Halifax International Security Forum
Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) is an annual gathering in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, that brings together government and military leaders, scholars, journalists, and business people to discuss global security. Although the event is held in Halifax, the organizing group HFX is based in Washington, D.C., and positions itself as an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization. The forum is HISF’s flagship program and is often called the “Davos of international security.”
A bit of history: HISF started in 2009 as a program of the German Marshall Fund of the United States and received support from the Canadian government. In 2011 it became an independent organization and adopted the HFX name. It is governed by an American-Canadian board, with Peter Van Praagh serving as president and Dr. Janice Stein as chair. The event is held at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax and draws about 300 delegates from dozens of countries, making it the North American hub for high-level security discussion.
What happens at the forum: The gathering lasts a few days and features plenary sessions, off-the-record conversations, and many dinner discussions. Activities include a Friday plenary, a gala, and various night sessions; Saturday hosts multiple plenary sessions and dinners; and Sunday includes a morning run and more discussions, ending with closing remarks and a press conference. Topics cover a wide range of security issues, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the rise of China and Russia, Arctic security, cyber and AI in warfare, and the defense roles of NATO and allied countries.
Key programs and honors:
- John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service: An annual award recognizing leadership in pursuing human justice. Recipients have included a mix of global figures and movements, such as the people of Lesbos (2018), Hong Kong protesters (2019), Tsai Ing-wen (2020), the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (2021), Ukrainian women (2022), the people of Israel (2023), and Vladimir Kara-Murza (2024).
- Peace With Women Fellowship: Launched in 2018, this program supports senior female NATO officers from partner countries with a three-week executive study tour in Canada and the U.S. and culminates in participation in the Halifax Forum. By 2023 it had produced many alumnae reaching senior ranks.
- 15@15: Youth Building Democracy: A program started in 2023 to engage young people. Five winners, aged 15, attend the forum after submitting a short video about a positive change they want to see in the next 15 years.
- HFX Conversations: An online publication that shares essays and interviews from democratic leaders on global security and related topics.
Partners and funding: HISF is supported by a mix of government, international organizations, and the private sector. Founding partners include Canada’s Department of National Defence and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The forum receives funding from NATO, the European Union, technology companies (such as AWS, Google, Apple, and YouTube), defense firms (including Anduril, CAE, and MDA), and other partners and supporters.
Why it matters: HISF is a unique, high-level North American platform for discussing urgent security challenges, testing ideas, and building international cooperation. Its blend of policy debate, private conversations, and youth and women-focused programs helps shape thinking on how democracies can address evolving threats and opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 11:48 (CET).