The V Security & Civil Society Conference 2025 concluded on 7 December 2025 following three days of high-level discussions, expert panels, working group sessions, and collaborative exchanges focused on the theme “The Impact and Effectiveness of Development Cooperation in Times of Turbulence.” The conference was held from 4–7 December 2025 in Toila, Estonia, convening a diverse international community of civil society leaders, policymakers, development cooperation professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders.
Organised by in partnership with international networks including Green Habito and EuroMeduc, and co-financed by the Estonian National Foundation of Civil Society with support from the European Union Cohesion Policy Fund, the event provided a platform to explore how inclusive civil society engagement strengthens development cooperation, democratic resilience, and security across Europe and beyond.
Over the course of the conference, participants addressed critical themes including the implementation of development cooperation policy, the role of civil society in humanitarian response, the strengthening of local governance and community resilience, and strategies to enhance cross-sector partnerships. Discussions examined how civil society inclusion and empowerment contribute to more effective and sustainable development outcomes, particularly in contexts of geopolitical volatility and humanitarian need. 
The programme featured high-level expert contributions and stakeholder engagements from prominent organisations and institutions. Expert participants and keynote contributors represented entities such as the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nordic Council, the European Commission, Concord Europe Network, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Estonian Centre for International Development, Center for Global Development Europe (UK), University of Warsaw, Swedish Development Research Network, and youth, civil society and regional partner organisations from across Europe, the Euro-Mediterranean region, Africa and beyond.
In addition to plenary sessions and thematic panels, the conference included practical skills-building workshops, working group dialogues, and preparatory visits to Estonian government institutions and the European Commission in Tallinn for invited speakers and experts. Participants collaboratively advanced a set of concrete proposals and policy recommendations aimed at aligning development cooperation with inclusive civil society participation and effective security outcomes.
A key outcome of the conference is the development of the “Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Aid Declaration,” which will outline shared commitments and strategic pathways for strengthening cooperation between governments, donors, civil society organisations, and community actors. This declaration is intended to inform future policymaking and programme design at local, regional, and international levels.
The V Security & Civil Society Conference 2025 reaffirmed the essential role of civil society as a driver of inclusive development, resilient communities, and collaborative security solutions in an increasingly complex global environment.
For more information on the conference and future initiatives, visit: https://conference.sscw.ee/