Biannual Foundation Council meeting

We were pleased to welcome the members of our biannual Foundation Council meeting at DCAF’s headquarters. The session offered our President Amin Awad and our Director Nathalie Chuard, the opportunity to present and secure approval for the 2026 workplan and budget. It was also a moment to warmly welcome three new members whose experience and perspectives will strengthen the Council. We extend our sincere appreciation to all Council members, as well as the countries they represent, for their steady support and commitment.

Progress of Armenia’s security sector reforms

The National Platform on Democratic Oversight of the Security Sector met in Dilijan to encourage a constructive discussion on the progress of Armenia’s security sector reforms. Conducted under the Chatham House Rule, the meeting offered an inclusive setting for representatives of state institutions, CSOs, and international experts to share perspectives on key achievements, existing challenges, and future priorities. It was organised by the National Assembly of Armenia, with expert support from DCAF, the NGO Peace Dialogue and the OSCE.

11th security sector governance and reform workshop

DCAF partnered with the National Defense College of the Philippines and the FES Asia-Pacific for the 11th security sector governance and reform workshop at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. We discussed maritime security sector governance, both from the Philippine perspective and with comparative examples from elsewhere. We were glad to see so much interest – over 50 people joined – and we always enjoy working with our longtime partners in The Philippines.

Private sector and security in West Africa

Together with l'Association des Juristes Sénégalaises (AJS), DCAF organized a regional conference on the influence of the private sector on security and the impacts of private surveillance in West Africa. We received over 50 participants from a wide range of organizations, including CSOs, government officials, regulators, members of the private security industry, experts on human rights, coming from many different countries, such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Bénin, Togo and Guinea.

Women’s meaningful participation in security event

In New York, DCAF and the Permanent Missions of Canada and South Africa convened experts and advisors to reaffirm that women’s meaningful participation is vital to peace and security.

Participants discussed how to strengthen women’s influence across security institutions, ensuring not just representation, but real impact on decision-making and reform. When barriers are removed and women serve as equals in peacekeeping, policing, and national defence, inclusive institutions are more trusted, more effective, and better placed to support lasting peace.