Security and Civil Society Conference 2026
“Safer and stronger together: strengthening Europe’s civil resilience and preparedness in time of realpolitik“
26-29th November 2026, in Narva, Estonia
To explore the impact of geopolitical challenges on European security and to discuss pathways for strengthening societal resilience and achieving stability through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.
OVERVIEW
Security & Civil Society Conference 2026 is a three-day event (27th, 28th and 29th November 2026) that will include an intensive programme of high-level discussions, working groups, development of the civil society and international stakeholders appeal (declaration) to the international community. A one-day preparatory meeting and visits in Estonian Government Institutions and Estonian representation of the European Commission will be organised for the high level experts and invited speakers on the 24rd and 25th November 2026 in Tallinn.
The geopolitical shock and the consequences following from the Russian invasion in Ukraine are also influencing security and democracy development in three key regions: Charting Ukraine’s and Moldovan`s Future in European Union, conscious Nordic-Baltic security policies to becoming NATO members and global & regional influence on Mediterranean security environment. We will discuss the role of CSOs and different stakeholders in achieving peace and the importance of intercultural dialogue in healing divides and reconciling societies. Key foreign and security policy issues plus social security and resilience questions will be discussed mostly from the perspective of the Artic and Euro-Mediterranean regions, Norther and Eastern parts of Europe.
The conference is an opportunity to reaffirm the significance of the importance of the work of the European Union deveopment aid, NATO, OSCE and its member states for promoting peace on the continent and achieving a safer, greener, socially sustainable and digitally integrated community. The conference will connect security advancing organisations/institutions, regional networks of practitioners, distinguished policymakers, civil society organisations, analysts, politicians, military personnel representatives, academics, media and international donors from Europe and foreign actors of the Africa, Euro-Mediterranean region and abroad.
At this conference, the SCSORD (Security and CSO Resilience Declaration) will be finalised and approved, together with networking plans, which will be submitted to the European Commission, International Institutions, international and governmental organizations, media and various of thematic networks who is working on achievement of peace, security, democracy, rule of law and support of CSOs in Build Resilient Societies.
The conference is co-organised by a consortium of international partners from 10 countries.
The conference will be co-financed in amount of 30 000 EUR by the European Union Cohesion Policy Fund and others sponsors (the British Council, Estonian National Foundation of Civil Society, Nordic Council of Ministers office in Estonia) and Green Habito network members.
THE MAIN AIM
The aim of the conference “Security and Civil Society 2026” is to bring together security experts from Europe and Estonia, stakeholders, civil society networks, and various actors to discuss current geopolitical challenges, exchange perspectives and experiences in foreign and security policy, and strengthen resilience.
The objective of the conference is to facilitate discussions on these four key themes, identify solutions to emerging challenges, exchange best practices, and develop recommendations for stakeholders and decision-makers. A key priority is to promote cooperation and establish effective security collaboration networks among civil society organizations, government representatives, and the private sector, creating a platform for joint initiatives and projects that enhance the contribution of both Estonia and Europe to global security.
As an outcome of the conference, concrete proposals and collaborative initiatives are expected, contributing to strengthening security, societal resilience, and crisis preparedness at both local and international levels.
The conference aims to hold debates on these three main themes, to find solutions to challenges, to exchange good practices and to prepare proposals for stakeholders and decision-makers. It is important to foster cooperation and to create functioning networks for security and resilience cooperation, between NGOs and government representatives, as well as between businesses, creating a platform for joint initiatives and projects that would increase the Estonian and European contribution to social security and CSO resilience, sharing the experiences of different actors.
In addition, the conference aims, with the support of leading experts and speakers in the field, to better understand and interpret today’s complex and interlinked crises. It seeks to analyse their root causes and societal impacts, as well as to anticipate and explain emerging tensions. By increasing the awareness of civil society and strengthening cooperation between public authorities, civil society organisations, and the private sector, the conference contributes to a more informed and resilient society. The conference also provides a platform for objective assessment and constructive critical reflection on ongoing developments, particularly where challenges arise from unfair or destabilising processes. At the same time, it aims to communicate clear, balanced, and reassuring messages that help maintain public trust, support societal stability, and promote peace-oriented actions across Europe and Estonia.
Ultimately, the goal of the conference is to explore practical solutions for strengthening European security and enhancing people’s cognitive resilience in the face of complex and evolving threats.
At the end of the conference, a declaration of the conference will be prepared with proposals for a specific solution for the civil society sector on how to cope and promote their work during the crisis.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The international event is open to all interested individuals, representatives from public, private and civil society sectors whose work is connected directly or indirectly with politics, civil society, media, security questions, peace promotion and the UN SDG-s. We welcome security and resilience advancing organisations and institutions, educational institutions, finance industry leaders, academics, researchers, legislators, planners and policy specialists in all relevant areas, representatives from International institutions, intergovernmental organisations, governments, ministries or departments, international donors, national and regional human rights organisations and youth. For international participants a total of 120 places are available.
THE PROGRAMME
The programme will consist of plenary lectures and speeches, panel discussions, workshops, study visits, a round table and Working groups in World Café discussions formate involving all participants. Participants will be expected to share their experience – and emphasise to younger participants and CSOs their perspectives on the ‘art of the possible.’ They will also be expected to deliver targets and action ideas for implementation at local, national and international levels. The focus will be to contribute effectively to sustaining peace in regions, promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development by and spreading knowledge and outcomes to CSOs, research and political institutions, communities and individuals involved back in their home countries.
In particular, the conference will focus on how to translate political promises and agreements into action, focusing on the implementation process and sharing lessons learnt from achievements to date with both local and international
guests.
The main themes of the conference are:
- Societal security and resilience in the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and the Arctic region
- Regional cooperation, human-centered security, and the role of civil society
- Inclusive governance and institutional participation
- Interconnected security challenges in Europe and the Mediterranean region
(Disciption of the detailed topics will be opened on the 18th of June 2025)
The Conference panel discussion in 2025 covering:
Panel I –
Panel II –
Panel III –
Panel III –
Panel IV –
Community debates: In times of growing political instability and global uncertainty, civil society and youth organisations play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of communities and driving positive social change. By promoting inclusive cooperation, these actors contribute to enhancing democracy, social and political justice, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. Their engagement not only empowers local communities to respond effectively to crises but also ensures that development efforts remain people-centred, participatory, and sustainable.
THE VENUE
Narva is a border town with Russia, which has historically been under both Swedish and Russian rule. Narva is located in a socially and economically difficult area, which is populated by a Russian minority community. Narva, which is over 95% Russian-speaking, is the third-largest town in Estonia. Narva is also one of the easternmost points of the current European Union map.
The venue of the conference is mainly Narva College.
Narva College has engaged in a mission to enhance awareness about the history of the city among locals as well as guests. The inauguration of the new college building was also vital in reviving the city’s history. The college is situated in the heart of Narva’s old town, next to the surviving baroque Town Hall.
The modern building combines an innovative study environment featuring present-day conveniences, while paying homage to the former old town. The oddly protruding roof commemorates the once stately stock-exchange building, which, before its destruction in the war, used to partly screen the Town Hall from public view.
The present college building begins directly behind the location of the former stock exchange so as to leave the Town Hall fully visible this time. All that remains of the stock-exchange building are the underground walls and the basements, which were restored at the time of the college’s construction and are now used for exhibitions, concerts and theatrical events. Allusions to the city’s history are also noticeable inside the college building. Walls of lecture rooms, for example, are coloured according to fashions that were followed in baroque Narva, and it is no coincidence that the college’s window-pane patterns resemble those of the neighbouring Town Hall. On a rainy day, one can see our version of the famous Narva waterfalls in the courtyard of the college. Those who have some time to spare can take the lift to Floor 4 and look down at the street from the high protruding roof ‘beak’ — this is intended for guests’ enjoyment, just like the entire building, which has developed into a tourist attraction of Narva.
All the delegates are accommodated in Meresuu Spa and Narva Hotells . The conference fee consists of accommodation in shared rooms. Private rooms are available on request and additional fee.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The working language is English; French and Arabic translations will be provided.
EVENT TYPE
This Conference is designed as a hybrid event with most participants attending in person but organisers will provide possobility to join virtually for interested experts. Also we will encourage particiaption of CSO representatives from Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Africa, Euromed and Nordic-Baltic regions.
REGISTRATION
The delegates are invited to participate in Security and Civil Society Conference 2026 by submitting their applications.
Early bird participation fees is up to 15% dicsount from their participation fee
The early bird discount (use code: DEVSEC26) for in-person participation in the conference will be available until the end of October 31st 2025.
If your application has been accepted, we request each delegate to confirm the participation in 7 days by sending a letter to registration@sscw.ee or by phone +372 55602993.
More information, please write: Mr. Vassili Golikov – vassili@sscw.ee
NETWORKING
Please join the Conference Facebook group here
