Published on 29 January 2026

Conference on Combating anti-Semitism: addressing challenges of intolerance and discrimination

The OSCE Conference on Combating anti-Semitism: addressing challenges of intolerance and discrimination will take place on 9 and 10 February 2026 in St. Gallen. It will provide a platform for analysing current developments and strengthening cooperation between OSCE participating States and civil society. The aim is to translate existing commitments into coordinated political action and concrete, practical measures.

The OSCE conference in St. Gallen highlights current challenges in the fight against anti-Semitism, intolerance and discrimination and strengthens cooperation for concrete measures. — © FDFA

As part of its chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Switzerland is hosting a total of five international conferences. The first, the conference on ‘Combating anti-Semitism: addressing challenges of intolerance and discrimination’, aims to take stock of current trends and strengthen cooperation between OSCE participating States and civil society actors.

The purpose of the conference is not only to reaffirm existing commitments, but also to translate them into coordinated political action and concrete, practical measures. Effectively combating hatred and intolerance requires political will, sustained cooperation and a willingness to openly address difficult realities.

The conference will begin with a high-level segment, followed by a closed-door exchange at technical level.

Thematic focus

The conference will address three thematic blocks:

Voices from the field – Presentation of proven preventive approaches to combating prejudice and promoting dialogue, with a particular focus on young people. Experts will report on their experiences and mediation approaches.

From analysis to response – Discussion of current trends and threats based on the latest data from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The focus will be on effective policy measures, including the protection of communities and the strengthening of social resilience.

Sport as a space for inclusion – Thematic focus on combating anti-Semitism and racism in and through sport, involving athletes, fan representatives and sports associations.

St. Gallen as a venue

The conference will take place in St. Gallen, a city in eastern Switzerland with a long tradition of interreligious dialogue. It offers a suitable setting for inclusive and interactive exchanges between OSCE participating States, international organisations, experts and representatives of civil society.

Links

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