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At What Cost? The true cost and value of security risk management (Dublin 2025)

On 25-27 February 2025, GISF will host its inaugural Global Security Risk and Policy Conference. The event will be themed around funding and resourcing for security risk management. Register below to secure your place!

We are excited to welcome you to the Global Interagency Security Forum’s (GISF) first Global Security Risk and Policy Conference.

Registration

Registration is now open for GISF’s inaugural Global Security Risk and Policy Conference. The event will be held from 25-27 February in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland at the Hilton Hotel (Charlemont Place).

Register now to secure your place! While the event is free, your attendance is subject to approval by GISF. Spaces are limited to encourage open discussion.

 

 

You can also register to livestream the Conference if you are unable to travel to Dublin.

 

 

If you are interested in attending either of the pre-conference closed-door side meetings on 25 February, you should register for these separately. More information on these sessions is available below under the Agenda section.

 

 

Who should attend?

This event is free for GISF member and associate organisations, as well as other approved attendees.

Conference theme

At What Cost? The true cost and value of security risk management

GISF’s inaugural Global Security Risk and Policy Conference will be themed around resourcing and funding security risk management. Through a series of talks and panel discussions we will delve into this theme, offering strategies for how to maximise available resources and make a stronger case for security risk management funding.

Ensuring secure and sustainable access to people in need is both costly and invaluable. Delivering a comprehensive approach to NGO security risk management – from staff safety to training and access – requires significant time and financial resources. In the face of increasing insecurity, higher costs, and shrinking budgets, resourcing security for NGOs is a considerable challenge. To address this, it’s crucial not only to allocate resources effectively but also to clearly demonstrate the value of investing in security risk management.

GISF’s event will bring together key NGO professionals to share information, learnings, and strategies on maximising available resources while making a compelling case for the importance of security risk management.

Recognising the importance of working with partners, select representatives from UN agencies, donor organisations, coordination bodies, and other key stakeholders will also participate, contributing to solutions.

In addition to identifying short-term opportunities, the event aims to reach common positions to evolve the system. This will ensure resources are used effectively, reach the right parts of organisations and the right delivery partners, and adapt to ever-changing risks. By understanding the true cost and value of security risk management, we can maximise the impact of available financial resources and better support communities in need.

Agenda

Below is the current Conference agenda. Sessions may be subject to change in the coming weeks. This page will be updated regularly to reflect any changes.

We are pleased to announce that Senator Tom Clonan will deliver the opening address. Senator Clonan is a former Irish peacekeeper and vocal advocate of the importance of international humanitarian law and human rights for all.


The Conference will begin on the afternoon of 26 February. Abstracts for the Conference sessions on 26-27 February can be found below.

We have an exciting line-up of speakers and panellists confirmed for the Conference sessions, as detailed below.

Session descriptions are also available for the pre-Conference side meetings on 25 February. If you are interested in joining these sessions please register here.

GISF will also host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the morning of 26 February.

We also invite all attendees to join us for food and drinks at McCaffertys at the Barge on Tuesday 25 February from 6:30pm. For those attending the pre-Conference side meetings, we will head over shortly after these have finished. All attendees are responsible for paying for their own food and drinks.

Resources

Travel and accommodation information

The Conference will be held at the Hilton Dublin (Charlemont Place). Attendees are welcome to stay at the venue, but GISF has also compiled other accommodation options here, so you can compare price and location information.

We have also prepared a comprehensive welcome pack, with the all the information you will need for your visit to Dublin. This includes public transportation links, visa requirements, and options for dining.

For any questions, please get in touch with Charlotte from the GISF team at charlotte@gisf.ngo.

 

Conference resources

Security Risk Management for Frontline Health Care (25 February)

Attendees for this pre-Conference side meeting can access Insecurity Insight’s Handbook for Addressing the Risks of Violence against Health Care in Insecure and Conflict-affected Settings in English, French, Spanish or Arabic.

The Cost of Security: The state of funding and resourcing for security risk management (26 February)

In conjunction with this session, we are pleased to share a draft report examining gaps and actions related to donor engagement with security risk management (SRM). The report is based on a survey with 68 NGO participants. It offers a snapshot of the sector’s current landscape and identifies opportunities for improving SRM funding and implementation.

Supporters

The Conference is generously supported by AmbreliaIEC TelecomInternational Location Safety (ILS), the International NGO Safety & Security Association (INSSA), and Proelium Law LLP. These organisations will have exhibition stands present at the Conference and be available to talk with attendees.

Sigma 7 is sponsoring the canapé reception on 26 February. This evening reception will enable attendees from around the world to network and exchange knowledge on security risk management.

The support of our exhibitors and sponsors is subsidising the costs of attendance for national NGOs. Having national NGOs present at the Conference will be critical for amplifying their perspective on the biggest security issues and how donors and global actors can help address these.