ABOUT
Skopje
Security
Conference
The Skopje Security Conference 2026, organized by the Center for Security Studies in Skopje, successfully brought together policymakers, ministers, ambassadors, military officials, academics, and leading security experts for a high-level international dialogue on the evolving global security landscape. Held on 19 June 2026, the conference provided a platform for examining the impact of technological transformation, geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and environmental challenges on regional and international security. Throughout the discussions, particular attention was given to artificial intelligence in defence and cybersecurity, geopolitical fragmentation, and the growing importance of building resilient institutions and societies capable of responding to complex and hybrid threats.
Through a series of expert-led panel discussions, the conference explored multilateral cooperation, hybrid threats and cognitive warfare, artificial intelligence in modern warfare, climate-related security challenges, and economic resilience in the Western Balkans. The discussions reinforced the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, democratic institutions, and natural resources while strengthening cooperation between governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the region and beyond, the Skopje Security Conference 2026 further established Skopje as a regional platform for strategic dialogue and contributed to advancing collaborative, forward-looking approaches to contemporary security challenges.
Conference
Themes
Opening Keynotes
High-level addresses on regional and European security priorities.
Panel I | Multilateral Security in a Fragmented World
Diplomacy, Neutrality and Conflict Prevention.
Panel II | The Battlefield of the Mind
Fighting an Uncertain War in the Gray Zone of Cognitive Warfare.
Panel III | Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Defence and Modern Warfare
From Battlefield Innovation to EU Security Integration.
Panel IV | From Resources to Resilience
Climate, Energy, and Geopolitical Stability.
Panel V | Economy of Influence
Stability, Risk and Power in the Western Balkans
Programme Overview
Skopje Security Conference 2026
19 June 2026 | Skopje
The Skopje Security Conference 2026 brings together leading policymakers, security experts, and international stakeholders to address the shifting landscape of global and regional security. In a time marked by rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing environmental risks, the conference serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and forward-looking solutions. Through a series of high-level panels and discussions, participants will explore how to strengthen resilience, protect democratic systems, and advance security cooperation in the Western Balkans and beyond.
Agenda
08:00 – 09:00 | Registration of participants, Welcome coffee
09:00 – 09:30 | Conference Opening Ceremony
09:30 – 10:30 | Panel I: Multilateral Security in a Fragmented World
Diplomacy, Neutrality and Conflict Prevention
10:30 – 11:30 | Panel II: The Battlefield of the Mind
Fighting an Uncertain War in the Gray Zone of Cognitive Warfare
11:30 – 12:30 | Panel III: Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Defence and Modern Warfare
From Battlefield Innovation to EU Security Integration
12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch break and networking
14:00 – 15:00 | Panel IV: From Resources to Resilience
Climate, Energy, and Geopolitical Stability
15:00 – 16:00 | Panel V: Economy of Influence
Stability, Risk and Power in the Western Balkans
16:10 – 17:00 | Closing Speeches
17:00 – 18:30 | Cocktail – Reception
Partners
The
Venue
The Skopje Security Conference 2026 will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje, in the heart of North Macedonia’s capital. The venue offers a central and welcoming setting for bringing together participants, partners, and speakers for a day of dialogue, exchange, and cooperation.
Further logistical details will be shared with registered participants and partners in due course.
Opening Keynotes
High-level addresses on regional and European security priorities.
Dr. Ardijan Ismaili
Dr. Susan Penksa
Mr. Ben Nupnau
Panel I | Multilateral Security in a Fragmented World
Diplomacy, Neutrality and Conflict Prevention.
Ms. Isabelle Gillet
Prof. Dr. Zhidas Daskalovski
Amb. Darko Angelov
Dr. Gëzim Vllasi
Amb. Christoph Sommer
Panel II | The Battlefield of the Mind
Fighting an Uncertain War in the Gray Zone of Cognitive Warfare.
Amb.
Serdjim Muhamed
Dr.
Kenan Idrizaj
Prof. Dr.
Zoran Ivanov
Mr.
Vladimir Gjorgjevski
Mr.
Miroslav Sazdovski
Panel III | Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Defence and Modern Warfare
From Battlefield Innovation to EU Security Integration.
Ms.
Sara Çela
Mrs.
Ljubica Pendaroska Krstevska
M.Sc.
Rexhep Mustafovski
M.Sc.
Igorche Karanfilovski
Ms.
Ledia Canga
Panel IV | From Resources to Resilience
Climate, Energy, and Geopolitical Stability.
Prof. Dr.
Marina Malish Sazdovska
Brigadier General
Besnik Emini
Dr.
Teodora O. Grncharovska
Mr.
Vladimir Vladimirov
Prof. Dr.
Toni Mileski
Panel V | Economy of Influence
Stability, Risk and Power in the Western Balkans
Dr.
Abil Baush
Ms.
Edlira Çepani
Prof. Dr.
Kaltrina Zekoli Shaqiri
M.Sc.
Viktor Mizo
Ass. Prof. Dr.
Michal Vit