The GS-Foundation had the honour of participating in the inaugural “Marketplace of Implementing and Executing Agents” during the NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Conference, held on 2–3 June 2026 at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Represented by Chief Operating Officer Stefan Schwarz and Chief Programme Officer Bernd Gosebruch, the GS-Foundation joined international partners in presenting its expertise and implementation capabilities in the field of Security Sector Reform (SSR) and police capacity building.
A New Platform for Implementing Partners
The annual Defence Capacity Building conference included a one off feature, Marketplace. was is a one off feature bringing together 22 of the 30 entities currently belonging to the NATO DCB “Bedrock Pool”, the marketplace event at the annual DCB conference provided an opportunity to showcase expertise, exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation among implementing partners.
Throughout the two-day conference, participants engaged in productive discussions on current challenges, best practices and future opportunities in international capacity building and security assistance.
What is NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCB)?
NATO’s Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Initiative supports partner countries in developing effective, accountable and sustainable defence and security institutions. The programme aims to strengthen resilience, stability and security by helping partner nations improve governance, institutional frameworks, professional education and training, and operational capabilities within their security sectors.
Through tailored support packages, NATO and its partners assist countries in building long-term capacities that contribute to regional and international security. Defence Capacity Building is therefore an important element of NATO’s broader approach to cooperative security.
The Role of the Bedrock Pool
The Bedrock Pool is a select group of entities that have been assessed and recognised by NATO for their ability to implement Defence Capacity Building activities. Members of the pool provide specialised expertise, advisory services, training and project implementation support across a wide range of security and defence-related fields.
Being part of this network demonstrates an organisation’s ability to deliver high-quality, reliable and sustainable support in complex international environments.
The GS-Foundation’s Contribution
As the first and currently only German non-governmental organisation represented at the Marketplace, the GS-Foundation presented its expertise in Security Sector Reform and police capacity building.
The Foundation works closely with police services in Germany and draws on a network of experienced experts, including retired police officers, to support partner countries in strengthening policing institutions and developing professional capabilities.
Its work is based on a non-commercial approach and is characterised by long-standing experience in international cooperation, practical expertise and close collaboration with national and international partners.
Exchange and Cooperation
The conference provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives with representatives from NATO, partner nations and fellow implementing organisations. Discussions focused on current developments in capacity building, lessons learned from ongoing projects and opportunities for future cooperation.
Participation in the Marketplace enabled the GS-Foundation to present its capabilities, strengthen professional networks and contribute to discussions on the future development of defence and security capacity-building initiatives.
