Washington, DC, May 3, 2026
Re: Important Information for the 2026 Global Forum Participants, Supporters, and Allies
Free the Slaves, as Convener of the Freedom from Slavery Forum, together with the leadership of the 2026 Global Forum Planning Committee, announce that the 2026 Freedom from Slavery Global Forum will be postponed and relocated.
Recent visa and administrative challenges have affected a significant number of participants, particularly survivor leaders and civil society representatives from the Global South, limiting their ability to attend the 2026 Global Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye. Proceeding without these essential voices would compromise the integrity, impact, and purpose of the Forum as a space for the modern slavery movement and where collective voices shape the global agenda of the modern slavery movement.
We pursued all available avenues to assist participants and address visa issues, including closely working with visa authorities, but it became clear that the visas could not be secured by the time of the Global Forum. These unexpected challenges are beyond our power and control.
Therefore, Free the Slaves and the 2026 Global Forum Planning Committee have decided to reschedule and relocate the Forum. This was not an easy decision, but it is the only one that upholds the movement’s principles. The decision ensures that participation reflects the diversity, inclusion, expertise, and leadership required to advance the global movement to end modern slavery.
The Forum will now take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 5–6 October 2026.
While our coordinates have shifted, our focus remains fixed. The theme, structure, and core objectives of the 2026 Global Forum are unchanged. For further details, we are organizing an informational briefing on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST, 14:00 CET, 15:00 EAT (Nairobi time).
Please use this Zoom link to access: https://tinyurl.com/b3wtdyub
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and continued commitment. We look forward to welcoming you to Nairobi in October this year.
Sincerely,
Marie Hélène BOUCHARD
Director of Global Engagement, Policy and Advocacy
Free the Slaves
