Tomorrow, Naples will host the opening of the 19th CIMIC Units Commanders’ Conference, organised by the Multinational CIMIC Group on behalf of SHAPE. From 9 to 11 June 2026, the conference will bring together the NATO CIMIC community for three days of professional dialogue dedicated to civil-military cooperation, artificial intelligence, civil environment analysis, deterrence and defence readiness.
Hosted for the first time in Naples, the 2026 edition marks a significant step in the development of the CUCC. With over 100 participants expected and 25 nations represented, the conference confirms its role as a high-level forum for the CIMIC community, connecting strategic vision, operational experience and tactical expertise. The choice of Naples adds particular value to this edition. Thanks to its position in the Mediterranean and its connection with NATO’s southern flank, the city provides a setting that is fully coherent with one of the core dimensions of CIMIC: the ability to understand territories, populations, institutions, vulnerabilities and cultural dynamics as essential elements of the operating environment.
Within this framework, the 19th CUCC will open the discussion on several key challenges: how can CIMIC further strengthen its contribution to decision-making processes? How can civil environment analysis support deterrence and defence readiness? What role can artificial intelligence and digital tools play in improving situational awareness, while keeping human judgement, professional experience and contextual understanding at the centre? The programme will address these themes through sessions focused on the strategic framework, emerging operational challenges, technological innovation and the operational dimension of CIMIC within NATO.
The discussion will involve military structures, CIMIC specialists, international organisations, academia and representatives from the private sector, fostering qualified dialogue among different areas of expertise. The Naples edition also confirms the growing importance of understanding the civil environment in contemporary operations. Populations, infrastructure, institutions, vulnerabilities and social dynamics are factors that directly affect the planning, conduct and assessment of military activities. In an increasingly complex operating and information environment, CIMIC also contributes to building shared understanding between military actors, civilian institutions and local communities. This ability to connect different perspectives, support situational awareness and strengthen trust remains a key enabler for the Alliance. Through the CUCC, the Multinational CIMIC Group continues to contribute to the development of civil-military cooperation within NATO, providing a qualified platform for dialogue, interoperability and professional growth for the Alliance’s CIMIC community.
MNCG is leading the way on civil-military cooperation.