Geneva Peace Forum Meets Vienna: Strengthening Connections Across Peace and Security Communities
- June 15, 2026 12:36
Geneva Peace Forum Meets Vienna: Strengthening Connections Across Peace and Security Communities
On 3 June 2025, the Geneva peacebuilding Platform (GPP), together with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), convened the third edition of GPF Meets meets Vienna at the Park Hyatt Vienna. Bringing together diplomats, practitioners, researchers, representatives of international organizations, civil society actors and peacebuilding experts. The event provided a platform to strengthen connections between Geneva and Vienna’s multilateral communities and to explore practical approaches to addressing today's complex peace and security challenges.
As one of our main initiatives GPF Meets extends the Forum’s mission beyond Geneva by fostering dialogue between different multilateral hubs and peacebuilding ecosystems. Following successful editions in Addis Ababa in 2025 and New York in 2023, the Vienna edition continued to build bridges between international policy communities, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint action on pressing global challenges.
The 2025 edition attracted strong interest, with 323 registrations and a total of 401 session attendances, including 337 in-person participants and 64 online participants across six panels and roundtable discussions.
Reaffirming the Peace-Security Nexus in Turbulent Times
The day opened with the plenary session, “Reaffirming the Peace-Security Nexus in Turbulent Times: Vienna and Geneva's Common Agenda.” Bringing together representatives from Geneva and Vienna-based institutions, the discussion explored how peace, security, development, humanitarian action and human rights have become increasingly interconnected in an era marked by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, technological disruption and growing pressure on multilateral cooperation.
By bringing together Vienna and Geneva, this initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding between multilateral hubs and strengthen cooperation across peace and security communities.
Ambassador Raphael Nägeli, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the OSCE, the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna
Speakers highlighted the importance of preserving spaces for dialogue and international cooperation at a time when multilateralism faces significant challenges. The discussion emphasized that peace and security cannot be addressed in isolation, but require integrated approaches that connect different policy communities and institutions. Participants reflected on the complementary strengths of Geneva and Vienna as multilateral hubs and examined how greater collaboration between their respective ecosystems can contribute to more effective responses to global challenges. The session also underscored the role of networks, partnerships and inclusive dialogue in supporting international peace and security efforts.
The opening plenary drew 120 in-person participants and 15 online participants, setting the tone for a day dedicated to strengthening cooperation across sectors and institutions. Watch the video of the event here.
At a time of growing pressure on multilateralism, strengthening connections between our multilateral hubs is essential to sustaining effective international cooperation.
H.E. Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, Secretary General, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
From Risk to Resilience: Linking Mine Action, Security Sector Governance and Food Security in Ukraine
Co-organized by DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this panel examined the interconnected impacts of conflict on human security and livelihoods in Ukraine.
The discussion highlighted how explosive ordnance contamination, challenges in security sector governance and disruptions to agricultural production are deeply linked. Speakers explored how integrated approaches can help communities move from immediate risk management toward long-term resilience and recovery. Participants discussed practical lessons from Ukraine and reflected on how cross-sector collaboration can contribute to sustainable peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected contexts.
The session welcomed 59 in-person participants and 14 online participants. Watch the video of the event here.
Rights- and Evidence-Based Approaches to Insecurity: Lessons from Child Protection
Organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this panel focused on the importance of placing evidence and human rights considerations at the centre of responses to insecurity.
Drawing on experiences from child protection, speakers examined how data, research and rights-based frameworks can inform more effective policies and interventions. The discussion emphasized the need to understand insecurity through the lived experiences of affected populations and highlighted lessons that can be applied across broader peace and security agendas.
The session brought together 26 in-person participants and 10 online participants. Watch the video of the event here.
Risks and Opportunities in PeaceTech: The Need for a People-Centered Approach
Co-organized by the PeaceTech Alliance, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Principles for Peace, this panel explored the growing role of technology in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Participants discussed both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms. While technological innovation offers new tools for dialogue, early warning and peacebuilding, speakers stressed the importance of ensuring that technological solutions remain people-centred, inclusive and accountable. The discussion highlighted the need for ethical frameworks and collaborative governance approaches that prioritize human needs and local ownership.
The panel attracted 53 in-person participants and 17 online participants. Watch the video of the event here.
Beyond Participation: Rethinking Partnerships in Support of Women's Inclusion in Peace Processes
Convened by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), PeaceWomen Across the Globe and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), this closed-door roundtable examined how partnerships can better support meaningful women's inclusion in peace processes.
The roundtable brought together 22 participants.
Closing plenary on Bridging Multilateral Ecosystems for Peace and Security
The event concluded with the plenary session “Bridging Multilateral Ecosystems for Peace and Security.” Building on the day's discussions, speakers reflected on how multilateral hubs such as Geneva and Vienna can work more closely together to address today's interconnected challenges.
Participants explored the concept of multilateral ecosystems and the importance of connecting institutions, networks and communities of practice across different international centres. The discussion highlighted how greater cooperation between Geneva and Vienna can strengthen collective responses to peace and security challenges, foster innovation and support more effective multilateral action. Speakers also emphasized the value of engaging a broad range of stakeholders beyond traditional institutional actors in advancing peace and security objectives.
The closing plenary welcomed 57 in-person participants and 8 online participants. Watch the video of the event here.
Looking Ahead
GPF Meets Vienna built on the momentum of previous editions in Addis Ababa and New York, further demonstrating the value of connecting multilateral communities across regions and policy domains. As global peace and security challenges continue to evolve, strengthening collaboration between international hubs remains essential to fostering more inclusive, effective and innovative responses.
The Geneva Peace Forum extends its sincere gratitude to all partner organizations, speakers, moderators, participants and supporters who contributed to the success of this third edition of GPF Meets. Special thanks go to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, and all co-organizing institutions whose expertise and engagement made the event possible.
Stay tuned for the next edition of GPF Meets!
