The SHARE Foundation has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the Digital Rights Summer School, an annual regional training program focused on digital rights, technology governance, and the societal impact of artificial intelligence.

The program will take place from 20 to 26 September 2026 in Montenegro, bringing together participants from across the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe.

The initiative targets students, journalists, activists, researchers, and early-career professionals interested in digital policy and human rights in the digital age.

The school is designed to foster regional cooperation and provide participants with practical knowledge and analytical tools to understand and respond to emerging digital challenges.

Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights

This year’s program places a strong emphasis on the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence and its implications for human rights, governance, and society.

Participants will explore how AI technologies are reshaping political, economic, and social systems, with a particular focus on risks and regulatory challenges.

Key thematic areas include:

AI-driven surveillance systems and facial recognition technologies
Algorithmic decision-making in policing and public administration
Socioeconomic impacts of automation and labor displacement
Environmental footprint of AI infrastructure and data centers
AI-generated disinformation, online harassment, and content manipulation
Policy responses, regulation, and digital rights advocacy strategies

Organizers emphasize that the program aims to critically examine both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, especially in the context of Southeast Europe.

Lectures, Workshops, and Expert-Led Discussions

The Digital Rights Summer School will feature a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, and group discussions led by regional and international experts in digital rights, technology policy, and human rights law.

The curriculum is designed to encourage active participation and cross-country dialogue, enabling participants to compare regional experiences and develop shared approaches to common challenges.

Program components include:

Expert lectures on emerging digital rights issues and AI governance
Hands-on workshops on digital safety, advocacy, and policy analysis
Group discussions on regional case studies and real-world challenges
Collaborative sessions focused on developing digital rights initiatives

Participants will also have opportunities to network with peers and professionals working in related fields across Southeast Europe.

Regional Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

Beyond academic learning, the Summer School serves as a platform for building long-term professional and activist networks across the region.

The program encourages participants to exchange experiences from their respective countries and collaborate on joint initiatives addressing digital rights concerns.

Key networking goals include:

Strengthening cross-border cooperation in digital rights advocacy
Connecting civil society actors, researchers, and media professionals
Encouraging youth engagement in technology governance debates
Supporting regional knowledge-sharing on AI regulation and ethics

Organizers highlight that collaboration among participants often continues beyond the program, contributing to ongoing regional projects and initiatives.

Funding, Support, and Accessibility

To ensure accessibility, the program provides full financial coverage for accepted participants. This includes:

Travel expenses to and from Montenegro
Accommodation throughout the program duration
Full board (meals and related costs)

The working language of the program is English, allowing participation from a diverse international group while maintaining regional focus.

Application Details and Deadline

Applications for the 2026 Digital Rights Summer School are now open. Interested candidates must apply through the official application form provided by the SHARE Foundation.

Key deadlines and selection details:

Application deadline: 6 July 2026, 17:00 CEST (Belgrade time)
Selection results announced: later in July 2026
Program dates: 20–26 September 2026
Location: Montenegro

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required information is completed accurately.

For questions or additional information, candidates may contact the organizers at info@sharedefense.org.

About the Program and Organizers

The Digital Rights Summer School is part of a broader initiative by the SHARE Foundation to strengthen digital rights awareness and policy engagement in Southeast Europe.

Previous editions have addressed topics such as:

Algorithmic governance and AI ethics
Digital privacy and online security
Media freedom and online information ecosystems
Socio-environmental impacts of digital technologies

The initiative has historically brought together journalists, activists, researchers, and policy experts to examine how digital transformation affects democratic societies.

The 2026 edition continues this trajectory, with an expanded focus on artificial intelligence and its growing influence on governance, rights, and everyday life.

The program is implemented as part of a project supported by GIZ on behalf of a commissioning partner.

VISIT HERE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding