The theme chosen for this year's conference reflects the current geopolitical situation: ‘The world is out of kilter. Switzerland is at a crossroads.’ Over the course of five days, more than 220 diplomatic representatives from Bern and around the world will come together to discuss current foreign policy challenges. This unique event provides an opportunity for discussions with the entire external network – comprising more than 170 representations abroad – and makes the most of the know-how and experience of the diplomats present.

Security policy, emerging and disruptive technologies, International Geneva and the impact of the global geopolitical situation on the Swiss economy are just some of the main themes of the conference. Current contexts and issues will also be discussed in regional and thematic workshops, including Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026 and the situation in the Middle East.

Italian foreign minister to take part

The guest of honour at this year's conference will be Antonio Tajani, the vice-president of Italy's Council of Ministers, who is also the country's minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation. He will take part in the programme on Tuesday 19 August and will meet the Swiss diplomatic corps, alongside Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. On the fringes of the event, Mr Tajani and Mr Cassis will also have the opportunity to hold bilateral talks to discuss relations between Switzerland and Italy as well as global challenges. On the agenda will be bilateral relations and cross-border cooperation between Switzerland and Italy, particularly in connection with the 2026 Winter Olympics and the first conference of Italian-speaking countries, which will be held in Rome in November 2025. Relations between Switzerland and the EU will also be discussed, as well as current international affairs and security in Europe.

This official working visit follows on from Mr Tajani's visit to the Locarno Film Festival last year, where he took part in ‘Diplomacy Day’ alongside the head of the FDFA. Mr Cassis also attended the conference of Italian ambassadors in Rome in December 2024. “Mr Tajani's visit is an opportunity to bring an external perspective to our conference – that of a neighbouring country that shares one of our national cultures. In a difficult geopolitical context, it is more important than ever for partners to share ideas,” said Cassis.

The importance of dialogue between the diplomatic corps and central government

The conference is also an opportunity each year for Swiss diplomats posted around the world to gauge developments in Switzerland directly, in particular through the speeches given by all members of the Federal Council and the ensuing discussions. In addition, as is customary, an excursion will be organised for the conference participants. This year, President Keller-Sutter will take the diplomats to discover the canton of Thurgau.

The Ambassadors' Conference has taken place every year since 1887. It was suspended during the Second World War, but resumed again in 1945.

Links

• Photos of the Ambassadors’ Conference
• Press release on meeting in Locarno 12.08.2024
• Speech by BRIC in Rome 16.12.2024

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch