Programme

Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface through Science Diplomacy

The UN-ETH Forum is the first time that the whole community of ETH scientists and students as well as United Nations policymakers and practitioners collaborating in various ways come together. It is a unique moment to take stock of the UN-ETH Partnership as a whole, learn how we can strengthen UN-ETH ties, and explore new ways of fostering sustainable collaborations. As a partnership between an academic institution and the largest intergovernmental organization that was supported by the Swiss government, the UN-ETH Partnership is a prime example of science diplomacy in action – both at the strategic and operational level. It illustrates how science and technology can support public policy, what roles each actor needs to assume, and how tangible benefits can be delivered to those who need it most. This panel will examine how, in these turbulent times of eroding multilateralism and fiscal constraints, scientists and policymakers can work together across borders to address global challenges in faster and fairer ways.

Key questions

• What was the motivation for each party to pursue this partnership? 
• How did science diplomacy support the partnership?
• What are the opportunities of such partnerships for scientists, policymakers, and the people they affect?
• What do such partnerships seek to accomplish? What challenges might they face? 
• What can we all expect from the UN-ETH Forum over the next two days?

Chair

• Dr. Chris Luebkeman, Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub in the Office of the President at ETH Zurich  

Plenary Speakers

• Mr. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, United Nations 
• Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich
• Mr. Markus Reubi, Delegate of the Federal Council for the 2030 Agenda
• Prof. Dr. Marilyne Andersen, Director General of GESDA

Shifting Geopolitics and the Future of Armed Conflict

Amid shifting global power constellations, today’s geopolitical landscape is increasingly shaped by great power rivalry, contested norms, and the internationalization of armed conflict. This panel explores how multipolar competition, the erosion of international institutions, and growing defense postures are reshaping the nature, causes, and conduct of violent conflict. With perspectives from both academia and policy practice, the discussion will examine the implications of these trends for conflict escalation, intervention, and prospects for sustainable conflict resolution.

Key questions

• What are the most significant geopolitical shifts shaping the global order today? 
• In what ways is the contestation of international norms and institutions altering conflict dynamics? 
• Are rising defense budgets and arms races fueling insecurity or reshaping strategic deterrence?

Chair

• Prof. Dr. Livia Schubiger, Professor of International Relations and Data Science, ETH Zürich

Speakers

• Prof. Dr. Janina Dill, Professor of Global Security, University of Oxford
• Prof. Dr. Sara Hellmüller, Research Professor International Relations and Political Science, Graduate Institute  
• Prof. Dr. Volker Perthes, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Ms. Teresa Whitfield, Senior Adviser to the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

Managing or Resolving Conflicts in Today’s World? Containing Violence, Monitoring Peace

As geopolitical rivalries deepen and armed conflicts grow more complex, ceasefires are often considered the only feasible entry point for managing violence. This panel explores how ceasefire arrangements interact with broader political negotiations and how new technologies – including digital monitoring tools and cyber capabilities – are transforming what ceasefires look like today and particularly in the future. Beyond questions of sequencing and design, the discussion will highlight lessons from past and ongoing ceasefire experiences across different regions, as well as the opportunities and pitfalls of integrating technology into monitoring and verification. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of sustaining ceasefires in contexts where political will is limited, and to the new frontier of “cyber ceasefires” as conflicts increasingly have hybrid dimensions. Drawing on pioneering research on ceasefires and practitioner experience, the discussion will consider how ceasefires can be designed to support de-escalation, build trust, and adapt toemerging threats, including cyber conflict.

Key questions

• In today’s geopolitical context, are ceasefires a pragmatic substitute for full conflict resolution – and if so, how should they be designed?
• Are new forms of ceasefire agreements needed to match the hybrid nature of modern conflicts – combining kinetic, digital, and informational elements?
• How do the timing and structure of ceasefires shape the prospects for political negotiations?

Chair

• Mr. Edward Jackson, Senior Program Officer at the Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich 

Speakers

• Dr. Corinne Bara, Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich
• Dr. Robin Geiss, Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
• Mr. Alexander Hug, Head of Mission, International Commission on Missing Persons
• Ms. Katia Papagianni, Director for Policy and Mediation Support, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

Peace Mediation in a Fragmented World: Power, Practice, and Principles in Transition?

Amid geopolitical fragmentation, contested multilateralism, and increasingly internationalized conflicts, the practice of peace mediation is undergoing profound transformation. This panel explores how mediators navigate polarized environments, competing mandates, and shifting expectations—from facilitative diplomacy to more transactional or directive models. Beyond questions of style, mediators today must often balance geopolitical rivalries as much as the interests of conflict parties themselves, raising new dilemmas for impartiality, legitimacy, and leverage. The discussion will also reflect on the evolving architecture of mediation—whether efforts are shifting towards regional or mini-lateral formats, or whether hybrid models that link international and local levels are emerging as more effective. By drawing on both academic insights and practitioner perspectives, the panel will consider what mediation approaches are fit for purpose in today’s fractured global order.

Key questions

• What new skills and capabilities must mediators develop to navigate polarized and technologically complex conflict environments?   
• In a world of fractured multilateralism, what is the future role of international institutions like the UN in peace mediation?
• How is the rise of geopolitical mediation affecting the legitimacy and effectiveness of peace processes?

Chair     

• Anna Hess Sargsyan, Senior Mediation Expert and Research Associate, Geneva Graduate Institute

Speakers

• Dr. Govinda Clayton, Mediation Support Manager at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
• Mr. Sean Kane, Team Leader in the Policy and Mediation Division, UN DPPA 
• Lukas Probst-Lopez, Former Co-Head of Mediation and Dialogue in the Peace and Human Rights Division, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs 
• Ms. Helena Puig Larrauri, Co-Founder and Strategy Lead of Build Up

AI Governance: Ensuring Effective and Ethical Development and Deployment

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in societies globally, understanding who governs AI is critical. Currently, few actors and regions have a say in AI governance, and as a result, wield great influence over the development of global norms and regulations. Yet all stakeholders such as government, industry, academia, and civil society actors, particularly those from marginalized voices in developing regions, must come together to develop effective governance and standards for ethical AI development and deployment. International cooperation – be it through intergovernmental organizations, bilateral agreements, or cross-border partnerships – is essential to this endeavor. This panel explores the current landscape of global AI governance and what concrete steps can be made towards building a more inclusive system and dialogue.

Key questions

• How does the current landscape of AI governance look like? Who is represented and who isn’t? What are the implications to AI policies?
• What strategies and mechanisms can be implemented to ensure fair and inclusive participation in AI governance?
• How can transparency and accountability be maintained to build trust?
• How effective is multilateralism in addressing the complex and rapidly evolving challenges posed by AI? What could be improved?

Chair

• Prof. Dr. Effy Vayena, Professor for Bioethics, ETH Zurich

Speakers

• Prof. Dr. Margarita Boenig-Liptsin, Professor for Ethics, Technology, and Society, ETH Zurich
• Dr. Carina Geldhauser, Senior Scientist, ETH Zurich, and Member of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board
• Ms. Katharina Frey, Executive Director of the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN)
• Mr. Venkatesen Mauree, Head of Strategic Tech and Academia Initiatives, ITU

Addressing Humanitarian Crises with Monitoring and Early Warning Systems

The number of armed conflicts is at a historic high and extreme weather events are intensifying around the world, causing crop failure, displacement, and suffering.  Humanitarian organizations are left with the mammoth task of responding to multiple complex crises with fewer resources. Technological innovations are therefore essential to address these challenges.  Effective crisis monitoring and early warning systems enable humanitarian organizations to act quickly and efficiently and prioritize the most vulnerable populations. Progress in deep learning and the growing availability of open-access satellite data are leading to promising new approaches to monitor armed conflicts remotely and detecting humanitarian crises in near-real time. But how can we ensure these tools work equitably across diverse contexts and produce actionable insights? How can scientists and policymakers collaborate to move beyond pilot projects and enable deployment at scale? This panel explores emerging approaches and lessons from previous science-policy collaborations in areas like disaster risk reduction, climate monitoring, and the study of conflict-related violence.

Key questions  

• How can we leverage innovations to detect signs of emerging humanitarian crises?   
• What are the challenges in monitoring and early warning in disasters and war?
• How do we translate insights from these approaches and innovations to humanitarian action?   
• What role does academia play compared to private actors with more resources?
• How can we apply insights from one domain to another, for example, the monitoring of disasters for conflict-related violence?

Chair

• Prof. Dr. Konrad Schindler, Professor for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, ETH Zurich

Speakers

• Prof. Dr. David Bresch, Professor for Weather and Climate Risks, ETH Zurich
• Mr. Mitchell Pacquette, Open Source Information and Analysis Manager, ICRC
• Dr. Valerie Sticher, Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich
• Dr. Koko Warner, Director of the Global Data Institute, International Organization for Migration

Blurring Boundaries: Human :: Mechanical, Humane :: Computational

The demarcation between human and machine, humane and computational, grows ever more fluid as digital technologies steadily advance. For ETH Zurich, “blurring boundaries” is a long-term research priority—exploring how creativity, intelligence, and agency are shared between people and machines. These questions are no less pressing within the UN system: from the future of work (ILO) and human rights (OHCHR) to peace and security (DPPA) and sustainable development (UNDESA, UNDP), understanding and managing these shifting boundaries is critical. This panel will bring together perspectives from science, policy, and practice to unpack where and how a responsible digital transformation can best serve humanity. 

Chair

• Dr. Chris Luebkeman, Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub in the Office of the President at ETH Zurich

Speakers

• Ms. Özge Aydogan, Director of Beyond Lab
• Prof. Dr. Menna El-Assady, Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich
• Prof. Dr. Robert Riener, Professor for Sensory-Motor Systems at ETH Zurich

Who Gets To Eat? Navigating Trade-offs in Sustainable Food Systems

This panel explores the critical shift in thinking needed to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), while acknowledging their deep connection to all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. Transitioning to sustainable food and agricultural systems is essential, but the path is complex and often involves trade-offs. For example, irrigation-led development may improve local child nutrition but strain water resources; food processing enhances safety and accessibility but contributes to rising rates of chronic disease. Framed around the question “Who Gets to Eat?”, the panel brings together experts from science, policy, and advocacy to examine the tensions and synergies that arise in the pursuit of sustainable food systems. Audience participation is encouraged to foster inclusive dialogue on how we can collectively navigate these trade-offs and rethink how we grow, distribute, and consume food every day. 

Key questions    

• How do we balance the trade-offs arising when striving towards SDG2 and SDG3?  
• How can we turn the Planetary Health Diet into everyday practice?   
• Where can Switzerland lead by example in the transformation to sustainable agriculture and food systems, locally and globally? 
• What role should youth play in reshaping food systems, and are we listening?
• How do we get science, policy, and society to move together with urgency?

Chair

• Prof. Dr. Robert Finger, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Policy, ETH Zurich

Speakers

• Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys, Professor of Sustainable Food Processing, ETH Zurich    
• Dr. Marc Müller, Research Group Leader, Coupled Human-Water Systems, Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology) and Associate Research Professor, United Nations University, Canada
• Dr. Sabine Mukerji, Lead for Ecosystems & Climate, World Wildlife Fund Switzerland
• Ms. Laura Sommer, Lead of Sustainable Development and Multi-stakeholder Partnerships, Federal Office for Agriculture 

Achieving the SDGs in Times of Fiscal Constraints and Increasing Nationalism 

As the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, the world finds itself at a critical crossroads. Progress on many goals – ranging from poverty reduction to food security to health, education, and climate action – has stalled or even reversed in several low-income countries. At the same time, engagement in global cooperation is eroding in many places, not only through shrinking budgets for development aid, but also through declining support for international institutions and rules-based agreements. Geopolitical fragmentation, conflicts, and the rise of nationalism and populism are further undermining solidarity and trust at a moment when collective action is more urgent than ever. This panel examines how scientists, policymakers, and practitioners can still deliver on the SDGs by 2030 and what new policies are needed to reinvigorate global cooperation. 

Key Questions

• What steps can high-income countries take to strengthen global cooperation despite increasing nationalism and pressure on public budgets? 
• In what ways can multilateral institutions be transformed to deliver on the SDGs in low-income countries before 2030? 
• How can universities effectively contribute?  
• How can trust be strengthened between nations to protect global partnerships from the pressures of nationalism and geopolitical rivalry?

Chair

• Prof. Dr. Isabel Günther, Professor of Development Economics, ETH Zurich    

Speakers

• Dr. Fritz Brugger, Executive Director of NADEL, ETH Zurich 
• Mr. Manuel Etter, Head of UN and Multilateral Development Banks Section at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (DEZA)
• Dr. Andreas Juon, Researcher, University of Fribourg
• Ms. Agi Veres, Director of the UNDP Office in Geneva

Novel Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges for African Economies

Despite impressive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal, many African countries continue to grapple with challenges such as limited access to energy, rapid urbanization, climate resilience, high levels of poverty, and the need for inclusive education and healthcare. Technological innovation is increasingly seen as a powerful means of achieving sustainable solutions – particularly in times when competing development challenges are faced with shrinking public budgets. The question is how novel technologies can support African countries in advancing their own pathways of industrialization and structural transformation, while building on existing strength and local innovation. Furthermore, while new technological platforms often lead to economic growth, they also frequently lead to increased inequalities. This panel will explore how novel technologies can drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Africa, and how technological innovation can create long-term opportunities for African economies and the policies required to achieve them.

Key questions

• Which recent technological breakthroughs have the greatest potential to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Africa? 
• How might African economies be affected if they are unable to fully access or integrate novel technologies?  
• How can Africa’s innovation ecosystems be strengthened to address urgent development needs? What policies should be implemented? 
• How can novel technologies and African-led innovation redefine Africa’s role on the world stage?  

Chair 

• Dr. Adina Rom, Executive Director of ETH4D, ETH Zurich  

Speakers

• Dr. Churchill Agutu, Fellow at the Collegium Helveticum
• Dr. Grace Kagho, Social Impact Pioneer Fellow at the ETH Zurich
• Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt, Head of the Energy and Technology Policy Group, ETH Zurich

Introducing the UN-ETH Partnership and its Opportunities

Two years ago, in October 2023, the UN and ETH Zurich signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate collaboration between scientists and policymakers. Since then, several forms of collaborations have been established, new projects have been launched, and many ETH students have applied to join the UN-ETH Student Team. In this opening plenary session, the UN-ETH Partnership and its numerous opportunities will be introduced. The opening plenary will consist of a series of presentations on the partnership as a whole, the UN-ETH Incubator at ETH Zurich and the Scale Accelerator at UN Global Pulse, the UN-ETH Student Team and internship opportunities at the UN, and general information about how to get involved. The opening plenary will be followed by six interactive workshops. 

Chair

• Dr. Chris Luebkeman, Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub in the Office of the President at ETH Zurich

Speakers

• Ms. Anouk De Bast, Head of International Affairs, ETH Zurich
• Mr. Leo Eigner, Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich
• Mr. Kersten Jauer, Deputy Director of Strategic Planning at the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations
• Dr. Sascha Langenbach, Student Team Coordinator and Project Manager, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich
• Mr. Tapio Vahtola, Head of Global Pulse Europe, United Nations

This event introduces the new “UN-ETH Student Team” – an extra-curricular initiative that connects ETH students with UN practitioners to collaborate on applied, real-world projects. It aims to familiarise Forum participants with the initiative’s aims, while beginning a strategic dialogue on the Student Team’s long-term future and development. Specifically, the event features a panel discussion, moderated by Helen Koch and Pauline Tasche, members of the Student Team. Discussants include Kersten Jauer from the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General, Michelle Ammann from the ETH Foundation (formerly at EDA and OCHA), Sascha Langenbach, coordinator of the Student Team at ETH Zurich, and Janic Moser, member of the first Student Team project with the UN Digital Library. Together, they will explore what value this initiative can bring to both ETH and the UN, discuss current challenges, and share their visions for the Student Team’s growth and long-term impact. The panel discussion will also place the Student Team initiative within the broader context of the UN 2.0 agenda, including the UN’s ongoing drive toward digital innovation. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and propose their own thoughts and ideas after the panel discussion.

The workshop will be opened by Dr. Jenö Staehelin, former Swiss ambassador to the UN, whose generous support makes the UN-ETH Student Team possible. 

Chair

• Ms. Helen Koch, Member of the UN-ETH Student Team 
• Ms. Pauline Tasche, Member of the UN-ETH Student Team 

Speakers

• Ms. Michelle Ammann, Partnership & Philanthropy Manager, ETH Zurich Foundation 
• Mr. Kersten Jauer, Deputy Director of Strategic Planning at the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations 
• Dr. Sascha Langenbach – Project Manager, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich  
• Mr. Janic Moser, Member of the Student Team project with the UN Digital Library 

In May 2025, ETH Zurich launched the UN-ETH Incubator. This new ETH-led programme facilitates the formation of project-based collaborations between policymakers and scientists. More specifically, it supports UN teams to identify relevant partners at ETH Zurich and to align both partner’s needs, interests, and aims around a specific use case. The Call for Proposals received 53 submissions from a diverse selection of UN organizations. Throughout June and July, ETH Zurich held matchmaking discussions on the most promising proposals. In this workshop, the UN teams and ETH research groups who have successfully found common ground will present their project and how they intend to implement it. The UN-ETH Student Team will also present its project(s) with UN teams.

 The groups to present their projects will be confirmed on a rolling basis.

In this open poster session, new scientific research, ongoing collaborations, and proposals for new projects will be presented to foster exchanges between and among ETH researchers and students as well as UN practitioners. Collaborations that resulted from the UN-ETH Incubator will be presented in more detail. In addition, UN teams who submitted strong proposals to the Incubator but who have not yet found suitable partners at ETH Zurich will pitch their ideas for new collaborations. They will be joined by early career researchers at ETH Zurich who will present their latest research. 

 The poster titles and presenters to be confirmed on a rolling basis. 

Youth at the Heart of Change: Swiss Delegations to the FAO World Food Forum Youth Assembly

What is the future of food in cities, and how can youth contribute to shaping it? This workshop invites young people—students, early-career professionals, and engaged citizens—to explore urban and peri-urban food system challenges and co-create solutions. The session builds on a collaborative initiative involving ETH Zurich, Bern University of Applied Sciences, University of Bern, the Federal Office for Agriculture, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It draws from a successful side event held at the UN FAO World Food Forum in Rome. Participants will be introduced to a practical method for developing Local Food Action Plans, supported by expert insights and peer exchange. The session aims to empower youth to drive change in urban food systems.

Workshop Goals 

• Understand key challenges in urban and peri-urban food systems 
• Explore participatory approaches to identify local needs and entry points for action 
• Gain practical experience with a planning tool for food system initiatives 
• Empower youth to contribute to inclusive and sustainable food system change.  

Speakers

• Ms. Célia Bühler, Research Associate in International Agriculture, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL), Bern University of Applied Sciencs (BFH) 
• Mr. Kalisa Deo Ngoga, District Coordinator, National Youth Council in Rwanda
• Ms. Selina Hess, Intern, Swiss Federal Office of Agriculture
• Ms. Vera Imhof, Master student, Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern
• Ms. Charline Pasche, academic intern, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
• Mr. Eleonit Smajli, Master student, ETH Zurich

In partnership with the United Nations and the foreign ministries of Switzerland, Germany, and Finland, ETH Zurich is advancing the professionalization of peace mediation through the Master of Advanced Studies ETH Mediation in Peace Processes (MAS ETH MPP). Established in 2017, this globally recognized program equips mid-career professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to navigate complex political conflicts and foster sustainable peace. To assess progress and guide the program’s future direction, ETH Zurich and its partners have commissioned an external evaluation of the MAS ETH MPP. This closed-door workshop will bring together the evaluation team and key stakeholders to discuss the initial findings and reflect on the evolving needs of peace mediation training. 

This workshop is by invitation only.