Sixth GESDA summit in Geneva: anticipating scientific advances strengthens international cooperation
Bern, 16.10.2026 — State Secretary Alexandre Fasel represented the FDFA at the sixth summit of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), which concluded in Geneva on 15 October 2026. Over the course of two days, over 1,000 representatives from the private sector, philanthropy, science, diplomacy and politics discussed the implications of future scientific and technological breakthroughs. The focus was on how the opportunities and risks of new developments can be identified at an early stage and shaped collectively.
Anticipation allows for effective action
In his opening address, Mr Fasel stressed how important a broad-based dialogue is: “The future should not be discovered by a few and explained to the rest. It should be anticipated by many minds coming from different sides.”
At the end of the first day of the summit, he underlined the political significance of anticipation: “Anticipation allows us to act, not just react.” Under the motto Use the Future to Build the Present, GESDA aims to bring scientific and technological advances into social and political discussions at an early stage. The aim is to develop possible courses of action before technological changes surpass regulatory and decision-making processes. This approach also contributes to efficient, effective and forward-looking multilateralism.
New tools for science diplomacy and governance
At the start of the summit, GESDA presented the Science Breakthrough Radar® 2027. The Radar identifies scientific and technological developments that could transform humanity over the next five, ten and twenty-five years, and serves as a basis for dialogue between the scientific community, policymakers and the public at large.
With its new digital tool Compass, GESDA also aims to facilitate the transition from anticipation to action. The tool combines the analysis of opportunities and risks posed by new technologies with potential courses of action for policymaking, regulation and governance.
Building on the Radar's findings, the Geneva Public Portal to Anticipation – developed by GESDA and EPFL – uses generative artificial intelligence to enable users to interactively explore potential scientific and technological developments and their impact on society. The Portal will be accessible to the public as part of the next open day at the Federal Palace in Bern on 24 October 2026.
Focus on artificial intelligence, neurotechnology and space
Discussions at the summit focused, among other things, on artificial intelligence, neurotechnology and space. During a panel discussion on AI governance, Mr Fasel referred to the Geneva AI Summit 2027, which Switzerland will host in Geneva next summer. The summit is intended to further strengthen the international dialogue on the opportunities, risks and responsible development of artificial intelligence.
Opening up to the public
With the event Les Nocturnes de GESDA, the summit also opened its doors to the general public. At Palexpo, experts discussed with the audience the potential societal implications if life expectancy were to reach 150 years.