All speakers and programme announced
The three-day WorldPride Human Rights Conference 2026, starting in Amsterdam on Wednesday 5 August, is fully booked. All 1,000 available places for the conference have now been taken by participants, activists, policymakers, politicians, researchers and young changemakers from every continent.
Speakers and programme
The conference will be opened on Wednesday 5 August with inspiring contributions from Prime MinisterRob Jetten, mayorFemke Halsema, Tamara Adrián (Venezuela), Nayyab Ali (Pakistan) and Michael O’Flaherty (Ireland, Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe). Diverse LGBTQIA+ athletes, such as Australian footballer Josh Cavallo share their personal stories about coming out, self-acceptance and the challenges of being openly queer in competitive sports. Five youth delegates from the Model United Nations will present their priorities to a panel of international heavyweights, including Graeme Reid(United Nations), Julia Ehrt, (ILGA World) and Steve Letsike, South African Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities). In the afternoon the first of more than seventy breakout sessions will begin. The opening day will close with the International Pride Awards ceremony, hosted by Amrou Al-Kadhi, a British-Iraqi writer, filmmaker, performer and prominent LGBTQIA+ activist.
On Thursday 6 August more breakout sessions follow, with State Secretary Judith Tielen from Education, Culture and Science present to deliver an opening speech for the Political Leadership programme. On the closing day, Friday 7 August, the conference concludes with a closing ceremony featuring contributions from, among others, Mpho Tutu van Furth, a South African priest, author and activist, daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Leah Tutu.
The full programme and the list of speakers can be found at https://conference.worldpride.amsterdam.
About the conference
United in the fight for equal rights. That is what the WorldPride Human Rights Conference is about. In this context the Beurs van Berlage will be the hub for three days for hundreds of activists, policymakers, politicians, researchers and young changemakers. Together they will discuss global trends, exchange experiences and share inspiration. What does the future of the LGBTQIA+ community look like and what can individuals do to keep making a difference? More than 70 breakout sessions, panel talks and debates with participants from every continent.
The Human Rights Conference 2026 takes place during WorldPride Amsterdam. The event is crucial for addressing structural inequalities, 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 marginalized groups, foster an inclusive dialogue and create concrete change. By sharing stories, ideas and best practices we strive to break down barriers and ensure that everyone — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — can live in 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 athttps://conference.worldpride.amsterdam
