Switzerland to Prioritize Science Diplomacy, Cybersecurity in 2026 OSCE Chairmanship
Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has outlined the country's priorities for its upcoming chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. With a focus on science diplomacy, cybersecurity, and innovation, Switzerland aims to put science at the heart of its leadership, warning against the risks of a world losing confidence in science and the dangers of disinformation.
In a speech delivered in Geneva, Cassis emphasized the need for unity in tackling global challenges. He cautioned against the risks posed by a world losing its bearings on the international political stage and its trust in science. The Swiss foreign minister called for a united front against disinformation and a preference for evidence-based decision-making over ideology. He also highlighted the impact of national interests on scientific collaboration, noting that this is happening at a time when conflicts are multiplying and tensions are high between major powers.
Cassis welcomed the new GESDA initiative on brain-computer interfaces, seeing it as a step towards making Geneva a hub for scientific diplomacy. He acknowledged the rapid pace of advancements in future technologies such as quantum computers, neuro-technologies, and synthetic biology, which are outpacing political developments.
Under Switzerland's OSCE chairmanship in 2026, science, water, energy, and cybersecurity will be key priorities. Cassis' call for unity and evidence-based decision-making signals Switzerland's intent to lead international efforts in promoting science diplomacy and tackling global challenges in the face of rapid technological advancements.
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