Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: Registration opens for 2026 Digital Rights & Inclusion Forum.

The theme is in response to ongoing rapid digital expansion, uneven internet access, rising surveillance, shrinking civic space and funding- more so across the Global South. 

This theme builds on that of 2025: “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology”, which called for inclusive and collaborative approaches to advancing digital rights and inclusion across the Global South.

The 2026 forum will be hosted by Paradigm Initiative in collaboration with the organisation’s partner, Coalition Ivoirienne des Défenseurs des Droits Humains, CIDDH. 

The event sponsors include; Ford Foundation, International Development Research Centre, IDRC; Human Rights Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Mott Foundation, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Wikimedia and individual supporters.

The event previously known as the Internet Freedom Forum, IFF, has been held since 2013, bringing together almost 3,000 delegates from over 70 countries across the world. 

The first event which was held in Nigeria, brought together 53 delegates from 30 countries. In 2019, the event’s name was changed from IFF to DRIF to incorporate digital inclusion aspects. 

Last year’s edition was held in Lusaka, Zambia. That of 2024 one held in Accra, Ghana, and the 2023 edition held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Thematic areas covered under DRIF are; Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Trust and Accountability, Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Digital Inclusion and Marginalised Groups, Digital Security, Human Rights and Freedoms. 

This year, PIN has received 449 session proposals, up from 346 proposals that were received in 2025. The sessions include workshops, day zero events, tech demos, product launches, lightning talks and panel sessions. 

Session hosts are expect to receive feedback from PIN on February 28, 2026, regarding the status of their proposals.

Delegates at the event include representatives from the civil society, non-governmental organisations, academia, media, funding partners, the United Nations, the technical community, government, the private sector within the digital ecosystem to share experiences and map strategies that transcend geographical boundaries.

The meeting provides a platform for tough topical global issues on digital rights and inclusion, accommodating views and opinions from civil society, technology companies, funders, governments, UN bodies, media, academia, and other stakeholders. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3709 of Friday February 20, 2026