Bread&Net 2025: A Gathering of Courage, Resistance, and Digital Solidarity
This year, I had the honour of participating once again in Bread&Net, the annual unconference organised by SMEX—a space that has, over the years, become the beating heart of digital rights conversations in the Arabic-speaking region. It brings together activists, technologists, journalists, researchers, and policymakers to reimagine what digital justice can look like for our communities.
Having been part of Bread&Net since its very first edition—and serving on its Advisory Committee for the past several years—this edition felt particularly meaningful. It marked the first in-person gathering after two years online, unfolding at a moment of immense regional hardship. We met at a time when technology is not only enabling connection and creativity, but also facilitating violence—fueling genocide, enhancing surveillance, and amplifying conflicts across our region. Against this backdrop, Bread&Net became more than a convening; it became a testament to resilience and collective courage.
Strengthening the Internet’s Human Infrastructure
This year, my work on the Advisory Committee focused on expanding the network of those ready to defend an open, secure, and rights-respecting Internet. This included:
Recruiting more agents for the Internet, especially youth and emerging voices from underrepresented communities.
Leading Internet Governance 101 sessions to demystify global processes and empower newcomers to participate meaningfully.
Collaborating with the Internet Society Middle East team on the Internet Governance track to highlight why stakeholder engagement from the WANA region is not optional—it is essential.
In a global ecosystem where decisions are often made without us, increasing civil society participation from our region is not only strategic but necessary for justice.
Navigating the Digital Frontlines: Conflict, AI, and Power
Our conversations this year tackled some of the most urgent and painful realities shaping our digital landscape:
The rising use of AI in warfare, with devastating consequences for civilian populations.
The restructuring of our Internet through algorithmic systems that privilege certain narratives while suppressing others.
The weaponisation of technology in conflicts across Sudan, Palestine, Libya, Yemen, and beyond.
Platform biases and content moderation failures that erase voices, distort realities, and deepen harm.
These discussions were not easy. They demanded honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront how deeply intertwined technology is with the political and humanitarian crises unfolding across our region. Yet, they were necessary—because protecting digital rights today is inseparable from protecting human rights.
A Community That Holds Each Other Together
My heartfelt gratitude goes to:
The SMEX team, whose commitment and integrity continue to shape one of the most important convenings in our region.
My fellow advisory members, for their guidance, solidarity, and wisdom.
Friends and colleagues from across WANA, who bring depth, courage, and compassion to every dialogue.
My incredible team at Annir Initiative, who made it possible for me to participate fully—even as I recover from a broken hand. Your support means more than words can express.
Bread&Net has always been a space of courage. A space where difficult truths are spoken, where communities come together despite borders and crises, and where hope is nurtured even in dark times. This year reaffirmed that spirit.
A Space of Hope in Times of Hardship
Bread&Net remains a reminder that our fight for a free and rights-centred Internet is part of a larger struggle for dignity, justice, and liberation. Even in the toughest times, our community continues to show up—with courage, creativity, and unwavering belief in a digital future that serves people before power.
In a region where both physical and digital spaces are under threat, Bread&Net continues to stand as a beacon of solidarity and a testament to what collective action can achieve.
If you'd like, I can create a shorter LinkedIn version, a more personal storytelling version, or an Arabic translation.