About us
A women-led network for open, resilient societies.
Since 2017, COS has worked to strengthen democratic governance, human rights and civil society resilience. It has grown into an international network spanning the Caucasus, Europe, Asia and the United States.
We are guided by a commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, human security, environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
Today COS operates as a transnational network connecting partner organizations in four directions, strengthening international cooperation and educational outreach.
Our principles
- Democracy
- Human rights
- Rule of law
- Equality
- Transparency
Our track record
Eight years, four directions.
- 2,000+
- Respondents engaged
- 60+
- Policy recommendations
- 1,000+
- Professionals certified
- 120+
- CSOs supported
- 300+
- Sub-grants awarded
- 5,000+
- Online learners
Voices heard through surveys, consultations and community engagement
Evidence-based briefs delivered to decision-makers
Through in-person workshops and online training programmes
Organizations strengthened through partnerships and capacity building
Financial support for grassroots initiatives and local partners
Participants engaged through COS Academy courses and resources
What we do
Seven lines of work, one multidisciplinary approach.
Civil society & governance development
Legal research, policy advocacy and institutional engagement to protect freedoms of expression, assembly and political participation. We run large-scale regional research combining legal analysis with empirical data, deliver capacity-building for civil society actors, judiciary representatives and public institutions, and provide legal consultation in restrictive or transitioning legal environments.
Legal services & advisory
Comprehensive legal consultations, audits and tailored guidance for individuals, institutions, civil society actors and businesses. We also deliver targeted assistance to vulnerable groups, including migrants, with accessible legal information and guidance on rights and protection mechanisms.
Media & knowledge platform
An independent media platform producing analytical, data-driven content on governance, human rights and societal developments. It combines storytelling with research, including micro-documentaries and in-depth analysis that amplify local voices. Content is open access and redistributed to smaller media outlets with limited production capacity.
Education & innovation
Professional and academic training programmes, analytical frameworks and support for institutional transitions. Through COS Academy, our online learning platform, we promote knowledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, European governance mechanisms, international conventions and democratic participation in the global digital economy.
AI education
Practical training in artificial intelligence for civil society, public institutions, journalists and educators: AI literacy, responsible and ethical use, working with AI tools for research, advocacy and communication, and understanding AI's impact on human rights, information integrity and democratic participation.
Cross-border collaboration & engagement
Joint cultural, educational and socio-economic initiatives that build cohesion between societies: people-to-people engagement, dialogue and partnership-building that strengthen mutual understanding, trust and long-term relationships between communities across the regions where we work.
European coordination & partnerships
A dedicated coordination function based in the European Union leads international partnerships, manages cross-border initiatives and facilitates collaboration with donors, academic institutions and civil society organizations, bridging local actors and international stakeholders.
Our activities
From research to European values.
- Research and analysis
- Training and capacity-building
- Development and delivery of online learning modules
- Digital skills training, including artificial intelligence and its ethical use
- Production of content and media products
- Information, cultural and social programmes that promote knowledge of European culture and history among audiences abroad, including in the regions where we work
- Promotion of European Union values
Focus areas
- Civil Society Resilience
- Freedom of Assembly & Expression
- Digital Rights & Safety
- Political & Electoral Rights
- Learning, Skills & Capacity
- AI Education & Responsible AI
- Gender Equality
- Good Governance & European Integration