Security and Civil Society Conference 2026

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 consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine continue to shape security, democracy and regional cooperation across Europe and beyond. The conference will explore these developments through the perspectives of several interconnected regions: Ukraine’s and Moldova’s path towards European integration, the evolving security landscape of the Nordic-Baltic and Arctic regions, the wider Mediterranean security environment, and the role of transatlantic cooperation involving Europe, the United States and Canada in strengthening peace, security and democratic resilience.

Participants will discuss how these developments affect peace, stability, democratic governance and societal resilience, as well as the role of civil society organisations, local communities, youth leaders and other stakeholders in responding to these challenges. Particular attention will be given to the importance of intercultural dialogue in building trust, overcoming divisions, countering polarisation and supporting peaceful coexistence in increasingly complex societies.

Key foreign, security and societal resilience issues will be discussed from the perspectives of the Arctic, Nordic-Baltic, Eastern European, Euro-Mediterranean and transatlantic regions. The programme will explore topics such as democratic resilience, civil preparedness, media literacy, disinformation, hybrid threats, active citizenship and the role of civil society in strengthening security and social cohesion.

The conference provides an opportunity to discuss how international cooperation, transatlantic relations, civil society engagement and intercultural dialogue can contribute to peace, stability and resilience across Europe and the Mediterranean region. Particular attention will be given to the role of transatlantic cooperation between Europe, the United States and Canada in addressing shared security challenges, supporting democratic resilience, strengthening civil preparedness and promoting international cooperation in times of geopolitical uncertainty. The conference also contributes to ongoing discussions related to the European Union’s New Pact for the Mediterranean and broader efforts by the European Union, NATO, OSCE, North American partners and their member states to strengthen cooperation, democratic values and sustainable partnerships between communities.

The conference takes place at a time when Europe, the Arctic and the Mediterranean region are facing significant geopolitical, social and security challenges. The consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine continue to influence security, democracy and regional cooperation across Europe, including discussions on Ukraine’s and Moldova’s future in the European Union, the evolving security role of the Nordic and Baltic countries as NATO members, and wider developments affecting the Mediterranean security environment.

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:

1. Societal security and resilience in the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and the Arctic region
2. Regional cooperation, human-centered security, and the role of civil society
3. Inclusive governance and institutional participation
4. Interconnected security challenges in Europe and the Mediterranean region
5. European Integration, Democratic Resilience and Security Cooperation

(Disciption of the detailed topics is here)

The Conference panel discussion in 2026 covering: 

Panel I – “Societal Security and Resilience in the Nordic-Baltic and Arctic Region”

Nordic and Baltic governments and institutions prioritize crisis preparedness, societal resilience, and civil security, addressing hybrid threats (e.g., cyberattacks, disinformation), natural disasters, and the coordination of emergency response across states and municipalities. Security in these regions is increasingly shaped by the interaction of hard security dynamics, geopolitical interests, and societal resilience. Governments and institutions focus on crisis preparedness, civil defence, and resilience while responding to shifting geopolitical realities, including great-power competition and the strategic interests of the United States, Russia, and China. Military security, NATO deterrence, critical infrastructure protection, and Arctic militarization intersect with hybrid threats such as cyberattacks, disinformation, energy security risks, and climate-driven disruptions. The panel will discuss how to integrate hard security considerations with a whole-of-society approach, ensuring that defence, civil preparedness, and resilience reinforce democratic values, social cohesion, and public trust. It will also examine how regional cooperation and the role of civil society can strengthen resilience and mitigate the societal impact of crises.

Panel II – “Inclusive Governance and Institutional Participation in the Euro-Mediterranean Region”

Across the Euro-Mediterranean region, civil society initiatives increasingly seek meaningful and structured participation in policymaking and governance processes at national, regional, and international levels. There is a clear shift from limited, formal consultation toward co-design, shared decision-making, and joint implementation of policies. This trend is particularly visible within frameworks such as the EU’s New Pact for the Mediterranean and the Union for the Mediterranean, which emphasise partnership, mutual accountability, and multi-level governance. The panel explores how institutional participation mechanisms can be strengthened to enable civil society to contribute substantively to policy design, monitoring, and evaluation—particularly in the fields of security, migration, climate action, social cohesion, and democratic governance.

Panel III –  “Regional Cooperation, Human-Centred Security, and Civil Society Engagement”

Security in the Nordic (including Artic/ Greenland) and Euro-Mediterranean regions is increasingly framed through human-centred and cross-border cooperation perspectives. Shared challenges – geopolitical tensions, climate change, migration, and hybrid threats – require coordinated responses that go beyond state-centric solutions. Civil society organisations play a crucial role in strengthening community resilience, protecting democratic values, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring inclusive participation. Safeguarding civic space and public trust in institutions is essential for long-term stability and sustainable security in both regions.

Panel III –  “Interconnected Security Challenges in Europe and the Mediterranean: State and Civil Society Perspectives”

Migration, conflict, economic instability, and border management shape a complex and interconnected security landscape across Europe and the Mediterranean. From a state perspective, priorities often centre on security, crisis management, and institutional stability. Civil society actors, meanwhile, emphasise human rights, social cohesion, and community resilience. This panel creates space for dialogue between these perspectives, exploring how security measures can be balanced with human-centred approaches and highlighting the role of civil society in shaping inclusive, just, and sustainable solutions in both Europe and the Southern Mediterranean.

Panel IV – “European Integration, Democratic Resilience and Security Cooperation: Perspectives from Ukraine, Moldova and the Wider Region”

Roundtable Russia’s war against Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped the European security landscape and accelerated debates on democratic resilience, regional stability and the future of European cooperation. Ukraine and Moldova stand at the centre of these developments as both countries advance reforms and pursue European Union membership while facing significant security, political and societal challenges. This panel will explore how Ukraine’s and Moldova’s EU accession process is influencing the future of European security, democracy and regional cooperation. Particular attention will be given to the perspectives of Eastern Europe, the European Union and the Nordic-Baltic region, examining how democratic resilience, societal preparedness and international cooperation can contribute to long-term peace and stability. The discussion will also address the role of civil society, independent media and local communities in supporting democratic reforms, strengthening public trust and countering disinformation during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. The discussion will examine Ukraine’s and Moldova’s progress towards European Union membership and the broader implications of EU enlargement for European security, democratic governance and regional stability. Participants will explore how the accession process contributes to institutional reforms, democratic resilience and long-term peace and prosperity in Eastern Europe. The panel will also address the role of the European Union, NATO and Nordic-Baltic cooperation in supporting Ukraine and Moldova during a period of significant geopolitical uncertainty. Particular attention will be given to regional security challenges, resilience against external influence and the importance of international solidarity. Another focus of the discussion will be the growing threat of disinformation, foreign influence operations and hybrid threats, as well as the role of governments, civil society organisations, independent media and local communities in protecting democratic values and strengthening societal preparedness. Finally, participants will reflect on lessons learned from Ukraine’s and Moldova’s experiences and discuss how these lessons can contribute to strengthening European security, democratic resilience and cooperation across the continent

Panel V – “Bridging Perspectives: State and Civil Society in a Changing Security Landscape”

This round table explores how governments, institutions, and civil society can better understand and complement each other in responding to today’s complex and interconnected security challenges. As Europe and the Mediterranean face overlapping pressures—from migration and geopolitical tensions to economic instability and social fragmentation—the discussion focuses on moving beyond siloed responses toward shared responsibility. Participants examine how state-led security approaches can be aligned with human rights, social cohesion, and long-term resilience, drawing on the strengths of civil society as a bridge between institutions and communities. The session highlights trust-building, inclusive governance, and dialogue as essential tools for preventing conflict, managing crises, and shaping sustainable security solutions that place people at the centre.

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.

See the full programm here.

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.

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 Nordic and Baltic regions,  Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, North Africa, Euromed  regions, Canada and USA.

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 2026.

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