Programme of Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship in 2026
Bern, 08.12.2025 — With less than a month to go before it assumes the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Switzerland is setting out the programme and priorities that will guide its actions in 2026. The aim will be to contribute to European security and the strengthening of inclusive multilateralism, in line with the Swiss tradition of neutrality, dialogue promotion and conflict prevention. International conferences hosted in Switzerland will also take place during its year in office, offering opportunities for dialogue on the major challenges of our time.
Switzerland has set out five priorities for its 2026 chairpersonship: the Helsinki Principles for sustainable peace; inclusive multilateral diplomacy; anticipating technologies for a safe and humane future; democracy, the rule of law and human rights; and the OSCE's ability to act. Switzerland's priorities highlight its commitment to putting its recognised expertise in mediation, human rights, technology governance and scientific cooperation at the heart of joint security efforts.
To bring these ideas to life, four international conferences will be held in Switzerland.
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.
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.
A chairpersonship focused on action and fieldwork
In addition to these conferences, the Swiss chairpersonship will be particularly focused on direct engagement with key OSCE states and regions. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, who will serve as OSCE chairperson-in-office, will make a number of trips to various OSCE priority zones in order to support efforts to promote dialogue, stability and trust, and to support pragmatic solutions to current tensions. Furthermore, Switzerland will work to maintain the OSCE's ability to act and to secure funding for its instruments.
With 57 participating states, the OSCE is the world's leading regional security organisation. Its primary focus is on bridging differences and fostering trust among participating States. Switzerland has been a member since the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) was founded in Helsinki in 1973, later renamed the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 1994.