Bread&Net is the region’s leading annual conference on digital rights organised by SMEX. It convene each year to map ongoing and new threats to online freedoms, strategize collective action, and bring the community together. Across three days, attendees will meet to strategize around the possibilities and challenges posed by the expansion of technology in the Arabic-speaking world. This gathering will serve as a crucial space for initiating critical dialogues and forging strong alliances towards a safe, free and open internet in West Asia and North Africa.
Key Dates:
- Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025
- Event Dates: October 29–31, 2025
- Format: Hybrid (Beirut in-person + online)
Who Can Submit?
- Everyone is welcome! Especially:
- Individuals, collectives, CSOs, policymakers, activists, and grassroots groups.
- People based in/connected to the WANA region (West Asia & North Africa) + diaspora.
- Note: SMEX cannot cover travel/accommodation for all accepted proposals. Lack of funding does not affect selection.
Session Formats:
- Panel Discussions (30–75 min)
- Workshops (60–75 min) – strongly encouraged
- Tool Demos (30–60 min)
- Community Meetups (30–60 min)
- Private Meetings/Sessions
- Creative formats welcome!
Thematic Tracks (15):
- Digital Rights 101
- Privacy & Data Governance
- Freedom of Expression & Information Abuse
- Surveillance, Spyware & Transnational Repression
- Digital Rights, Armed Conflict & Documentation
- Infrastructure & Access
- Litigation & Accountability
- Corporate Accountability, Business & Human Rights
- Gender & Tech
- Online (& Offline) Wellbeing
- AI & Emerging Tech
- Public Interest Technology
- Organizing & Movement-Building
- Funding Uncertain Futures
- Open Track (for fresh, cross-cutting, or underrepresented topics)
Selection Criteria:
- Relevance to Bread&Net’s theme: Radical Hope for Uncertain Times + 1+ track(s)
- Clarity & Coherence
- Originality & Innovation
- Impact & Engagement
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Feasibility
- Presenter Expertise
For further information or application please see program’s website.
