The 2026 Skoll World Forum will take place April 21–24 in Oxford, U.K. and online. Forum attendance is curated by the Skoll Foundation team, with free virtual participation open to everyone. Please contact registration@skoll.org with your questions about the Forum.
What are the dates for the 2026 Skoll World Forum?
The 2026 Skoll World Forum will take place April 21–24, 2026 in Oxford, U.K. and online. The annual Forum shines a spotlight on some of the most promising solutions and impactful social innovations and connects leaders who are driving social progress around the world.
What is the program and schedule for the Skoll World Forum?
The full schedule will be posted on the Skoll World Forum microsite in mid-March 2026. Below is a program overview in British Standard Time (BST) to help with your initial planning.
Tuesday, April 21
12:30pm – Registration, connection activities, and independently organized events
3:00pm – Before We Begin: A Shared Start to Forum Week (session designed by Project Dandelion)
4:30pm – Skoll-hosted Welcome Reception
6:30pm – Serendipity dinners at local restaurants (pay on your own)
8:30pm – Independently organized evening activities
Wednesday, April 22
8:00am to 4:00pm – Sessions, workshops, connection activities, breakfast and lunch, and independent events
5:00 pm – Opening Plenary
7:00pm – Oxford College dinners
8:30pm – Independently organized evening activities
Thursday, April 23
8:00am to 4:00pm – Sessions, workshops, connection activities, breakfast and lunch, and independent events
5:00pm – Plenary: Skoll Awards for Social Innovation
6:30pm – Skoll Awards Reception
8:30pm – Independently organized evening activities
Friday, April 24
8:00am to 10:00am – Connection activities, breakfast, and independent events
10:30am – Closing Plenary
12:00pm to 2:00pm – Farewell Lunch
2:00pm to 8:30pm – Networking and independent events
8:00pm to 11:00pm – Post Forum Wrap Party (optional)
Who's speaking at the Skoll World Forum?
Speakers and performers will be announced in the months leading up to the Forum. Stay tuned!
Forum speakers and performers shine a light on global issues and innovative solutions. Past speakers have included: Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Ernesto Zedillo; former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern; former World Bank President Jim Yong Kim; Nobel Peace Prize Winners Maria Ressa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Malala Yousafzai, Muhammad Yunus, and Al Gore.
We also highlight the roles that artists and storytellers play in inspiring and driving social change. We have celebrated on our stage with Ava DuVernay, Nile Rogers, Bono, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Run DMC, Luis Fonsi, Sarah McLachlan, Juanes, Michael Franti, Angelique Kidjo, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Baaba Maal, Amadou & Mariam, Anna Deavere Smith, and Aloe Blacc.
Who can I contact for any additional questions?
Questions about registration for the Skoll World Forum: registration@skoll.org
For press/media inquiries: Sian Wu of Resource Media at sian@resource-media.org
How do I attend the Skoll World Forum?
Each year, the Forum invites 1,500+ social entrepreneurs, innovators, funders, storytellers, government and business leaders, and more. The Skoll Foundation team curates invitations for Forum delegates as part of Skoll’s mission to support social entrepreneurs and other innovators dedicated to large-scale change. Virtual participation is free and open to everyone, and includes access to live streams and replays of plenaries and sessions. You can sign up to attend virtually on our website starting in March 2026.
Are there registration deadlines for the 2026 Skoll World Forum?
Yes. Space is limited, so please register early to secure your spot. Registration for the Forum closes on March 20, 2026, or earlier if we reach capacity . For invitation transfer requests, these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and will not be accepted after Friday, March 20.
Are there fees to attend?
Yes, delegate fees for Forum attendance are structured to encourage participation from around the globe. Higher-tier Forum invitation fees make it possible for civic and entrepreneurial leaders to attend at a lower rate. Please contact registration@skoll.org with any questions.
Are there ways to engage with the Forum if I am not a registered delegate?
Yes. Attendance at the Forum is curated by the Skoll Foundation—but if you’re not a registered delegate, there are still plenty of ways to engage with the energy and ideas of this vibrant week. From the Virtual Skoll World Forum to our partners at the Marmalade Festival and The Sidebar, you'll find abundant opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Please visit this page for more details on how to engage throughout the week.
Why is PayPal not allowing me to pay by credit or debit card?
The Forum registration system uses PayPal to process delegate registration fees. We have learned that using PayPal is not available for all locations. In some countries, PayPal requires the payor to have a PayPal account before making a transaction.
If you are in a location where PayPal is not available without an account, you will need to create a PayPal account. If you experience any PayPal issues, or are unable to create a PayPal account, please reach out to registration@skoll.org so we can assist you.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We'll refund registration fees on all requests received by Wednesday, March 11, 2026 . For cancellations requested after March 11, 2026, we will review on a case-by-case basis, but decisions may not be made until after the Forum concludes. Refunds processed via PayPal will be subject to PayPal’s online money transfer fees.
Is there an option for virtual participation this year?
Our team is proud to offer virtual participation to watch livestreams and replays of plenaries and select sessions. Attending the virtual Forum is free and open to everyone. Registration for online/virtual attendance will open in March 2026.
Is there a mobile app for this year’s Forum?
Yes. We have a virtual event space for building a profile and schedule. You must be registered to utilize this platform. Beginning in March, you may download the Skoll World Forum mobile app on iOS or Android and log in using the email address you provided at registration.
When should I arrive in Oxford for the Skoll World Forum?
The Forum kicks off on April 21 with an optional welcome reception and "serendipity dinners" to get acclimated and meet other delegates (see detailed schedule above). To fully participate, we suggest arriving in Oxford on Tuesday, April 21 and departing no earlier than Friday afternoon, April 24, 2026.
How do I travel to Oxford and where should I stay?
This resource page has more details about traveling to and around Oxford. Additionally, you can review our recommendations for lodging. There are a variety of hotels and rentals in Oxford that we suggest booking as soon as possible.
What are the travel requirements for entering the UK? Does Skoll offer visa support?
We highly encourage all delegates to ensure that their passport is up to date as soon as possible. U.K. regulations require a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay. For anyone applying for a travel visa that requires a letter from the Skoll Foundation confirming your travels, please contact registration@skoll.org.
The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for many travelers, which costs £10 and takes an average of three days to process. For more details about the ETA guidelines, visit this website. Download the U.K. government’s ETA app for the fastest processing here.
Will language translation be available?
Language translation will be provided for everyone attending in-person or virtually through AI-powered translation from Wordly and accessible via web browser and mobile app. Bring your headphones to access the language translation.
Is the Skoll World Forum accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. With advance notice, our team can provide dedicated assistance, headphones for hearing amplification, sign language interpretation, and more. You will be asked about your accessibility needs during the registration process. Please aim to provide at least 30 days' advance notice so we can thoughtfully prepare to support you. You may also contact us at registration@skoll.org to discuss your individual accessibility needs.
Most of the venues utilized during the Skoll World Forum are accessible. This list contains some of our frequently used venues and links to their accessibility details.
Our detailed accessibility guide can be found here.
Can I bring my baby to the Forum?
The Skoll World Forum supports working parents and people who are nursing. Nursing and pumping lounges are available on site, and parents are welcome to bring their babies into SBS sessions if needed. To maintain a focused environment and ensure clear recordings during official Forum sessions at SBS, we ask the parent/guardian to exit the room if your baby becomes disruptive. Throughout the event, we provide alternate locations where sessions can be viewed via livestream.
Is childcare available in Oxford?
The Skoll World Forum does not provide childcare. Please source your own childcare, whether by bringing a travel companion or finding an option in Oxford. For anyone traveling with young children, here are a few options for childcare services: Care.com; childcare.co.uk; Oxford and London Sitters; and Oxford Active with day camps during spring break.
*Skoll Foundation provides the links on this page only as a convenience and does not review, approve, monitor, endorse, warrant or make any representations with respect to such links and their corresponding third-party websites, or any product or service provided in connection therewith.
Can my caregiver bring my child to the Forum?
A private dedicated “family room” is available onsite for delegate parents who want to have a few moments during the day with their young children in between sessions and meetings. Caretakers can request a guest pass at the Help Desk to be able to go beyond the security doors to accompany young children to the room. The parent/caretaker will be asked to sign a waiver indicating they are solely responsible for the safety of their children while at the event.
What is your code of conduct?
The Skoll Foundation is committed to an environment free of harassment, discrimination, and threatening or disrespectful behavior. It is important to us that all delegates are able to participate fully in our programs. We encourage you to learn more about our community guidelines. Please report violations of the Code of Conduct using this anonymous hotline, hosted by a third-party provider, EthicsPoint.
What are your COVID-19 health and safety precautions?
Your health and safety are top priorities. We will implement recommended health and safety precautions at the Forum and kindly ask that all attendees be up to date on their vaccinations, per CDC guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Registration Team at registration@skoll.org.
What if I become ill during the Forum?
Please email registration@skoll.org if you become ill during the Forum. Our team can bring you a care package of food and other necessities and drop it off at your doorstep. For the safety of others, we ask that you stay isolated until you are no longer considered contagious. Plenaries and sessions can be viewed online via the Forum app.
If you need a medical consultation or urgent medical care, you can call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. Anyone in the UK can receive treatment at a National Health Service (NHS) facility, no matter their residency status. However, tourist visitors to the UK do not typically qualify for free NHS treatment.
You are solely responsible for any increased costs associated with extending your stay in England, including medical costs, additional hotel nights, and changes to your return flight.
What kind of meals are served at the Forum?
To reduce our carbon footprint, no red meat will be served at the Forum. Menu ingredients and allergens will be listed whenever possible. Protein sources will include chicken, fish quinoa, tofu, nuts, beans, yogurt and eggs, we will also offer dairy free, gluten free, nut-free, and vegan options. To the extent possible, food served at the Forum is made with locally sourced British produce, including plant-based ingredients and sustainable sourced fish.
In the spirit of the Forum, we hope you understand that while most dietary preferences will be addressed, there may be occasions where you will want to supplement your own meals. There are many wonderful pubs, restaurants, cafés, and well-stocked grocery stores throughout Oxford where you can purchase additional food supplies.