Anticipating tech developments: science meets diplomacy at sixth GESDA summit in Geneva
Bern, 13.10.2026 — On 14 and 15 October 2026, the sixth summit of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) will take place in Geneva. GESDA was founded by the Swiss Confederation in collaboration with the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva. The summit will bring together over 1,000 representatives from science, diplomacy, politics, the private sector and philanthropy. The aim is to identify scientific and technological breakthroughs in the areas of people, machines, life, the planet and society at an early stage and to promote international dialogue on their implications for society. State Secretary Alexandre Fasel will represent the FDFA at the summit.
Focus on the technologies of tomorrow
This year’s event centres on the opportunities and challenges that new technologies present for society and international cooperation. The discussions will focus on the thematic areas of people, machines, life, the planet and society. The programme includes topics such as AI, neurotechnologies, quantum biology and the geopolitics of science.
Les Nocturnes de GESDA: a public evening on longevity
With Les Nocturnes de GESDA, the summit is also opening its doors to the general public. The public evening on 15 October is dedicated to the topic of longevity and the question: what if people were to live to the age of 150? Specialists from various disciplines will discuss the scientific, societal and ethical dimensions of a longer life.
Switzerland’s commitment to anticipatory science diplomacy
The GESDA summit reflects Switzerland’s commitment to anticipatory science diplomacy. The aim of this approach is to incorporate scientific findings into political and multilateral processes at an early stage, so that the international community can better assess the implications of technological developments and devise appropriate responses.