You can
Read MoreVienna International Conference on Civil Societies Diplomacy
Vienna-ICCSD2026
17–21 August 2026 | Austria Center Vienna
Concept
The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy is a structured, subject-specific international meeting designed to strengthen the role of civil society within multilateral governance frameworks.Convened from 17–21 August 2026 at the Austria Center Vienna, the event will bring together 200 international participants for a five-day programme of plenary sessions, thematic panels, technical workshops, and structured networking formats.The concept is built around three core pillars:
• Civil Society Diplomacy
• Multilateral Dialogue
• Sustainable Development Cooperation
The event serves as a professional exchange platform where civil society leaders, diplomats, international organizations, and policy experts engage in evidence-based discussions and partnership-building initiatives.Designed as a multi-day, international conference, the event ensures:
• High-level professional discourse
• International representation
• Measurable knowledge exchange
• Concrete post-event outcomes
• Structured follow-up cooperation frameworks
The conference integrates hybrid participation capacity, digital documentation, and sustainability standards in line with Vienna’s international meeting expectations.
Strategic relevance for Vienna
Vienna is internationally recognized as one of the four United Nations headquarters cities and a global hub for diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and international conferences.
The event contributes to Vienna’s strategic meeting objectives by:
• Attracting 200 international participants
• Ensuring significant cross-border attendance
• Generating international overnight stays
• Strengthening Vienna’s global conference positioning
• Supporting the city’s economic and knowledge ecosystem
By convening international stakeholders in Vienna, the event reinforces the city’s role as:
• A neutral and trusted diplomatic platform
• A center for global governance dialogue
• A host city for sustainable and innovation-driven meetings
The event aligns with Vienna’s meetings strategy by combining international participation, subject-specific expertise, and sustainable event management practices.
Institutional alignment
The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy is aligned with:
• Multilateral cooperation frameworks
• International governance dialogue mechanisms
• Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda)
• Vienna-based institutional ecosystems
The programme design reflects internationally recognized standards of:
• Neutrality and professionalism
• Evidence-based dialogue
• Inclusive participation
• Transparent speaker selection
• Structured thematic focus.
The event fosters engagement between:
• Civil society organizations
• Diplomatic missions
• International organizations
• Academic and research institutions
• Development practitioners.
Institutional cooperation is embedded within the programme structure to ensure relevance, credibility, and long-term partnership outcomes.
Governance structure
The event is governed through a structured, transparent organizational framework designed to ensure professional delivery and accountability.
1. Organising Committee
Responsible for overall strategic direction, programme design, and institutional coordination.
2. Advisory Board
Composed of international experts and institutional representatives providing thematic guidance and quality assurance.
3. Programme Committee
Responsible for speaker selection, thematic alignment, and session structuring based on merit and expertise.
4. Operations & Compliance Unit
Ensures:
• GDPR-compliant registration
• Hybrid platform integration
• Sustainability implementation
• Financial accountability
• Reporting and documentation
The governance structure follows internationally recognized conference management standards and ensures clarity of responsibility, transparency, and operational excellence.
Organiser profile (IPHD)
International Promoting Human Development (IPHD) is an international organization originating in Vienna, Austria. The organization was initially established under its original German name IFME – Internationale Förderung Menschlicher Entwicklung, reflecting its foundational commitment to advancing human development through structured, international cooperation. Headquartered in Vienna, IPHD operates at the intersection of civil society engagement, institutional dialogue, and sustainable development policy. The organization is dedicated to promoting inclusive, evidence-based, and partnership-oriented approaches to global governance and international cooperation.
IPHD structures its work across seven strategic pillars from inside to outside the human:
- Innovations for Human Development. Supporting and developing human-centered initiatives.
- Water Management. Promoting sustainable water usage and management.
- Agriculture and Environment. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection.
- Energy Production. Fostering innovative energy solutions.
- Animal Welfare. Ensuring the protection and well-being of animals.
- Human Protection. Prioritizing human safety and rights.
- Maintenance, Monitoring, and Evaluation. Ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of initiatives.
Through these pillars, IPHD supports multilateral dialogue, cross-sector cooperation, and development-oriented initiatives that strengthen institutional trust and civic participation in international processes. As a Vienna-originated organization, IPHD contributes to the city’s international ecosystem by:
• Promoting structured diplomatic engagement
• Facilitating global knowledge exchange
• Supporting sustainable event practices
• Strengthening Vienna’s profile as a hub for multilateral cooperation.
The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy reflects IPHD’s mission to foster constructive civil society participation within international governance frameworks while reinforcing Vienna’s role as a leading global meeting destination.
Mission & Objectives
Mission
The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy aims to convene global civil society leaders, diplomatic missions, institutional partners, and policy experts in Vienna to advance inclusive, multilateral dialogue and strengthen the role of civil society within international governance frameworks.Taking place from 17–21 August 2026 at the Austria Center Vienna, this five-day international meeting will bring together 200 participants from across the world to exchange professional insights, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to Vienna’s profile as a leading global meeting destination.Aligned with the strategic goals of the Vienna Meeting Fund 2025–2028, the event supports Vienna’s positioning as an innovation hub and international business location by attracting a significant proportion of international participants and fostering knowledge exchange that enhances the city’s diplomatic and economic ecosystem.
Objectives
- Facilitate High-Level Professional Exchange
Provide a structured platform for international experts and practitioners to engage in substantive discussions on civil society diplomacy, global cooperation, and sustainable development. - Strengthen Vienna’s International Meeting Profile
Contribute to Vienna’s role as a premier global meeting destination by attracting a predominantly international audience (minimum 50% of participants from abroad), in line with Vienna Meeting Fund eligibility criteria. - Promote Sustainable Event Standards
Demonstrate commitment to sustainable conferencing practices through implementation of eco-event measures (e.g., ÖkoEvent/Austrian Ecolabel certification) to maximise funding under both Module 1 and Module 2 of the Vienna Meeting Fund. - Foster Institutional Partner Engagement
Build pathways for long-term cooperation between civil society actors, Vienna-based institutions, international organisations, and diplomatic missions. - Deliver Practical Outcomes
Produce actionable recommendations, knowledge products, and post-event impact reporting that contribute to evidence-based policy dialogue and global partnerships. - Enhance Local Value Creation
Support Vienna’s visitor economy and local stakeholders by generating international overnight stays, business engagement, and cross-sector cooperation — a core objective of Vienna’s meetings strategy.
Key Themes
1️⃣ Civil Society Diplomacy
Civil Society Diplomacy explores the evolving role of civil society organizations as constructive actors in international cooperation and global governance processes. The event examines how non-state actors contribute to policy dialogue, confidence-building, conflict prevention, and cross-regional collaboration.
Sessions under this theme will address:
• Civil society engagement within multilateral systems
• Track II and Track III diplomacy approaches
• Institutional partnerships and diplomatic interfaces
• Ethical representation and accountability in international advocacy
• Digital diplomacy and emerging civic participation tools.
The objective is to strengthen professional standards and strategic frameworks for civil society engagement in international decision-making spaces.
2️⃣ Multilateral Dialogue & Global Cooperation
Vienna, as one of the four United Nations headquarters cities, provides a unique ecosystem for multilateral engagement. This theme focuses on enhancing dialogue between governments, international organizations, civil society actors, and academic institutions.
Discussions will include:
• Strengthening multilateral mechanisms
• Inclusive participation in international forums
• Cross-sector policy coordination
• Institutional trust and cooperative governance
• Regional and interregional collaboration models.
The event aims to reinforce Vienna’s role as a platform for structured, solution-oriented global dialogue.
3️⃣ Sustainable Development & Institutional Partnerships
Aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this theme examines how civil society diplomacy can accelerate sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven development outcomes.
Key focus areas include:
• SDG implementation partnerships
• Sustainable event practices and responsible conferencing
• Social innovation and impact measurement
• Youth and gender inclusion in development diplomacy
• Long-term partnership frameworks
This theme emphasizes actionable outcomes and measurable impact, ensuring that discussions translate into practical cooperation initiatives beyond the event.
Highlight: 200 International Participants
200 International Participants | 5 Days | 1 Global Dialogue Platform in Vienna. A curated international audience of civil society leaders, diplomats, and policy experts convening at the Austria Center Vienna to advance multilateral cooperation and sustainable development.
The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy will convene 200 accredited international participants over five days at the Austria Center Vienna.
The participant profile reflects a structured, professional, and globally representative audience, including:
• Representatives of international civil society organizations
• Diplomatic missions and permanent representations
• Multilateral institutions and Vienna-based organizations
• Academic and policy experts
• Development practitioners and governance specialists.
A minimum of 50% of participants will travel from outside Austria, ensuring strong international participation in line with Vienna’s strategic conference positioning and international meeting standards.
The event is designed as a subject-specific, multi-day international gathering, generating:
• International overnight stays in Vienna
• Cross-regional knowledge exchange
• Institutional networking opportunities
• Long-term partnership development.
Participation will be managed through a secure, GDPR-compliant registration system, ensuring professional accreditation, structured attendance tracking, and post-event reporting capabilities.
Vienna Positioning Statement
Held at the Austria Center Vienna, the event reinforces Vienna’s role as a global hub for multilateral dialogue, international cooperation, and sustainable conferencing.
Vienna stands as one of the world’s leading centres for multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. As host city to a United Nations headquarters and numerous international organizations, permanent missions, and global institutions, Vienna provides a uniquely neutral and professionally structured environment for international dialogue. The Vienna Civil Societies International Event on Civil Society Diplomacy is strategically convened at the Austria Center Vienna to contribute to the city’s role as a global meeting destination and innovation hub for policy exchange.
By attracting 200 international participants over five days, the event strengthens Vienna’s position as:
• A platform for multilateral dialogue
• A bridge between civil society and institutional diplomacy
• A hub for sustainable and responsible conferencing
• A center for structured international knowledge exchange.
The event supports Vienna’s long-term meetings strategy by generating international participation, fostering institutional cooperation, and contributing to the city’s global profile as a destination for high-level, subject-specific international conferences.Through its professional hybrid format and sustainability commitment, the event further aligns with Vienna’s standards for innovative, future-oriented meeting practices.
Five days Agenda Overview
Day 1
08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration & Welcome Coffee
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Opening Ceremony (High-Level Segment)
Location: Room 102, Room 103
• IPHD President
• Austrian Federal Representative
• Vienna City Representative
• International Organization Representative
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Plenary I — Civil Society Diplomacy in the 21st Century
Location: Auditorium
Here you can insert the description of the activity which will take place at this time.
12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Location: Lj
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Thematic Panels (Parallel Sessions)
Location: LRoom
• Inclusive Governance
• Human Rights Diplomacy
• Civic Space & Digital Advocacy
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Welcome Reception & Diplomatic Networking
Location: LRoom
Day 2
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote — Peacebuilding & Mediation
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Keynote — Peacebuilding & Mediation
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Roundtable — NGOs & Multilateral Institutions
Location: Auditorium
Roundtable — NGOs & Multilateral Institutions
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Workshops (Skill Building)
Location: Lroom
• Advocacy Strategy
• Negotiation Skills
• Fundraising & Sustainability
04:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Regional Civil Society Showcases
Location: LRoom
Regional Civil Society Showcases
Day 3
09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Panel — Women in Diplomacy & Gender Equality
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Panel — Women in Diplomacy & Gender Equality
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Youth Leadership Forum
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Youth Leadership Forum
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Roundtable — NGOs & Multilateral Institutions
Location: Auditorium
Roundtable — NGOs & Multilateral Institutions
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Strategy Labs — Drafting Joint Commitments
Location: Lroom
Strategy Labs — Drafting Joint Commitments
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Cultural Networking Event
Location: LRoom
Cultural Networking Event
Day 4
09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Global Governance & SDGs Dialogue
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Global Governance & SDGs Dialogue
10:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Drafting of Vienna Declaration
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Drafting of Vienna Declaration
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Drafting of Vienna Declaration
Location: Auditorium
Drafting of Vienna Declaration
04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
High-Level Dialogue with Diplomatic Missions
Location: Lroom
High-Level Dialogue with Diplomatic Missions
Day 5
09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Adoption of the Vienna Declaration on Civil Society Diplomacy
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Adoption of the Vienna Declaration on Civil Society Diplomacy
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Media Briefing & Press Conference
Location: Room 102, Room 103
Media Briefing & Press Conference
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
Location: Auditorium
Closing Ceremony
01:00 PM
Workshops (Skill Building)
Location: Lroom
Farewell Networking Lunch
Opening day speakers
Plenary sessions
Opening Plenary- “Civil Society Diplomacy in a Changing Multilateral Landscape”
Purpose: Set strategic direction and diplomatic tone • Welcome from IPHD • Vienna positioning reference • High-level keynote (diplomatic or institutional figure) • Framing of conference objectives • Reference to 200 international participants
Strategic Policy Plenary
Purpose: Address global governance relevance • Role of civil society in multilateral systems • Institutional cooperation models • Trust-building mechanisms • Global policy challenges “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue through Inclusive Engagement”
Sustainable Development Plenary
Purpose: Link diplomacy to the 2030 Agenda Content should include: • SDG partnerships • Civil society in implementation frameworks • Development diplomacy • Impact measurement “Civil Society Diplomacy and the 2030 Agenda”
Innovation & Future Governance Plenary
Purpose: Address digital and future-oriented diplomacy • Hybrid diplomacy • Digital engagement tools • AI & policy dialogue • Transparency and data “Digital Transformation and the Future of Global Cooperation”
Closing Plenary (Outcomes Session)
Purpose: Deliver structured results • Summary of key recommendations • Regional reflections • Partnership announcements • Forward-looking cooperation framework “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Civil Society Diplomacy”
Thematics Overviews
These panels are skill-building sessions, designed to provide practical tools for civil society leaders, NGOs, and diplomats, complementing the more discussion-focused thematic panels.. ICCSDiplomcy Vienna 2026 (17-20 August 2026)
These three workshops are skill-building sessions, designed to provide practical tools for civil society leaders, NGOs, and diplomats, complementing the more discussion-focused thematic panels. ICCSDiplomcy Vienna 2026 (18th August 2026)
Sessions Trainers
Jack Hendrix
Human rights expertAs a human rights expert, Jack Hendrix advises organizations and cross-sector coalitions on rights protection, civic space, and responsible governance. He is known for translating complex human rights frameworks into actionable strategies for NGOs, public institutions, and international partners. Speaking at ICCSD 2026 in Vienna, Jack will share perspectives on effective civil society diplomacy and the tools that help turn commitments into measurable progress.
Elizabeth Newman
Expert ProfessorElizabeth Newman serves as an Expert Professor and speaker on the intersection of civil societies and diplomacy, with particular interest in policy dialogue, civic participation, and collaborative international problem-solving. She is recognized for translating complex diplomatic and governance frameworks into actionable strategies for NGOs, public actors, and grassroots leaders. At International Civil Societies Diplomacy, she contributes insights on building trust, improving coordination across sectors, and scaling impact through effective global cooperation.
Lucy Lennon
Fundraising ExpertAs a Fundraising Expert, Lucy Lennon helps advance ICCSD 2026 by aligning financial sustainability with the conference’s goal of strengthening diplomacy through civil societies. She brings expertise in fundraising operations, proposal development, donor communications, and partnership frameworks that support global convenings and cross-sector collaboration. Lucy is committed to responsible development practices and to creating supporter experiences that reflect the organization’s values, credibility, and international reach.
Jennifer Smith
C.E.O Community AdvocayJennifer Smith serves as CEO of Community Advocacy, where she guides mission-driven initiatives that elevate community voices within national and international decision-making. Appearing on the Speakers page for International Civil Societies Diplomacy, she contributes expertise in civil society diplomacy, coalition-building, and policy engagement. Jennifer is committed to advancing solutions that promote social cohesion and international cooperation through accountable leadership and measurable community outcomes.
Jack Hendrix
Human rights expert
Elizabeth Newman
Expert Professor
Lucy Lennon
Fundraising Expert
Jennifer Smith
C.E.O Community Advocay
Panels speakers
Namwe MBI
Civil Society DRCongo President
As Civil Society DRCongo President, Namwe MBI represents civil society voices from the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the International Civil Societies Diplomacy network. Namwe’s leadership centers on strengthening partnerships, supporting participation in international forums, and encouraging diplomacy grounded in community realities. Through ICCSD programming and related initiatives, Namwe contributes to building bridges across cultures and sectors to advance peaceful, effective, and inclusive global cooperation. Inclusive Governance
Zerbi Mapom
NGO Coordinator at United Nations
Zerbi Mapom is an NGO Coordinator at the United Nations, supporting effective collaboration between civil society organizations and multilateral stakeholders. With a focus on civil society diplomacy, Zerbi helps align NGO engagement with global policy priorities, strengthening participation, coordination, and shared outcomes across international initiatives. At International Civil Societies Diplomacy (ICCSD 2026), Zerbi contributes strategic guidance to ensure inclusive dialogue and practical pathways for cooperation among NGOs, institutions, and partners. Human Rights Diplomacy
Ian Atoms
Program manager
Ian Atoms serves as Program Manager for ICCSD 2026, bringing structure, coordination, and quality assurance to the International Civil Societies Conference on Civil Societies Diplomacy. He is responsible for shaping session formats, coordinating logistics with internal teams, and supporting speaker readiness to deliver engaging and well-run discussions. Ian’s work helps ensure participants benefit from an organized, inclusive program that reflects ICCSD’s commitment to global collaboration and constructive dialogue. Civic Space & Digital Advocacy
Baeneya Linkoln
C.E.O of Health diplomacy
Baeneya Linkoln is the C.E.O of Health Diplomacy, guiding initiatives that strengthen cooperation between civil society organizations, public institutions, and global partners. With a focus on evidence-informed engagement, Baeneya helps shape conference programming and partnerships that translate health priorities into practical, cross-border action. Their work supports ICCSD 2026 in advancing dialogue, collaboration, and lasting outcomes across the health and diplomacy landscape. Women in Diplomacy & Gender Equality
Janick Jean
C.E.O of Youth Leadership Forum
As C.E.O of the Youth Leadership Forum, Baeneya Linkoln works at the intersection of youth empowerment, civil society strategy, and stakeholder partnership. Their work emphasizes building leadership capacity, convening cross-sector conversations, and promoting internationally minded civic participation. A panel speaker at International Civil Societies Diplomacy (ICCSD 2026), Baeneya will contribute insights on strengthening youth representation in diplomacy and shaping collaborative solutions to shared global challenges. Youth Leadership Forum
Corneille MBIZE
Strategy Labs Professor
As a Strategy Labs Professor, Corneille MBIZE brings a hands-on, systems-thinking approach to civil societies diplomacy-helping leaders move from dialogue to measurable outcomes. At ICCSD 2026 in Vienna, he contributes expertise in strategic design, stakeholder alignment, and impact planning across international cooperation initiatives. Corneille is recognized for facilitating high-trust, high-clarity sessions that turn diverse perspectives into shared priorities and workable roadmaps.
Bernadette Carina
Program manager at United Nations NGO Unit
Global Governance & SDGs Dialogue UN agencies, government, civil society Link civil society diplomacy to global governance structures and sustainable development goals.
Ariella Josiana
Parnerships Program Manager United Nations Vienna
Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Forum NGOs, private sector, governments, UN Explore collaboration models, partnership frameworks, and joint action opportunities.
Downloadable PDF
ViennaICCSD programme
Resume
ICCS Diplomacy Vienna 2026 Logo
The Vienna 2026 ICCS Diplomacy logo clearly communicates the event’s identity, dates, venue, and official website, which supports transparency and institutional credibility. It reflects a formal and conference-oriented tone aligned with diplomatic and multilateral positioning. For stronger international visibility and long-term branding, a simplified primary version (ICCS Diplomacy – Vienna 2026) could enhance flexibility across digital, print, and partnership materials while maintaining its professional character
Intro Video
A shot intro video clip
Explore Our Multicultural Shop
Unique items promoting unity and diversity.
Event Sustainability
Articles
Institutional logos
Sponsorship packages
Funding acknowledgements
Make This Project Live
ICCSD 2026 positioned as:“A civil society diplomacy platform complementing Vienna’s multilateral ecosystem.”
Key message:
- Strengthens Vienna’s identity as a neutral convening power
- Bridges civil society and diplomatic missions
Support Human Development!
Help us promote human development and raise your voice for more positive progress.
Bank Details for Donations: Donate to IFME – Internationale Förderung Menschlicher Entwicklung:
Bank: BAWAG P.S.K, Austria | IBAN: AT71 6000 0104 1024 6550 | BIC: BAWAATWW
Every contribution drives real numbers change and positive progress
Thank you for raising your voice with us—please email partnerships@iccsdiplomacy.org and let us know about your donation.
After Event
F.A.Q
Donate
Make This Project Live
ICCSD 2026 positioned as:“A civil society diplomacy platform complementing Vienna’s multilateral ecosystem.”
Key message:
- Strengthens Vienna’s identity as a neutral convening power
- Bridges civil society and diplomatic missions
Support Human Development!
Help us promote human development and raise your voice for more positive progress.
Bank Details for Donations: Donate to IFME – Internationale Förderung Menschlicher Entwicklung:
Bank: BAWAG P.S.K, Austria | IBAN: AT71 6000 0104 1024 6550 | BIC: BAWAATWW
Every contribution drives real numbers change and positive progress
Thank you for raising your voice with us—please email partnerships@iccsdiplomacy.org and let us know about your donation.
