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The V Security & Civil Society Conference 2025 took place from 4 to 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 vital to navigate crises and build 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, a collective appeal to the international community. The Declaration highlights that development cooperation must go beyond financial assistance and focus on people-centred, locally driven, and sustainable solutions. It 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 underlined 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 emphasized the need to keep the UN Agenda 2030 relevant by mainstreaming sustainability into everyday policies. They stressed that development cooperation is a critical component of security and peace, particularly in times of turbulence, and requires long-term commitment, inclusive partnerships, and coordinated international action.

Key outcomes:

  • Photos from the conference can be found here: LINK
  • Video recording from the first and II day of the conference is available here: LINK
  • Conference presentations and materials are available here: LINK
  • Conference declaration 2025 can be found here: LINK
  • The conference brought together 111 international participants, 45 participants from Estonia, and 7 online experts, representing 29 countries in total.

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’s Representation in Estonia, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 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 contrbutions.