Dear Governmental agencies, experts, developmnet cooperation and humaanitarian aid organisations, researchers and CSOs,
Green Habito RY (Finland), EuroMeduc (Greece), Peace Child Estonia, and Sillamäe Society for Child Welfare (Estonia), together with a consortium of partners from across the EuroMed region, are pleased to invite You to participate in the 5th Security and Civil Society Conference 2025, titled “The Impact and Effectiveness of Development Cooperation on European & Global Security in Times of Turbulence.” The conference will be held from 4–7 December 2025 in Toila, Estonia.
This important three-day event will gather experts, development cooperation actors, policymakers, civil society organizations, youth, researchers, governmental institutions, and community leaders from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central and West Africa, and beyond to discuss critical issues surrounding development cooperation, humanitarian aid, existing crises, and community resilience.
Key topics include:
- Development cooperation policy implementation
- Effective and coordinated responses to humanitarian and development challenges
- Building democratic and community resilience
- Advancing the 2030 Agenda
- Exploring new approaches to democratic governance, digital participation, and citizen security
The conference will feature high-level discussions, practical skills workshops, thematic working groups, and study visits, culminating in the development of the “Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Aid Declaration.” This declaration will outline how societies can adapt to emerging global challenges while advancing effective development cooperation, humanitarian response, and community resilience.
Key themes:
- Global challenges and their implications for Estonia and Europe
- Development policy and humanitarian aid in 2025: needs, challenges, and expectations
- The future of development cooperation in turbulent times: possible scenarios
- The role of local governments and civil society organizations in building resilient societies
Participating organizations, keynote speakers, and experts include: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nordic Council, European Commission, Concord Europe Network, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Estonian Centre for International Development, Arizona University, WIACT Ghana, UNA Finland, Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation, The House of Europe in Rhodes, British Council Libya, Swedish Development Research Network, Center for Global Development Europe (UK), The Times, University of Warsaw, British Council Estonia, Euro-Med Youth Federation (Germany), Peipsi Centre for Transboundary Cooperation, NGO Spero (Moldova), Green Habito, Greek Network of Anna Lindh Foundation, and many others.
For more details about the conference agenda, please visit: Conference Agenda
Security and Civil Society Conference:
– As a place of networking, the conference offers rich opportunities to meet peers from across Europe, the Euro-Mediterranean region, and beyond — to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and build lasting cooperation networks.
– As a platform for cooperation, it emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration — between governments, NGOs, donors, academia, and the private sector — to co-create action plans and the “Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Aid Declaration.”
– As a forum for debate, the conference tackles urgent questions: how can development cooperation strengthen European and global security in times of turbulence? How can civil society and local communities respond to hybrid threats, aid challenges, and democratic shocks? Through interactive sessions and world-café-style working groups, participants will deliberate strategies, share best practices, and propose concrete next steps.
Join us to connect, cooperate, and contribute to shaping resilient societies and responsive development agendas for the future.
Registration, Fees, and Practical Information:
Registration is open from 1 June to 20 November 2025, or until places are full. Early registration is encouraged as the conference is limited to 120 foreign delegates and 30 Estonian delegates.
Registration Fees:
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150 EUR for NGO delegates (all-inclusive package, until 20 Nov)
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275 EUR for regular delegates (all-inclusive package, after 21 Nov)
Participation fee includes (all-inclusive package):
- Attendance at the 3-day conference
- 3 nights of accommodation in 3–4* hotels (shared twin rooms)
- Meals (buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the conference agenda
- Local transportation, conference materials, and cultural programs
- Daily spa access (pool, saunas, relaxation room)
- Optional services such as museum visits, receptions, spa facilities, and a celebration party
Stay connected: Facebook Event
We look forward to your involvement in this significant initiative and hope to partner with you to advance discussions and solutions for addressing emerging global challenges through inclusive development and effective humanitarian cooperation. For further details or inquiries, feel free to contact us directly. We anticipate your positive response.
The conference is co-financed by the European Union Cohesion Policy Fund, Estonian National Foundation of Civil Society, British Council, Nordic Council of Ministers office in Estonia, Green Habito and EuroMeduc Networks.
For more information and any inquires please contact: Vassili Golikov, Head organiser – vassili@sscw.ee, tel. +372 55602993 or German Morris, registration and practical issues german@peacechild-estonia.org tel: +372 55576329
