Ottawa Civic Space Summit A Global Call to Protect What Makes Democracy Work / Events / Ottawa Civic Space Summit The Ottawa Civic Space Summit is a new global platform to resist repression, reclaim civic power, and reimagine a more inclusive democratic future. This bold gathering brings together civil society leaders, civic space activists, governments, donors, media, academics and private sector allies to ignite hope and drive change. At a time when civic space is shrinking in many parts of the world, the Summit creates a vital space to connect, strategize, and act. Convened by Resilient Societies and Cooperation Canada, it brings together diverse actors committed to protecting and strengthening civic participation. A Space for Collective Action Launched in 2026, the inaugural Ottawa Civic Space Summit brought together more than 300 participants from around the world, united in a shared commitment to defend, reclaim and reimagine civic space. Participants explored how to protect civic freedoms, strengthen collaboration across sectors, and elevate the voices of those most affected by shrinking civic space. The Summit also highlighted innovative approaches and collective strategies to build more inclusive and resilient democratic futures. What emerged was a shared sense of urgency—and possibility. The connections and ideas generated are helping to drive ongoing collaboration and action, contributing to a longer-term vision for civic space, including the Summit’s Vision 2035 for a more inclusive and participatory global future. Who It’s For The Summit brings together a diverse group of actors committed to protecting civic space and democratic participation: Civil society leaders, community organizers and civic space activists Governments, policymakers and donors Media, academics, researchers and journalists Private sector allies and cross-sector partners Individuals and organizations committed to protecting civic space and democratic participation What To Expect Participants engage in a collaborative and action-oriented experience: Opportunities to connect across sectors and regions to strengthen collaboration Space to strategize, share knowledge and build alliances Exposure to innovative approaches, research and tools to protect civic space Momentum for collective action to defend, reclaim and reimagine civic participation