By Jemina Watstein

Talking Across Divides: Communicating Through Differences was the theme for FIGT's Forum 2026. Over two days, participants from more than 20 countries came together, creating a truly global space for dialogue, reflection, and connection, including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the Netherlands, Mozambique, Thailand, Canada, the UAE, the United States, Italy, and Austria.  

The Forum welcomed both long-time FIGT community members and first-time participants, bringing together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and lived realities.

People beamed in from cities far and wide, and together we engaged in meaningful conversations, shared stories, listened deeply, and explored new ways of connecting across difference.

Moments like these remind us that community is not defined by geography, but by a shared commitment to learning, empathy, and collaboration.

This is the work FIGT supports every day.

On Day 2, FIGT co-founder, Ruth van Reken, reflected: “I am in awe today at how widespread an area all of the topics have covered and how much I have learned and how much wisdom and compassion and knowledge is in our community....and as we carry these things to our different communities, real differences are made in this world...yes, I have tears thinking about the ‘awesomeness’ of all being here together...and for each of you through the years who have served to make these moments possible this weekend. Thank you is not enough.”

Ruth’s words capture the depth of learning, the care within this community, and the impact that extends far beyond the Forum itself. We are grateful to all who have contributed to building and sustaining this space over time.