Newsletter March 2026
New Wikipedia pages about women
Early figures show that this edition was the most successful one yet. 194 volunteers took part in the writing sessions. Together, they created 129 new Wikipedia pages and 429 expanded or improved articles.
The participants were a very diverse group: ranging from experienced Wikipedians to people who had only just created an account. Some wrote about a woman from their own family history, while others discovered new historical figures through the archives and collections of heritage organizations.
The contributions were thus diverse. For example, new pages were added on topics including track cyclist Veronique De Roose, painter Catarina Ykens (I) , circus artist Alice Chabre, and graphic designer and gallery owner Liliane-Emma Staal. In addition, the project also featured Beguines, photographers, publishers, activists, and women from industry and the environmental movement.
These writing sessions were organized in collaboration with Wikimedia Belgium, meemoo, the Bruges Public Library, and FARO. Preparations for a new edition in 2027 will begin shortly. An information session for those interested will be held this fall. So be sure to keep an eye on our newsletter and calendar.
25 Years of Wikipedia in Brussels
A Tribute to the Power of Volunteers
In his speech, he emphasized that Wikipedia is much more than just a website. What was once seen as an unrealistic experiment—an encyclopedia that anyone can edit—has today become an indispensable pillar of the free internet. According to Van Pamel, this evolution is not due to technology or large budgets, but to the dedication of thousands of volunteers worldwide.
He spoke at length about the often unseen role of these contributors. From researching local history to refining scientific terminology in various languages, and from sharing visual content to organizing data: the daily work of volunteers is the driving force behind Wikipedia. Although their names are rarely visible to the general public, their impact is all the greater.
At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, Van Pamel emphasized the importance of Wikipedia as a reliable knowledge platform. Its strength lies not in perfection, but in the community’s ongoing commitment to keeping information neutral and verifiable. According to him, Wikipedia proves that it is still possible for society to reach consensus on facts—an achievement that is particularly valuable today.
The chairman also expressed his gratitude to all contributors: early pioneers, moderators who ensure quality, and even those who have written just one article. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps make knowledge accessible to everyone.
Finally, Van Pamel looked ahead. He called for continued efforts to build open knowledge with the same passion and emphasized the importance of collaboration with heritage institutions, educational institutions, and other partners. The celebration was thus not only a look back at 25 years of Wikipedia in Belgium, but also a starting point for the future.
The evening came to a festive close with a toast to the volunteers, knowledge, and Wikipedia.
✨ Hacking, Collaborating, and Experimenting
The Wikimedia Hackathon Northwestern Europe 2026
On March 13 and 14, around 70 Wikimedians from Northwestern Europe gathered for an intensive yet informal hack weekend. In an open, so-called unconference format, participants set the agenda themselves. This resulted in a dynamic mix of projects, knowledge sharing, and experimentation.
There was plenty of development and testing going on. For example, participants worked on new tools for Wikidata, improvements to translation features, and even innovative ways to make complex subjects—such as mathematics—easier to understand through interactive visualizations. Thanks to new technical capabilities, such as the use of so-called “template gadgets,” these kinds of applications are becoming increasingly feasible.
In addition to the technical work, there was also time for socializing and having fun. From spontaneous collaborations to musical interludes during the showcase, the hackathon was just as much about the people behind the code.
This regional hackathon served as preparation for the international Wikimedia Hackathon later this year in Milan, and it already looks very promising.
👉 Want to participate or learn more?
Keep an eye on the Wikimedia channels and join us at the next hackathon or community event. Whether you’re a developer or just curious, there’s always a place for you to contribute!
Agenda
📆 Wikimedia Belgium General Meeting
Members and supporters of Wikimedia Belgium are warmly invited to our General Assembly on Saturday, April 18, 2026. We will meet from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Transport and Mobility in Leuven.
During this meeting, we will look back on the past year and discuss our plans and projects for the coming period. Of course, there will also be time to ask questions, share ideas, and meet other members of the association.
Would you like to help shape the future of the association and stay informed about our activities? If so, we’d love to see you there.
📍 Diestsesteenweg 71, 3010 Leuven
🕑 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
✍🏻 Registration required
📅 Wikimedia Europe General Assembly in Prague
Following that, on April 26, there will be an optional Wikimedia Futures Lab workshop. During this session, participants will delve deeper into global trends that impact Wikimedia and collaborate on ideas and experiments for the future.
👉 Registration is no longer open, but we'll definitely share a recap afterward.
💻 Wikimedia Hackathon 2026 in Milan
Over the course of several days, participants will work together on existing tools and new ideas, with a strong emphasis on collaboration within the MediaWiki ecosystem. This edition is specifically aimed at experienced contributors who wish to work on technical projects either independently or as part of a team.
The hackathon is organized by the Wikimedia Foundation in collaboration with Wikimedia Italia.
👉 Registration is open until March 30, 2026 (while spots are available). The opening session and closing presentations will also be available to watch live.
🎉 Wikipedia’s 25th Anniversary – Join the celebration in Utrecht!
The celebration begins at 12:00 PM with a warm welcome featuring coffee, tea, and a sweet treat, followed by a lunch buffet (with vegetarian and vegan options). In the afternoon, there will be a varied program (still being finalized), and the event will conclude with drinks at 5:00 PM.
🎶 Call for musical volunteers
Are you musically talented and would you like to perform at the party? Let us know when you register and tell us what you'd like to do!
📦 Wikipedia Time Capsule 2026–2051
To mark this anniversary, a time capsule is being assembled, which will be opened again in 2051. During the event, we will be collecting ideas and messages for the future. Be creative and join in!
📍 Practical Information
The location is easily accessible (about a 6-minute walk) from the Vaartsche Rijn station. Please note: on-site parking is limited.
👉 Check the event page for the program.
Wikimedia Netherlands looks forward to celebrating 25 years of free knowledge with you!
Wikimeet Maastricht – May 23, 2026
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After a brief poll, this date was chosen as the most suitable time, taking into account accessibility for participants. It promises to be a fun and inspiring day, with time for both substantive discussions and networking.
The program (subject to minor changes):
- 12:00 Guided tour of the Maastricht University Library’s archive repository
- 1:15 PM Group lunch
- 3:00 PM Guided walking tour through downtown Maastricht
- 4:15 PM Informal drinks
The schedule remains flexible: you can join whenever it suits you and leave whenever you like. It’s all about meeting people, exchanging ideas, and having fun.
👉 Let us know if you're coming and find out all the details on the registration page
Contact us
Wikimedia Belgium NPO (WMBE)
Antwerpselaan 40 Boulevard d'Anvers B-1000 Brussel/Bruxelles
+32 471 82 20 26 (voice/sms/Signal/Telegram/WhatsApp)
Enterprise 0563.775.480 – RPR Brussel
www.wikimedia.be •
info@wikimedia.be