The geopolitics of knowledge: Ignazio Cassis at the 5th GESDA summit on the new frontiers opened up by technological development

With the theme ‘The Age of Possibility: Science, Sovereignty, and Shared Futures’, the 5th GESDA Summit explores how humanity can address the opportunities and challenges posed by quantum technology, neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and climate engineering.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will participate in the proceedings on Wednesday 15 October, focusing on a topic already addressed by Switzerland during its term in the UN Security Council, namely the link between scientific progress and international peace and security.

In a polarised global context marked by conflict and deep mistrust, it is more necessary than ever to find ways to develop common rules for the management of new technologies. Switzerland builds bridges between divergent positions by drawing on the value of science and anticipating the impact of technological development on societies. GESDA, where scientists, diplomats and representatives of the private sector work together, is one of its main partners in this work.

Geopolitics of knowledge

Rapid technological development is influencing the balance of power. For the head of the FDFA, quantum computing, neurotechnologies and synthetic biology are tracing new frontiers, defining “a new geopolitics of knowledge”.

In the face of such profound changes, the way forward to preserve the foundations of progress and cooperation is to defend facts in the face of disinformation and to affirm science as a bridge between nations to build a better future.

The commitment to science and technology in conflict prevention and international cooperation will also be among the priorities of Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship next year.

Crossroads between science, diplomacy and multilateralism

New technologies require an innovative vision of international cooperation that is not limited to discussions between states but integrates the joint action of different actors, such as the private sector, academia and civil society. In Geneva, these sectors have been collaborating with international organisations for a long time. The Federal Council is convinced that Geneva should continue to be a centre of multilateral innovation that combines scientific expertise, standards and diplomatic action.

Geneva is already home to the Open Quantum Institute, a collaboration between the FDFA, GESDA, CERN and UBS, which puts quantum technology at the service of mankind. It will also be the headquarters of a new initiative to be presented at the GESDA summit, which aims to ensure that brain-computer interfaces evolve as tools for human prosperity, not as drivers of inequality.

Science
GESDA Summit 2025 Programme

Address for enquiries:

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