Hello everyone ๐ Sharing a quick update on WikiConference India 2026 <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConference_India_2026> and how it connects to our wider South Asia community.
As you may recall, in late December 2025, we shared the happy news that the grant from the Wikimedia Foundation was approved. After the year-end break, mid-January to mid-February has been our kick-off phase- aligning processes and getting the groundwork ready. Dates confirmed: 4th - 6th September 2026 Location: Kochi, Kerala, India The venue has been confirmed, and we are officially in the implementation phase. We will keep sharing information periodically. This will be the 4th iteration of WikiConference India, and the first in Kochi. We see it as part of the broader South Asia Wikimedia ecosystem. The conversations and collaborations that emerge here are deeply connected to regional initiatives, cross-border partnerships, and shared movement goals. We also want to sincerely thank everyone who shared support and thoughtful feedback on the grant application talk page <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants_talk:Programs/Wikimedia_Community_Fund/Conference_Fund/WikiConference_India_2026> . Your questions, suggestions, and endorsements really strengthened the proposal and reflected collective ownership. ๐ The Core Organising Team has resumed work and is expanding the team structure. Weโve reached out to community members who expressed interest in volunteering on Meta <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConference_India_2026/Initial_conversations#Sign_up_to_volunteer_for_the_organizational_tasks>, and weโre currently reviewing responses to finalize sub-teams across program, scholarships, logistics, communications, finance, and event safety. More on this by early March. ๐ Scholarships & Travel: We are drafting the scholarship application form and aligning it with travel processes to make it smooth for applicants, reviewers, and organisers alike. The tentative plan is: - Open applications soon - Complete reviews by late April / early May - Begin travel coordination 2-3 months ahead of the conference ๐จ On the program side, weโre refining the conference theme and beginning early work on the design system. We want the program to reflect themes that resonate across South Asia - including language diversity, community sustainability, technological advancements, knowledge equity, and cross-community collaboration. In the coming weeks, you can expect updates on volunteering, scholarship calls and program submissions. We encourage everyone across South Asia to stay engaged, share feedback on the Meta talk page <https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:WikiConference_India_2026/Initial_conversations&action=edit&redlink=1> (If youโre not comfortable writing in English, you are most welcome to share your feedback in your own language ๐), and consider participating - whether through proposals, volunteering, or collaboration ideas. WCI 2026 is not just an event; itโs a space for strengthening regional ties and building continuity across our movement. Looking forward to shaping it together Warmly, Chinmayee On behalf of the Organising Team, WikiConference India 2026
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