meaningful. Special thanks go to Wikimedia Deutschland and the Wikimedia Foundation for organizing and supporting this initiative.

As I return to my day-to-day work, I carry with me more than just notes and contacts. I carry questions, ideas, and a renewed sense of direction. The challenge now is to translate these reflections into action to continue exploring how emerging technologies can be aligned with the human-centered spirit that makes open knowledge possible.

Because in the end, the future of Wikimedia will not be defined by technology alone but by the communities who choose to shape it “together”.