Insights

2025 marked DCAF's 25th anniversary. Since 2000, we have been dedicated to putting security governance at the heart of the conversation, working with partners to support reforms based on international best practices.

We are grateful to have celebrated this milestone with our country offices around the world.

In Geneva, we discussed the future of security sector governance at a special event in November which gathered more than 200 participants and 20+ speakers. We also celebrated our achievements alongside GCSP and GICHD, DCAF's sister centres created by Switzerland to promote security for all. To mark this occasion and the opening of the 2025 Geneva Peace Week in October, we have created a video summarising our work and the complementary roles of the three Geneva Centres.

The year 2026 will present tremendous security challenges, which DCAF is committed to address alongside its partners and donors. We will be guided by the same pioneering spirit that the founders of DCAF displayed 25 years ago, as DCAF Director Nathalie Chuard shared at our anniversary event, 'Words into Action':

It is critical that we do not work in isolation. By working together, we see more; we learn more; we adapt and evolve more quickly. We all have a role to play. We know that democracy and social cohesion can backslide; it is only through active participation that our systems remain vibrant”.

In this final insight of the year, we're highlighting our most popular resources of 2025.

SSR Backgrounder: Artificial intelligence and the defence sector 
Backgrounders are intended as an introduction to security sector governance for those new to the field. The series covers a wide variety of topics. This publication explores the use of AI in the defence sector, considers the risks to good governance and provides recommendations for improving oversight.

The double-edged sword of artificial intelligence in security sector governance 
How can AI be aligned with democratic principles and human rights? Bias in AI systems, lack of transparency, and other ethical concerns pose significant challenges for their use in security settings. We have compiled in this article a few useful resources to learn more about how AI is shaping the security sector.

Corruption control and integrity-building in law enforcement
What are the best strategies to counter corruption in law enforcement? How can we strengthen the integrity of these institutions? Our report offers evidence-based guidance and helps understand the complexities of corruption control, as well as the challenges of implementing and measuring anti-corruption efforts.

Opinion Piece: The importance of interim security governance mechanisms in the occupied Palestinian territory 
In light of the consequences of the war in Gaza and the progress made throughout 2025 towards achieving a ceasefire, DCAF proposes its view on interim mechanisms to put in place to ensure sustainable peace.

VIDEO Gambia Immigration Department: Strengthening efficiency and accountability
This 15-minute documentary highlights the transformative journey of the Gambia Immigration Department. The project introduced reforms that modernised the Department’s legal framework, promoted gender equality, enhanced operational efficiency, and strengthened oversight mechanisms.

PODCAST: Changing the script: How to bring the WPS agenda to life 
“Including women in prevention, peacebuilding and peacekeeping leads to more democratic governance, economic recovery and reduced violence.“
DCAF Director Nathalie Chuard, as an international gender champion, shares insights and provides real-world examples of how to meaningfully integrate the Women, Peace and Security Agenda into peacebuilding and security operations.

VIDEO #DCAF25: Raising awareness of drug use in schools in Burkina Faso
Drug use is the cause of many security issues. The DCAF office in Burkina Faso took part in an awareness-raising session aimed at combatting drug use in schools. Organised in collaboration with the Permanent Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fight Against Drugs, the session was attended by over 800 people.

Human security provisions in ceasefire and peace agreements: case studies from Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia 
This publication explores how human security provisions responds to a growing recognition that sustainable peace requires more than just stopping violence — it must also address the everyday needs of civilians affected by conflict.

ELEARNING: Integrating gender in project design 
This flagship course is now available to the public and in three languages: English, French and Arabic. In less than three hours, anyone, anywhere in the security, development and humanitarian sectors can learn how to best address the needs of women and girls in all projects, not just those with a gender focus.

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We wish you a Happy New Year. May we continue advancing global peace and security together in 2026.