Nicosia conference to focus on strategic cooperation and innovation

The Euro-Mediterranean CSO Conference 2026 will take place at the University of Nicosia on April 23-24, bringing together civil society organisations, European Union bodies, academics, international organisations and young people.

The conference is positioned as a significant international forum, aiming to strengthen participation and the role of civil society in addressing complex social, economic and geopolitical challenges across the Mediterranean and Europe.

With a shared focus on dialogue and cooperation, the event will serve as a platform for exchange of best practices, promoting collective action towards a more just, sustainable and inclusive society.

As part of the programme, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of strategic cooperation, innovation and development policies in the region.

Šuica brings extensive experience at both national and European level, having served as mayor of Dubrovnik, member of the European Parliament and vice-president of the European Commission responsible for democracy and demography.

Her portfolio includes the development of the New Pact for the Mediterranean and the Trans-Mediterranean Initiative for Energy and Clean Technologies, both aimed at advancing sustainable solutions, strengthening cooperation between states and enhancing social participation across the region.

The conference will also provide participants with the opportunity to examine critical issues affecting the Mediterranean, including the empowerment of civic space, social inclusion, digital transition and geopolitical developments.

Discussions will address the need to strengthen civic space and counter the shrinking democratic environment, with the goal of ensuring meaningful and creative citizen participation.

The role of civil society in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will also be explored, emphasising its contribution to social justice, environmental sustainability and economic cohesion.

Migration, skills development and social inclusion will form another key theme, with a focus on inclusive policies that create opportunities for all.

Participants will also examine mental health and the digital challenges facing young people, within an ever-evolving social and technological landscape.

Further sessions will explore funding models and the sustainability of civil society organisations, with emphasis on institutional resilience, transparency and long-term development.

Geopolitical developments in the Mediterranean and the role of civil society within a complex regional and international environment will also be discussed.

In addition, the conference will address artificial intelligence and digital transformation, exploring how new technologies can enhance democratic participation and create positive social impact.

“The importance of strategic cooperation, innovation and development policies in the Mediterranean is central to building a sustainable future,” Šuica is expected to emphasise in her keynote address.

Her participation is set to highlight the international dimension of the conference, as well as the commitment of European Union institutions to supporting a dynamic and participatory civil society.

The event is organised by CARDET and the University of Nicosia, with support from a wide range of organisations including CRoLEV – UCLAN, Civil Society Advocates, and the Commissioner for the Citizen Office.

The initiative is further supported by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Cyprus, the Foundation Parliamentary Democracy, the Institute for Studies of Politics and Democracy, the NGO Support Center, Oxygen for Democracy, Police Lab and the Cyprus Red Cross.