- The WorldPride Human Rights Conference will take place in Amsterdam between 5-7 August 2026
- ILGA World board and staff members will participate in several sessions
- Don’t miss the ceremony of International Pride Awards, a joint project by ILGA World and UNDP!
Envy Peru, Lady Phyll and Camiel Welling will host the plenary opening on 5 August.
The session will see the contributions of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, Michael O’Flaherty (Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe), and activists Tamara Adrián and Nayyab Ali.
Youth delegates from Model United Nationsan international organisation comprising 193 member States. It has the mission of maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring economic and social development across the globe. It is a network of many different bodies and agencies, each of which has a particular role and responsibility. More will present their priorities to a panel of leading international figures, including representatives from the UN (Graeme Reid), Council of Europe (Kate Osborne), International Criminal Court (Osvaldo Zavala Giler), ILGA World (Julia Ehrt) and the South African government (Steve Letsike).
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Time: 9:30 CEST
What do LGBTQ+ movements miss when intersexan umbrella term for the spectrum of variations of sex characteristics that naturally occur within the human species. Intersex people are born with variations of sex characteristics (such as genitals, reproductive organs, hormonal and chromosomal patterns) that are more diverse than stereotypical definitions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7% of the global population are born with such traits; yet, because their bodies are seen as different, intersex children and adults are often stigmatised and subject to harmful practices – including in medical settings - and discriminated against. More voices are absent? More than most realise.
This session brings together intersex activists from all continents to challenge assumptions, share lived realities and reveal why intersex issues are central to human rights, bodily autonomy, and inclusion. Through powerful storytelling, myth-busting and live polling, participants will confront common misconceptions and gain practical insight for stronger advocacy. Intersex voices strengthen the entire LGBTQ+ community, making it more accurate, inclusive, and effective.
Speakers: Obioma Chukwuike (ILGA World Intersex Committee Chair), Coco Jervis, Kimberly Zieselman, Mani Bruce Mitchell, Merel Ritsma Momo Adachi, Vidda Guzzo
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Time: 14:15 CEST
Across the world, courageous individuals are working – often in hostile circumstances – to create freedom and safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ people. Hosted by Amrou Al-Khadi, the International Pride Awards on 5 August is a global celebration of the heroes advancing equality for people everywhere.
A joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World, the International Pride Awards shines a light on the stories of those working towards a world where people can thrive in all their diversity. Come meet your LGBTIQ+ equality heroes, hear and share their incredible stories, and be inspired to make a more inclusive world.
Date: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Time: 15:45 CEST
This session brings together three critical examinations of the complex dynamics between LGBTQIA+ movements and corporate/institutional support. It explores how international funding structures can unintentionally weaken civil society by creating dependency, competition, and mission drift.
Also evaluated is whether Asian workplace LGBTQIA+ policies offer genuine support or merely performative allyship. Lastly, research is presented that investigates Pride organisers’ tensions between protest legitimacy and corporate sponsorship, and the shift from pinkwashing to pinkhushing, where corporations scale back LGBTQIA+ support to avoid backlash.
Together, this session aims to explore how to navigate complex financial necesities.
Speakers: Olena Shevchenko (ILGA World Board members), Anna Berbers, Charlene Liu, Raymond Phang, Omar Badawy
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 9:30 CEST
A high-level discussion on the historical and contemporary role of trade unions in advancing LGBTQIA+ and human rights globally. As the Rainbow Network of the Dutch Trade Union (FNV) marks its 40th anniversary this year, the panel will reflect on the long-standing connection between labour movements and LGBTQIA+ organising, highlighting the unions’ role in advancing inclusion and rights.
At the same time the discussion examines how labour movements can evolve to meet today’s realities, including protecting rights in times of democratic backsliding, strengthening broader social justice coalitions, and building solidarity across movements. The panel also explores how trade unions can contribute to progress on equality and human rights.
Speakers: Kimberly Frost (ILGA World co-Secretary General), Gurchaten Sandhu (ILGA World Director of Programmes), Imasha Perera, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 9:30 CEST
This session delves into the challenges of banning conversion therapy and explores actionable steps to move forward. It examines the issue through both a legal and advocacy lens in achieving implementation that protects all.
Additionally, the asexualoften called “ace” for short, it refers to a person who experiences little to no sexual attraction to anyone and/or does not experience desire for sexual contact. Asexuality is a sexual orientation existing on a spectrum, and asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction. More community reveals through presentation how current legal frameworks often fail to protect asexual individuals, leaving them vulnerable.
Together, the speakers aim to clarify the barriers to comprehensive legislation, exposing the gaps and obstacles that currently prevent effective protection. Ultimately, they unite around a shared goal: establishing a functional and legally robust ban that safeguards all individuals at risk of exposure to harmful conversion practices.
Speakers: Gurchaten Sandhu (ILGA World Director of Programmes), Amber Witsenburg, Craig Konnoth, Yasmin Benoit
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 11:15 CEST
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in turning commitments on LGBTQIA+ rights into action. The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), a partnership of 44 governments and civil society organisations, works internationally to advance LGBTQIA+ rights.
COC developed the ERC Toolkit for Diplomats, a comprehensive resource offering practical, actionable guidance for engaging safely and effectively with LGBTQIA+ communities.
The toolkit is available in English, French, and Spanish, and is complemented by seven mini e-courses for broader uptake among ERC diplomats. This session explores how such tools can be applied in practice through real examples, lessons learned, and strategies to strengthen collaboration, trust, and impact in diverse political contexts.
Speakers: Doug A. Graffeo (ERC Secretariat), Andrea Rivas, Enkhmaa Enkhbold, Morillio Williams, Robert Akoto Amoafo, Nout van Woudenberg, Symeon Keletzis, Wim Geerts
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 13:45 CEST
Few of us dreamed as children of being recognized by UN bodies or international LGBTQIA+ movements. Yet life’s curveballs often lead us into advocacy.
dialogue explores the personal journeys of International Pride Awards awardees winners, delving into the challenges they’ve overcome, the innovative strategies they’ve employed, and the transformative impact of their work on LGBTQIA+ rights and governance globally.
From grassroots movements to international policy influence, the winners will share experiences, lessons, and vision—offering unique insights into the power of recognition, strategies for systemic change, and practical ways to turn inspiration into action for a more inclusive, equitable, and just world.
Date: Friday 7 August 2026
Time: 9:30 CEST
How do patriarchal systems impact LGBTQI+ bodies?
For many LGBTQI+ people, bodily integrity remains a distant reality. Forced childhood surgeries, conversion therapy, ‘corrective’ rape, forced medication, and honour-based violence are just some of the violences they endure. Systemic denial also takes the form of inaccessible gender-affirming care, exclusion from sports, or reproductive services withheld without male consent.
This session exposes these enormous barriers and explores powerful, community-driven solutions to reclaim bodily autonomy and resist systemic attacks. With speakers representing intersex, transgender, and LBQ+ activists from around the world, they unite in their fight to secure bodily autonomy for all.
Speakers: Obioma Chukwuike (ILGA World Intersex Committee Chair), Daniel Benitez-Posada, Felix Giannerini, Jean Chong, Justus Eisfeld, Kimberly Zieselman, Alma Aguilar Betancurt, Rituparna Borah
Date: Friday 7 August 2026
Time: 9:30 CEST
Pinkwashing can be found in many places; for example, a glossy campaign during Pride Month without underlying policy, serving merely as a marketing tool to profit from the LGBTQIA+ community. There are also more complex forms.
For instance, what does workplace inclusivity mean when a company simultaneously invests in or profits from activities that harm people and nature—or even violate human rights? Preventing and breaking through pinkwashing requires leadership that focuses on structural change, building bridges with a priority on intersectionality.
In this panel discussion, four female leaders with diverse backgrounds provide insight into how they shape this leadership and what they believe is needed.
Speakers: Olena Shevchenko (ILGA World Board member); Dinah Bons, Emma van Donderdag, Irene Hemelaar, Maria Khokhar
Date: Friday 7 August 2026
Time: 11:15 CEST