Opening by Prime Minister Rob Jetten, dozens of sessions on major topics
United in the fight for equal rights. That is what the WorldPride Human Rights Conference is about. For three days the Beurs van Berlage will be the hub for hundreds of activists, policymakers, politicians and scholars. Together they will discuss global trends, share experiences and exchange inspiration. What does the future of the LGBTQIA+ community look like and what can individuals do to keep making a difference? More than 60 sessions, panel talks and debates with participants from every continent
The three-day WorldPride Human Rights Conference 2026 opens on Wednesday 5 August 2026 with a spectacular morning programme of inspiring speakers, striking performances and groundbreaking conversations. Charismatic hosts will guide the event Envy Peru, Lady PhyllenCamiel Welling the conference will be opened with inspiring contributions from Prime Minister Rob Jetten, mayor Femke Halsema, Tamara Adrián (Venezuela) and Nayyab Ali (Pakistan). AdriánenAli are two powerful activists with long records who will speak about the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights in Latin America and Pakistan respectively. Several LGBTQIA+ athletes will share their personal stories about coming out, self-acceptance and the challenges of being openly queer in competitive sport.
There is also a prominent role for new generations. Five youth delegates from the Model United Nations will present their priorities to a panel of international heavyweights, including representatives from the UN (Graeme Reid, Jeffrey O’Malley), ILGA World (Julia Ehrt) and the South African government (Steve Letsike).
With more than sixty breakout sessions the conference goes in-depth. The programme is divided into eight key themes and was compiled by a national and international advisory board:
- Rights & Governance: The legal fight for protection and equality.
- Health & Wellbeing: Focusing on bodily autonomy and mental health without stigma.
- Heritage & Culture: The arts and history that connect us, with extra attention to the Global South and East.
- Resources & Leadership: How do we break economic exclusion and promote entrepreneurship?
- Political Leadership: The need for political will to enshrine rights in law.
- InterPride & Pride Connections: Networking and inspiration for PRIDE organisers worldwide.
- Religion & Spirituality: The dialogue about inclusivity within religious traditions.
- Workplace Pride: How inclusive leadership fosters resilience and innovation in the workplace.
The full programme can be found via https://conference.worldpride.amsterdam/2026/event-programma .
Scholarship Programme
The conference is open to everyone, but the organisers understand that participation is not a given for activists from certain regions. Through the WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 Scholarship Programme more than 150 activists are supported with travel and accommodation costs. This ensures that the voices most needed are actually present at the table.
About the conference
The Human Rights Conference 2026 takes place during WorldPride Amsterdam and brings together hundreds of world leaders, activists, policymakers and young changemakers to shape the future of LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion. The event is crucial for addressing structural inequalities together, advocating for political, physical and legal protection, and celebrating the diversity of human identity. In a world where LGBTQIA+ discrimination persists, the conference aims to amplify the voices of marginalised groups, foster an inclusive dialogue and drive concrete change. By sharing stories, ideas and best practices we aim to break down barriers and ensure that everyone — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — can live with dignity, safety and freedom. The conference not only marks 25 years of marriage equality in the Netherlands, but also highlights the significance of Pride Amsterdam with a UNESCO World Heritage nomination.
All information can be found at https://conference.worldpride.amsterdam
Press accreditation
To attend the opening session, press accreditation can be requested via
For more information and interview requests: Press Office WorldPride Amsterdam 2026
📧 [email protected] 🌐 pride.amsterdam/pers
