IC Forum 2026 in Geneva: challenges for humanitarian aid amid radical geopolitical shifts
Genf, 26.02.2026 — The fifth edition of the International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) began today in Geneva, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in attendance. The central theme is the future of humanitarian aid in an international context marked by a proliferation of crises and a significant reduction in funding. The event provides a platform for exchanges between political leaders, representatives of international organisations, humanitarian actors, academic experts and private sector partners, many of whom are based in Geneva.
The first day of the IC Forum, held at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), highlighted the growing pressure on an international humanitarian system facing multiple crises, a sharp rise in humanitarian needs, greater constraints on access and diminishing respect for international humanitarian law. The discussions emphasised the importance of preserving fundamental humanitarian principles while adapting intervention approaches to contemporary realities.
Agility, innovation, impact
In the opening session, Mr Cassis reflected on Switzerland's role in promoting multilateralism, dialogue and respect for international humanitarian law – a role underpinned by a humanitarian tradition, rooted firmly in Geneva. Mr Cassis stressed the need for a critical analysis of humanitarian aid, which must become more agile, more innovative and resolutely impact-oriented.
The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator (OCHA), Tom Fletcher, also spoke, as did the director general of the FDFA's Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi.
Three companies receive IC awards
At the end of the first day, the IC Forum recognised innovative business ideas in the field of development cooperation. Mr Cassis presented three companies with IC awards: Openversum, which supplies drinking water filtration systems that create jobs at local level; Watalux, which produces solar-powered water treatment systems that replace chlorine tablets; and Ha Hu, which is developing an AI-equipped platform to help preserve and teach languages.
The forum will continue on 27 February with a focus on viewpoints from the field and lessons learned from current crises. Three thematic sessions are planned on the growing role of the private sector and academia in international cooperation and the long-term impact of humanitarian aid.
The second day will conclude with a speech by Federal Councillor Martin Pfister on the need for a comprehensive approach to security in a complex and volatile geopolitical context. Humanitarian aid, like development cooperation and peacebuilding, is an integral part of Switzerland's preventive security policy measures.
With this fifth edition, the IC Forum confirms its role as a platform for strategic dialogue on the major global challenges facing international cooperation.