Igniting Hope: Reflections from the Ottawa Civic Space Summit and the Road to Vision 2035

From April 21–23, 2026, the inaugural Ottawa Civic Space Summit—Igniting Hope—brought together a global community committed to protecting and expanding civic space at a time of growing democratic strain.

With over 350 participants, 30+ sessions, 95+ speakers and the support of more than 40 partners, the Summit created a dynamic platform for dialogue, strategy and collective action.

Organized around three powerful themes—Defend, Reclaim, Reimagine—the Summit was not just a convening, but a shared journey through the challenges and possibilities facing civic space today.

A Gathering Made Possible by Partnership

The Ottawa Civic Space Summit was made possible through the coordination of Resilient Societies and Cooperation Canada, and the collaboration of over 40 partners across civil society, philanthropy, academia and beyond.

Their contributions helped create a space that was not only global in participation, but grounded in shared purpose: defending civic freedoms, strengthening partnerships and investing in a more inclusive future.

Day 1: Defend — Protecting What Makes Democracy Possible

The Summit opened on April 21 with a clear call to action: defend civic space as the foundation of democracy.

Through plenaries and discussions, participants examined the forces driving the global contraction of civic space—from restrictive legislation to digital surveillance and transnational repression. The urgency was clear: without deliberate action, the space for civil society to operate will continue to shrink.

At the same time, the conversations pointed to resilience. Participants shared tools, strategies and examples of resistance, underscoring that civic space is not only under threat—it is actively being defended.

Day 2: Reclaim — Rebuilding Power and Solidarity

On April 22, the focus shifted to reclaiming civic space.

Discussions explored how civil society, governments and funders can work differently—more equitably, more collaboratively—to rebuild trust and collective power. Participants reflected on what it means to move beyond reaction toward renewal: reclaiming narratives, strengthening alliances and centering communities most affected by shrinking civic space.

The day was also marked by the participation of the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), whose engagement reinforced the importance of partnerships between governments and civil society in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. It also featured the Sima Samar Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing human rights and civic space—a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of those working to defend civic freedoms around the world.

This day highlighted that reclaiming civic space is not only about pushing back against restrictions—it is about reshaping the systems and relationships that define it.

Day 3: Reimagine — Charting Inclusive Futures

The final day, April 23, looked ahead.

Participants were invited to reimagine what a thriving civic ecosystem could look like—one that is inclusive, resilient and responsive to global challenges. Conversations explored the role of civic space in advancing progress across sectors, from climate action to gender equality and beyond.

A particularly notable moment was the participation of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose engagement underscored the importance of government–civil society collaboration in strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding civic freedoms.

The emphasis was clear: the future of civic space must be built intentionally, with equity, inclusion and innovation at its core.

Looking Ahead: Vision 2035 

The Ottawa Civic Space Summit also set the stage for a longer-term ambition—Vision 2035. 

If the Summit focused on defending, reclaiming and reimagining civic space today, Vision 2035 asks a broader question: 

What kind of civic space do we want to see in a decade? 

A future where: 

• Civil society is adequately resourced and protected  
• Participation is inclusive and representative  
• Partnerships are grounded in equity and accountability  
• Civic actors can operate freely and safely  

Achieving this vision will require sustained collaboration, innovation and commitment across sectors. 

A Collective Responsibility 

The Ottawa Civic Space Summit was not an endpoint—it was an invitation. 

An invitation to carry forward the energy of April 21–23, 2026, to deepen partnerships and to move from dialogue to action. 

Because ultimately, civic space is not just about civil society—it is about the health of our democracies, the resilience of our communities and the future we are collectively shaping.