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A new white paper has explored how associations around the world are navigating the rapidly evolving geo-political landscape.

The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, in collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), has released a white paper exploring association resilience.

Based on global survey of 99 association leaders, it reveals that 85% of organisations have already experienced disruption due to geopolitical instability, and 88% expect further challenges.

Published today, the report looks at four key areas - events, DEI, cybersecurity and innovation.

Once logistical endeavours, events are now deeply political decisions, with risk assessments, hybrid models, and values-driven site selection becoming standard practice. More than a quarter (26%) of respondents reported negative impacts from geopolitical instability on their event planning, while 28% have moved events to more politically stable destinations.

Far from a soft issue, DEI has become a critical focus point. Over 60% of respondents rated DEI as ‘very important’ to internal stability, yet nearly 17% still see it as peripheral. Anti-DEI laws and sentiment are actively affecting location choices, partnerships, and messaging.

As associations digitise, they are becoming vulnerable targets. 81% of respondents expressed concern about cyber threats, but 23% report having no formal cybersecurity protections at all. Only 15% have cyber insurance, exposing a critical preparedness gap.

Despite budgetary pressure, innovation is gaining traction, with 72% identifying alternative funding and revenue generation as critical, with 71% favouring more organisational flexibility. While 57% are investing in digital transformation, only 22% have a formal innovation strategy, highlighting both ambition and constraint.

While some associations are evolving fast, others remain constrained by complexity or capacity. Just 13% feel well prepared for the geopolitical landscape, despite widespread awareness of the risks.

Bas Schot, Head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, explained "this isn’t just about risk, it’s about a strategic change needed across all associations around the word.

“From rethinking where events are held to how boards are governed; associations are building new models of operational and ethical resilience. Our findings show that this shift must be integrated, values-led, and responsive to complexity.”

Noting that the research shows that association leadership must now be structural, strategic and courageous, ESAE Managing Director, Ioannis Pallas added "from cybersecurity and DEI to funding and advocacy, our members must prepare not for the exception, but for the new normal.

“This paper offers practical guidance on how to lead with clarity, credibility, and collective purpose.”

Click here to view the full report.

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