The V Security & Civil Society Conference 2025 took place from 4–7 December 2025 in Toila, Estonia, bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, experts, and development cooperation actors from across Europe and beyond. The central theme of the conference was “The impact and effectiveness of development cooperation on European and global security in times of turbulence,” reflecting an increasingly complex global landscape where cooperation is essential for managing crises and building resilience.
The three-day conference featured an intensive programme of high-level discussions, working groups, and the joint development of a civil society and international stakeholders’ appeal to the international community, reflected in the Conference Declaration.
The event provided a platform for high-level discussions on global crises, shrinking resources for international cooperation, and the need to strengthen community resilience. Participants reaffirmed the importance of the European Union, international organisations, national governments, and civil society in building safer, more sustainable, and resilient societies through coordinated action.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Conference Declaration, representing a collective appeal to the international community. The Declaration emphasizes that development cooperation must go beyond financial assistance and focus on people-centered, locally driven, and sustainable solutions. It also calls for stronger coordination among development actors, increased support for civil society organisations, and inclusive approaches that empower youth and promote gender equality.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations, as well as media and digital literacy, in building resilient communities and countering disinformation. Participants stressed the need to keep the UN Agenda 2030 relevant by mainstreaming sustainability into everyday policies. They also emphasized that development cooperation is a critical component of security and peace, particularly in times of turbulence, requiring long-term commitment, inclusive partnerships, and coordinated international action.
Key outcomes:
- Photos from the conference are available here: LINK
- Video recordings from the first and second days of the conference are available here: LINK
- Conference presentations and materials are available here: LINK
- The Conference Declaration 2025 can be found here: LINK
The conference brought together 111 international participants, 43 participants from Estonia, and 7 online experts, representing 29 countries.
The conference was organised by Peace Child Estonia and Sillamäe Child Protection Association, in collaboration with international networks Green Habito and EuroMeduc.
On behalf of the organisers, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the European Union Cohesion Policy Fund, British Council Estonia, National Foundation of Civil Society (KÜSK), Estonian Centre for International Development, European Commission Representation in Estonia, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Center for Global Development Europe, Stockholm Environment Institute, MARTA Centre, Enabel, Latvian Central Finance and Contracting Agency, Concord Europe, and many others for their support and contributions.
