Published on 9 December 2025

Conferences

In order to implement its five priorities, international conferences are to be held in Switzerland in 2026.

During its OSCE chairpersonship, Switzerland is organising a number of international conferences. — © FDFA

Combating anti-Semitism: addressing challenges of intolerance and discrimination, St Gallen, 9-10 February 2026

The first conference of the year will focus on combating antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. It will aim to take stock of current trends and bolster cooperation between participating states and civil society stakeholders. Discussions will be centred on concrete prevention measures, sharing best practice and the role of sport in combating hatred and discrimination.

Anticipating technologies – for a safe and humane future, Geneva, 7-8 May 2026

This conference will focus on how scientific and technological advances are transforming security and cooperation in Europe. Discussions will revolve around anticipating emerging technologies – such as AI and quantum computing – and their potential in terms of conflict prevention and trust-building. Drawing on the unique ecosystem of International Geneva, Switzerland's goal is to make this meeting a lasting driver of science diplomacy in the pursuit of peace.

From Geneva to Helsinki: founding process and core purpose of the OSCE, Bern, 3-4 September 2026

Another highlight will be the 18th International Conference of Editors of Diplomatic Documents from 2 to 5 September 2026 in Bern. Organised by Dodis (Swiss Diplomatic Documents) with the support of the FDFA. The conference will draw on archival documents from several countries to reflect on the initial development and raison d'être of the precursor to the OSCE, the CSCE, which began in Switzerland in the 1970s.

De-escalation in cyberspace: mediation and preventive diplomacy, Zug, 29-30 September 2026

This conference will focus on the risks of escalation in cyberspace and how to use preventive diplomacy and mediation to tackle such risks. Participating states will examine how the OSCE's cybersecurity confidence-building measures are developed and implemented, what role consultation mechanisms may play in the event of major incidents, and potential contributions from AI and the private sector. A hands-on ‘scenario exercise’ will round off the political sessions.

2026 OSCE Ministerial Council

Switzerland will wrap up its chairpersonship by hosting the annual OSCE Ministerial Council meeting on 3-4 December 2026, for which it has proposed Lugano as the host city. This will be a key political event to consolidate the year's achievements and give renewed momentum to multilateral cooperation and dialogue.