Dear Wikimedia community members,
There will be Asia meetup: Strengthening Regional Collaboration Across
Wikimedia Communities at *Wikimania 2026.*
Date: *Wednesday, 22 July 2026*
Time:* 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM *Paris time (11:30 UTC)
Location: Agora Room, Paris
This meeting provides a space for organizers and volunteers to discuss
regional coordination. These discussions will include updates on local
community projects, opportunities for cooperation and the Wikipedia Asian
Month.
Contributors from all Asian communities and those enthusiastic about Asian
topics are welcome to join.
You can access or view the schedule here:
https://wikimedia.eventyay.com/wm/wikimania2026/talk/7YR9T7/
If you haven't registered to Wikimania (virtually), you may go to
https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Registration
For further updates, you may join the Telegram chat at https://
t.me/wikimedia_asia
Regards,
Butch Bustria
Hi Everyone,
So far we have expressions of interest from Dublin, Bilbao and Australia.
The host for 2027 Wikimania is in South America. The current call is for
2028 and for 2029.
If you have consulted your local community and also formed collaborations
amongst other affiliates or user groups (please do not submit it alone!),
kindly post on-wiki on or before Monday, *1 June 2026.*
Visit
https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania:Expressions_of_Interest/Curr…
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Butch Bustria
VC
On Mon, May 11, 2026, 4:44 PM effe iets anders via Wikimania-l <
wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Choosing a country to host, is a challenging business. Typically
> volunteers within the country will have a good first grasp on whether they
> are able and interested to host such a big international event.
> Unfortunately, there are currently many countries where the political
> situation or the government position towards Wikimedia and friends, is
> complex.
>
> The first step would be to see if there's an affiliate or group of
> volunteers that are interested and able to host Wikimania. If you're
> interested, let's chat and we can discuss any concerns you may have about
> your location.
>
> Best,
> Lodewijk
>
> On Fri, May 8, 2026 at 6:46 PM Paulo Santos Perneta <
> paulosperneta(a)gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Not sure Jakarta would be a great choice in the current state of affairs:
>> https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2026/05/01/wikimedia-completes-indo…
>>
>> Hopefully things will improve.
>>
>> Paulo
>>
>> Pastor Cary Bass-Deschenes via Wikimania-l <
>> wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org> escreveu (quinta, 7/05/2026 à(s) 06:28):
>>
>>> Wouldn't it be great if we were back in Asia in 2028? There are probably
>>> a few cities that could host (I'm looking at you, Jakarta).
>>>
>>> Pastor Cary Bass-Deschenes (they/them)
>>>
>>> mobile: 415-513-9001
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------
>>> *From:* effe iets anders via Wikimania-l <
>>> wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>>> *Sent:* Wednesday, May 6, 2026 11:14 AM
>>> *To:* Wikimania general list (open subscription) <
>>> wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
>>> *Cc:* effe iets anders <effeietsanders(a)gmail.com>
>>> *Subject:* [Wikimania-l] Call for Expressions of Interest to host
>>> Wikimania
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi everyone,
>>>
>>> On behalf of the Wikimania Steering Committee [1] we are welcoming *expressions
>>> of interest
>>> <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania:Expressions_of_Interest/Curr…>**
>>> [
>>> <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania:Expressions_of_Interest/Curr…>*2]
>>> from community groups to host Wikimania in 2028 and 2029.
>>>
>>>
>>> Wikimania is the annual international conference that brings together
>>> members of the Wikimedia movement, fostering collaboration, learning, and
>>> celebration of free knowledge. The event is guided by the Steering
>>> Committee, organized by a core organizing team of volunteers [3] and
>>> closely supported by the Movement Communications team [4] in the
>>> Wikimedia Foundation.
>>>
>>> We welcome community groups that are enthusiastic and capable of
>>> managing the logistical and organizational responsibilities of hosting this
>>> large-scale conference. If your group is ready to take on the honor and
>>> challenge of hosting Wikimania, we encourage you to submit an expression of
>>> interest. You can propose several cities at this stage. Make sure to
>>> consult with your local community before submitting.
>>>
>>> Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or
>>> comments. You can express your interest on wiki or email us at
>>> wikimania(a)wikimedia.org. You can add your group and location to the
>>> list until 1 June 2026, and edit your proposal until 15 June 2026 (anywhere
>>> on earth).
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>>
>>>
>>> Lodewijk Gelauff
>>>
>>> on behalf of
>>>
>>> Wikimania Steering Committee and WMF Movement Communications team
>>>
>>> [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania_Committee
>>>
>>> [2]
>>> https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimania:Expressions_of_Interest/Curr…
>>>
>>>
>>> [3] https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Organizers
>>> [4]
>>> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation/Communications/Movemen…
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Wikimania-l mailing list -- wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
>>> To unsubscribe send an email to wikimania-l-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
> Wikimania-l mailing list -- wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to wikimania-l-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
>
Hello everyone 👋
We are happy to invite submissions for the *South Asia Newsletter*
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia/Newsletter> (pilot edition).[1]
This initiative aims to bring together updates, stories and highlights from
across the community, focusing on activities from the South Asia region.
We welcome submissions such as project updates, campaigns, collaborations,
announcements and community highlights - both big and small. :)
*👉 Submission form:* https://forms.gle/FFqbFek4EXyNBPfE8
*🗓️ Submission deadline:* End of day, 6 April 2026
We appreciate your contributions in helping build a stronger and more
connected South Asia <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia> Wikimedia
community.
You can also share your feedback or suggestions at:
connect(a)sa.wikimedia.asia
[1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/South_Asia/Newsletter
Best regards,
*Jinoy*
[[User:Gnoeee]]
*Please don’t print this e-mail unless you really need to.Every 3000 sheets
consume a tree. Conserve Trees for a better tomorrow!*
Hi Folks,
I am sharing the announcement in case some of you are still not aware of
this.
Sincerely,
Butch Bustria
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Afek BEN CHAHED via Wikimania-l <wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 1, 2026, 3:30 AM
Subject: [Wikimania-l] Wikimania 2026 – In-person Tickets Sold Out (Oui,
Already!)
To: <wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Cc: Afek BEN CHAHED <benchahedafek(a)gmail.com>
Dear all,
With overwhelming interest this year, and even with a venue capacity 30%
higher than last year, the in-person event sold out in just 24 hours! We’re
truly humbled by your enthusiasm. We can’t wait to meet you in Paris!
Requests for invitation are being reviewed in the order they were received.
If you submitted a request, you will receive a response via email within
fourteen days.
Meanwhile, the Core Organizing Team is busy crafting a virtual experience
richer and more interactive than ever, thinking lively discussions,
meaningful connections, and new ways to engage with speakers and the
in-person crowd.
Many of you have already signed up to join virtually, and we’d love for you
to be part of it too.
The best part? Tickets for the virtual event are still free and available,
so don’t miss out. Register now
<https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/2026:Registration>
for the virtual event and join the experience! You can also still add
yourself to the waitlist for the in-person event.
Cheers,
Afek
Communications Lead
_______________________________________________
Wikimania-l mailing list -- wikimania-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
To unsubscribe send an email to wikimania-l-leave(a)lists.wikimedia.org
Hi Folks,
There is an active proposal on the Commons Village pump that could
significantly change how video uploads are handled, and your input is
needed.
🎬 The Proposal: Allow the Upload Wizard to automatically convert MP4 to
WebM
Currently, uploading MP4 files to Commons can be a hurdle due to patent
restrictions, often requiring uploaders to use third-party tools like
video2commons to convert files. The Wiki Med team has developed a new
capability that would automatically handle this conversion directly inside
the Upload Wizard, making the process much smoother.
There are currently a few different approaches being discussed and voted on:
* Option 1: Auto-conversion – Convert the MP4 to WebM during upload and
discard the original patented file.
* Option 2: Direct MP4 Uploads – Allow users to upload MP4s directly,
retaining the original file for the future (when patents expire) but
transcoding it to WebM or another free format for viewing, similar to how
TIFF files are handled.
Whether you are passionate about user experience, concerned about software
patents and open formats, or just want an easier way to upload educational
videos, the community needs your perspective.
Head over to the proposal, review the technical and legal discussions, and
cast your vote!
🔗 Read the proposal and vote here:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Village_pump/Proposals#Allow_the…
Sincerely,
Butch Bustria
Hi Folks,
ESEAP Conference is open for public registration (including staff and self
funded participants anywhere on earth) and is ongoing until 10 March!
Engage with Wikimedians of East, South East Asia and the Pacific from 15 to
17 May. Go to https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026 to know
more!
Sincerely,
Butch Bustria
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: conference via ESEAP <eseap(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Date: Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 11:14 PM
Subject: [ESEAP] ESEAP Conference 2026 – General Registration Now Open!
To: conference <conference(a)eseap.org>
Cc: <eseap(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Hello! ESEAP Wikimedians,
We are pleased to announce that general registration
<https://pretix.eu/wikimedia-events/ESEAP-2026/> for ESEAP Conference 2026
is now open.
The conference will take place from May 15 to 17 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
bringing together Wikimedians from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the
Pacific region. This will be a valuable opportunity to meet in person,
exchange experiences, share community achievements, and explore
possibilities for future collaboration and development.
Whether you are a long-time contributor to Wikimedia projects or a newer
member of the community, if you care about free knowledge and community
growth, you are warmly invited to join this annual gathering.
If you hope to meet fellow ESEAP Wikimedians in Kaohsiung this May, please
complete your registration in time. We look forward to seeing you at the
conference and working together toward the future of free knowledge.
Please access the registration page via the button at the top of the conference
homepage <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026>.
Registration closes on March 10 (AoE), and space is limited. This is the
registration guide
<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NH47Son2GF4qRpLyJYO2ckKxGBGrlRPS514…>
and FAQ <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026/FAQ> —
please review them before registering.
To ensure a safe and welcoming conference experience in line with the
Universal Code of Conduct (UCoC), this year’s registration follows a new
process. After submitting your information, your application will undergo a
professional safety review before payment instructions are issued and your
ticket is confirmed.
Please provide a valid email address when registering and monitor your
inbox for further instructions.
If you have any questions, please contact conference(a)eseap.org.
ESEAP 2026 Core Organizing Team
_______________________________________________
ESEAP mailing list -- eseap(a)lists.wikimedia.org
List information:
https://lists.wikimedia.org/postorius/lists/eseap.lists.wikimedia.org/
My Fellow Wikimedians,
Don't miss out the opportunity to have your voice heard or push an advocacy.
As announced below, you have until Sunday, 1 March, 2026 to submit a
program proposal for our 21st annual conference.
Further details are on wiki:
https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Program
Kind regards,
Butch Bustria
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Afek BEN CHAHED via WikimediaAnnounce-l <
wikimediaannounce-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 12:04 AM
Subject: [Wikimedia Announcements] Wikimania 2026 Program Call Is Now Open!
To: <wikimediaannounce-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Cc: Afek BEN CHAHED <benchahedafek(a)gmail.com>
Dear Wikimedians,
The Wikimania Team <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Organizers>
is happy to announce that the Program Call is officially open.
We invite community members, affiliates, volunteers, and partners to submit
proposals and help shape a program that reflects the diversity, creativity
and collaboration of our movement.
Submission timeline
-
The submission form will remain open until March 1.
-
Results will be published in May.
We kindly remind you that this year’s program is guided by the theme Liberté,
Égalité, Fiabilité <https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Wikimania>
(Freedom, Equity, Reliability), and we invite submissions that reflect it.
Learn more
-
Read more on Diff here
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2026/01/27/call-for-sessions-wikimania-2026-is-c…>
-
Read more about the theme and formats on the Wikimania wiki
<https://wikimania.wikimedia.org/wiki/2026:Program>
-
Submit your proposal here
<https://wikimedia.eventyay.com/wm/wikimania2026/cfp>
Orientation sessions will be hosted in early February by the team, stay
tuned for more details.
We’re looking forward to reading your submissions and creating this year’s
Wikimania with the community.
Warm regards,
Afek, Communications Lead
On behalf of The Wikimania Team
_______________________________________________
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Hi Folks!
You have until tomorrow, *Sunday, 30 November* to apply for the Wikimedia
ESEAP Conference Scholarships!
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026/Scholarships
ESEAP refers to East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The ESEAP Conference Travel Scholarship offers full funding for Wikimedians
to gather in person and take part in this celebration of shared knowledge!
💼 Full scholarship includes:
✈️ Round-trip airfare to Kaohsiung, Taiwan
🏨 Up to 4 nights of accommodation
🍱 Meals during the 3-day conference
🪪 Visa fees and limited medical insurance
🎟️ Conference registration fee
🎁 Conference merchandise
For call for proposals / program submissions, visit
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026/Program/Submissions
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026/Program/Submissions>
Thank you!
Kind regards,
Butch Bustria
On Fri, Nov 21, 2025, 11:05 PM Butch Bustria <bustrias(a)gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Dear Wikimedians,
>
> We are pleased to announce that scholarship applications and program
> submissions for the ESEAP Conference 2026 are now open!
>
> ▶Scholarship Applications◀ Scholarships are available to support
> participation from Wikimedians who have a connection with the ESEAP region
> and may need financial assistance. We strongly encourage applications from
> emerging communities, under-represented groups, active newcomers, and
> volunteers working on key regional or thematic initiatives. Details:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026/Scholarships
>
> ▶Program Submissions◀ We invite proposals for talks, panels, workshops,
> roundtables, lightning sessions, and other creative session formats.
> Whether you represent an affiliate, a local community, a project, or an
> individual initiative, we welcome your ideas. This is your opportunity to
> share learning, highlight collaborations, and spark conversations that
> shape the future of our region. Details:
> https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/ESEAP_Conference_2026/Program/Submissions
>
> ▶Important Note◀ If you require assistance to travel to Kaohsiung to
> deliver your session, please submit a separate scholarship application.
> Program and scholarship applications are reviewed independently, so
> acceptance of a program proposal does not automatically grant a travel
> scholarship, and vice versa.
>
> ▶Why Participate?◀ * Connect with Wikimedians across the ESEAP region *
> Share knowledge, challenges, and emerging practices * Build new
> partnerships and strengthen existing ones * Contribute directly to shaping
> regional collaboration and the future of the ESEAP Hub
>
> We look forward to your applications and proposals, and to welcoming many
> of you in Kaohsiung next year!
> --
> Sincerely,
>
> Butch Bustria
>
>
>
>
>