Nearly 9 out of 10 medicines fail to make it to market. Yet, tens of thousands of people go to work every day with a singular goal: to beat these odds, together.
The resilience and persistence of these individuals - working across diverse roles and corners of our ecosystem - lie at the heart of the innovation engine that powers healthcare systems worldwide. Complementing these efforts are government authorities, regulatory bodies, and legislators, whose work in transforming and crafting policies, standards, and frameworks not only safeguards public health but also acts as a critical driver of private sector innovation.

Failure, too, is a dominant and integral feature of fearlessly standing at the forefront of the unknown. Sartre reportedly wrote: "If a victory is told in detail, one can no longer distinguish it from a defeat."

What are the untold details of the great scientific and technological victories of our time - stories we revisit less often, but ought to tell?
What is the role of AI in empowering humans to take bolder risks, leading to the breakthroughs required to transform our health systems in the face of immense challenges: rising demand for healthcare services, workforce shortages, and demographic shifts?

Welcome speech
- Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) of Switzerland

Podium speakers
- Noubar Afeyan, founder and chief executive officer, Flagship Pioneering; co-founder and chairman, Moderna
- John Halamka, president, Mayo Clinic Platform, Mayo Clinic
- Edith Heard, general director, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), incoming chief executive officer, The Francis Crick Institute
- Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) of Switzerland; closing remarks
- Eric Lohrer, partner, Wyss family office; board, Fondation Beyeler, Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering; Q&A moderator
- Stefan Oelrich, head of Pharmaceuticals Division and board of management, Bayer AG; incoming president, EFPIA; board, Charité
- and others

Moderation
- Mariana Atilano Meriñan, head of strategy & data analytics, Groupe Mutuel

Contact for information, event registration & media requests:
davos@four-corp.com 

To apply to join the session, please visit the session’s webpage.

ICAIN is a global initiative focused on broadening access to AI resources for sustainable development research. The organization connects AI capabilities (computing power, data, and expertise) with research projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With its current members (both Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, Swiss National Computing Center, European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems, Data Science Africa, Finnish IT Center for Science) and under the patronage of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, ICAIN not only draws on the expertise of experienced policy-makers and some of the best AI researchers in Europe and Africa, but also has two of the most advanced, powerful supercomputers in the world at its disposal.

The event will serve to present first results of Pilot use cases for instance of a humanitarian LLM (with ICRC) and to launch the operational phase of ICAIN.

Welcome speech
- Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)

Podium speakers
- Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot; ETH President 
- Gilles Carbonnier, ICRC Vice President 
- Prof. Petri Myllymäki, University of Helsinki
- Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies, Microsoft
- Prof. Neil Lawrence, University of Cambridge

Poster presentations
- Prof. Dr. Thomas Schulthess, CSCS/ETH,
- Prof. Dr. Godliver Owomugisha, Busitema University
- Prof. Menna El Assady (ETH)
- PD Dr. Jérôme Duberry (IHEID)
- Prof. Dr. Annie Hartley, Yale/EPFL/CMU Africa
- Dr. Blaise Robert and Philippe Stoll (ICRC)

Moderation
- Katharina Frey, Swiss Diplomat, Deputy Head of the Division for Digital Foreign Policy, FDFA, Current head of ICAIN

Person for information, event registration & media requests:
Elisabeth Stingelin
Political Advisor, FDFA
elisabeth.stingelin@eda.admin.ch
+41 58 485 62 43
​

Today, data is a dime a dozen. However, the quality of the data often leaves a lot to be desired. Access to data is also not guaranteed and is currently uncoordinated. It is known that harmonized and standardized data would help to combat misinformation and provide science with a tool for research. Finding the correct information is not always easy. Switzerland, in cooperation with various international actors, including with the government of Rwanda, is examining the development of a global metadata platform or Trusted Data Observatory, based in Geneva. Thus, “trusted data” would be findable and accessible to users including for AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in a harmonized and standardized way. Is this the solution to combat misinformation? 

This event will take place as part of the Unlocking the Power of Data Initiative. It builds on the discussions at the House of Switzerland over the past two years, but also on the discussions at the 5th UN World Data Forum, which took place in Colombia in November 2024. 

Welcome speech
- Jonas Pasquier, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations and to the other international organizations in Geneva
- Nathalie Fontanet, President of the Cantonal Council of Geneva
- Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA)

Setting the scene
Vincent F Hendricks, Professor, Director at the Center for Information and Bubble Studies, University of Copenhagen

Podium speakers
- Pádraig Dalton, former Chief Statistician of Ireland
- Samira Asma, Assistant Director-General for Data, Analytics and Delivery, World Health Organization
- Georges-Simon Ulrich, Director General of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office and Chair of the UN Statistical Commission

Moderation
Benjamin Rothen, Ambassador, Head International and National affairs, Swiss Federal Statistical Office

Contact for information & event registration
Unlocking the Power of Data Initiative:
upd-initiative@bfs.admin.ch

Person for media requests 
Pascal Blickle
International Affairs Officer
pascal.blickle@bfs.admin.ch
+41 79 543 75 69

While gaming is often associated with social ills, video games and gaming technologies have demonstrated remarkable potential for driving positive change. Beyond raising awareness of social or environmental issues, games have supported scientific research by engaging communities in data collection and problem-solving. Serious games designed for educational or training purposes have been applied in areas such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and international humanitarian law. Gaming technologies can also be used in therapeutic and rehabilitation contexts. Bringing together experts from the gaming industry, international organisations, and academia, this event will discuss this potential and showcase innovative applications of gaming, including its potential to advance scientific discovery and foster collaborations within International Geneva’s global governance ecosystem.

Welcome speech
- Ambassador Benedikt Wechsler, Head of the Digitalization Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Podium speakers
- Attila Szantner, founder & CEO of the Swiss citizen science / video game innovator start-up Massively Multiplayer Online Science, computer science professor at McGill University
- Philippe Stoll: Senior Techplomacy Delegate, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- Teresa Hutson, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Technology for Fundamental Rights (TBC)
- Cécile Vulliemin, Head of Design, Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
- Douglas Edric Stanley, Senior Lecturer at the Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD), Artist, Designer, and Curator
- Shaban Shaame, Founder and CEO of the Geneva-based EverdreamSoft tech company

Moderation
- Ambassador Benedikt Wechsler, Head of the Digitalization Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Person for information & event registration
Geneva Day Team, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva: genevaday@eda.admin.ch 

Person for media requests 
Frédéric Ballenegger
frederic.ballenegger@eda.admin.ch
079 726 66 30

We live in an interconnected world where cyber operations, whether criminal or state-sponsored, can have drastic effects for critical infrastructure (CI) in the physical world. States have committed to the UN framework for responsible behaviour in cyberspace, but what does this mean for non-state stakeholders such as CI operators, ICT developers, and cybersecurity researchers?

The Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace will address these issues with a multistakeholder approach. Established by Switzerland in 2018, the Dialogue maps roles and responsibilities for implementing cyber norms, contributing to cyber-stability and security. Participants will engage with cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy experts, explore best practices, and contribute to shaping the future of global cybersecurity governance.

Opening remarks and reception
- Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)

A ‘Socratic dialogue’ among the keynote speakers: Cybersecurity, peace, and the stability of critical infrastructure
- Maya Bundt, Chair, the Cyber Resilience Chapter at the Swiss Risk Association
- Serge Droz, Senior Technical Advisor, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)

Addressing the challenges through a public-private partnership: Geneva Dialogue and the Geneva Manual on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace 
- Sofia Martinez Gomez, Cybersecurity Consultant at Alix Partners

Geneva Manual scenario-based discussion
- Anastasiya Kazakova, Coordinator of the Geneva Dialogue, DiploFoundation
- Vladimir Radunovic, Director for Cybersecurity and E-diplomacy, DiploFoundation

Panel speakers:
- Alina Matyukhina, CSO/Global Head of Cybersecurity for Business Unit, Siemens AG
- David Harland, Executive Director, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD)
- Olivier Crochat, Executive Director, C4DT-EPFL
- Yoann Klein, Senior Cyber Security Advisor, Huawei

Concluding remarks
- Florian Schütz, Director NCSC.ch

Person for information & event registration
Anastasiya Kazakova
anastasiyak@diplomacy.edu

Person for media requests 
Serge Droz
Senior Advisor, Division Digitalisation at FDFA
serge.droz@eda.admin.ch

In an era of mounting geopolitical uncertainty, financial constraints, and global challenges, how can innovation and technology act as catalysts for governments to navigate the pressing issues of tomorrow?

The 60 minutes-panel discussion will bring together global leaders from government, international organizations and industry to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies – such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) – alongside policies that reinforce economic stability and innovative fiscal strategies designed to enhance public finance management, boost labor productivity, and achieve more with fewer resources. We will also delve into the necessary mindset shifts required to fully harness these advancements and discuss the critical safeguards that must be established to responsibly integrate these new technologies.

Welcome speech
- Eva Selamlar, Head of Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND)

Panel speakers
- Christoph König, Deputy State Secretary, State Secretariat for International Finance
- Kelly Clements, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees
- Morten Bech, Centre Head Switzerland, Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub
- Elpida Vamvaka, President Homo Digitalis, Legal Counsel for Team Blue Greece

Moderation
- Eva Selamlar, Head of Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND)

Person for information, event registration & media requests
Vénusia Bertin
FIND Community and Events Lead
venusia.bertin@find.swiss
+41 78 929 69 45

This presentation and exchange will introduce the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty established as a proposal from the Brazilian presidency of the G20 to support and accelerate efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty (Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2), while reducing inequalities (SDG 10). Acting as a neutral facilitator, the GAHP builds partnerships and mobilizes financial and knowledge resources to implement policy instruments from a rigorously evaluated menu of policies, ensuring that donor investments are directed toward cost effective, high-impact initiatives. Switzerland will formally announce its commitments. Examples of such policies will be shared with a focus on school meals programs and initiatives building resilience of small-holder farmers, in particular in the African context with a view on the South African G20 presidency.

This event is a unique opportunity to learn about the Global Alliance’s work and network with some of its members and Champions. Perspectives will be shared from governments, the United Nations, the private sector, academia and civil society.

Coffee and breakfast will be served as of 08.00 to start networking. The event starts at 08.30.

Podium speakers
- Dr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- HE Ms. Ambassador Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome of the Republic of South Africa
- HE Mr. Christian Frutiger, Assistant Director General, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
- HE Mr. Ambassador Guilherme Patriota, Brazil's Permanent Representative to the WTO
- Mr. Paul Polman, The Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees
- Ms. Sonia Medina, Chief Ecosystem Development officer, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
- Mr. Nyang’ori Ohenjo, Team Lead, Center for Minority Rights Development (CEMIRIDE), Kenya
- Ms. Esther Baur, Director, Public Sector Solutions, Swiss Re

Moderation
Ms. Florence Lasbennes, Managing Director, 4SD Foundation

Person for information & event registration
Alessandra Roversi
Programme manager, SDC
alessandra.roversi@eda.admin.ch

Person for media requests 
Charlotte Fahrni
Communication Officer, SDC
charlotte.fahrni@eda.admin.ch

The OpenWallet Forum High-Level Panel Event, hosted by the ITU and Linux Foundation, focuses on advancing global interoperability of digital wallets as critical components of digital public infrastructure. It brings together stakeholders to discuss public policy, technical specifications, security, privacy, and inclusion, aiming to enable wallets to securely store and manage digital credentials like IDs, payment methods, and certificates. The event will present a Call for Action to guide collaboration on creating open, interoperable solutions for digital wallets, driving digital transformation and global cooperation.

Welcome speech
- Beat Jans, Federal Councillor, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police
- Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, ITU

Podium speakers of Panel 1
- H.E. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa
- Edouard Bugnion, Vice-President for Innovation and Impact, EPFL
- Bill Ren, Chief Open Source Liaison Officer, Huawei
- Christina Hirsch, Head Digital Trust, Swisscom
- Wonseok Baek, Head of Samsung Wallet Global BD/Product, Samsung Electronics
- Alain Labrique, Director, Department of Digital Health and Innovation (DHI) Science Division (SCI), World Health Organization

Podium speakers of Panel 2
- Sergio Mujica, Secretary General, ISO
- Viky Manaila, President, CSC Cloud Signature Consortium
- Arman Aygen, Director of Technology, EMVCo
- Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director and CEO, FIDO
- Philippe Metzger, Secretary-General & CEO, IEC
- Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU
- Gail Hodges, Executive Director, OpenID Foundation
- Seth Dobbs, CEO, W3C
- Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director, Eclipse Foundation

Moderation
Daniel Goldscheider, CEO, OpenWallet Foundation

Person for information & event registration
Vijay Mauree, Programme Coordinator
Vijay.mauree@itu.int 

Person for media requests 
- Rolf Rauschenbach, Communications Officer E-ID, Federal Office of Justice
rolf.rauschenbach@bj.admin.ch
+41 79 133 11 06

- Matthew Dalais
Communications Officer, TSB, ITU
matthew.dalais@itu.int 
+41 22 730 5974

A well-functioning and inclusive financial sector is vital for a country's economic development. It offers the opportunity to mobilise savings to make productive investments. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, innovative and impact financing have become even more important. Impact investing, in particular, is growing worldwide, including in Switzerland as a global financial hub, and in developing countries. Mainstream investors are increasingly moving towards sustainable and impact finance going beyond mitigating economic and other risks to include environmental, social, and governance aspects (ESG). Many are now ready to take the next step by investing directly in achieving the SDGs through innovative and impact financing. 
How is innovative and impact finance reshaping the financial sector and broader economic development? Join us for this interactive event with high-ranking personalities. 

Welcome Speech
- HE Ms. Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Swiss Confederation 

Podium speakers
- HE Mr. Christoph König, Deputy State Secretary, State Secretariat for International Finance SIF 
- Ms. Anja Hochberg, Head Multi-Asset Solutions, Zürcher Kantonalbank 
- Mr. Tom Hall, Global Head of Social Impact & Philanthropy CEO, UBS Optimus Foundation Network 
- Ms. Nasri Adam, Regional Director for East Africa, Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVAP) 
- Ms. Carmen Correa, CEO of Pro Mujer, Board Member of 2X Global   

Moderation
- HE Mr. Christian Frutiger, Assistant Director General SDC

Person for information & event registration 
Susanna Graf, Senior Project  & Communication Management SDC
susanna.graf@eda.admin.ch
079 203 74 30

Person for media requests
Charlotte Fahrni
Communication Officer, SDC
charlotte.fahrni@eda.admin.ch