WikiDebates was born from the conviction that vibrant, respectful debate is essential for the health and progress of the Wikimedia movement. In a world where knowledge evolves every day and societies face new challenges, Wiki Debates aims to provide affiliates a professional, supportive space to exchange perspectives, test ideas, and refine approaches to free knowledge.
A modern, open debate platform is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a global network that relies on community wisdom and continuous improvement. By bringing together representatives from all Wikimedia affiliates, the project empowers communities to discuss pressing issues, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and adapt governance to realities of the digital age. Wiki De…
WikiDebates was born from the conviction that vibrant, respectful debate is essential for the health and progress of the Wikimedia movement. In a world where knowledge evolves every day and societies face new challenges, Wiki Debates aims to provide affiliates a professional, supportive space to exchange perspectives, test ideas, and refine approaches to free knowledge.
A modern, open debate platform is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a global network that relies on community wisdom and continuous improvement. By bringing together representatives from all Wikimedia affiliates, the project empowers communities to discuss pressing issues, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and adapt governance to realities of the digital age. Wiki Debates is designed to remove barriers, encourage participation from every region, and ensure that solutions for humanity are always up to date and future-ready.
Wikimedia Foundation’s Mission and the Future
At its core, Wiki Debates is deeply aligned with the Wikimedia Foundation’s mission to create a world in which every human can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. By promoting debate on timely matters whether content governance, inclusion, or emerging technology – the project helps the movement remain resilient and innovative. Lessons, arguments, and documentation are captured for ongoing education and movement strategy, amplifying the value of every session far beyond the debate itself.
Why Wikimedia Needs Debate Now
As Wikimedia’s reach and influence grow, the need for open, critical discussion across affiliates is more apparent than ever. Decisions on content moderation, reliable sourcing, and the integration of new technologies are best made through transparent processes that include all voices. Wiki Debates gives affiliates the tools and stage to share experiences, challenge assumptions, and build consensus bridging distances and transforming differences into collective progress.
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Wikidebate RoadMap
The debate will begin virtually in January 2026 and run for two weeks as a pilot project. If successful, we plan to engage with the Wikimania organisers to explore hosting it as part of a pre-conference event.
For more details about the roadmap, please check the link below.
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How Affiliates Participate and Shape the Conversation
Affiliates are invited to register teams and join onboarding sessions with the Core Organising Team. The debate is planned to begin in a virtual format, with teams preparing arguments for or against key Wikimedia topics, supported by research and formatting. Sessions will feature moderators, jury selection, and community voting to ensure fairness. In the future, the event will be held in person as a pre-conference session during major regional Wikimedia conferences.
Headlining Themes in the Pilot Edition
The first season of Wiki Debates will explore key issues shaping Wikimedia’s future, such as:
- Decentralising content moderation to local affiliates
- The impact of paid editing on volunteer ethics
- Using blockchain for source verification
- The role of AI in improving neutrality and accuracy
Topics are chosen for their relevance and impact, with additional themes invited through community polls and suggestions.
Recognising Our Global Organising Team
The success of Wiki Debates depends on its diverse Core Organising Team, featuring contributors from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Uganda, Australia, and South Africa, including Shola Olaniyan, Daniel Damilola Obiokeke, Isaac Olatunde, Suyash Dwivedi, Dev Jadiya, Kayode Yussuf, Gnangarra, Herschal Jackson, Riddhi Sharma, and Geofrey Ssegawa.
Building a Culture of Constructive Dialogue
With each session, Wiki Debates seeks to elevate the standard of discussion, learning, and collaboration within Wikimedia. Open to all affiliates and contributors, it fosters a vibrant, solutions-driven space for improving systems, governance, and knowledge for the benefit of all.
For details on participation, schedules, and program updates, visit:
Archive notice: This is an archived post from blog.wikimedia.org, which operated under different editorial and content guidelines than Diff.
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