The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is taking place for the 59th time this year and will once again bring together high-ranking representatives from over 30 countries in Munich. Taking place almost exactly a year after the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the MSC discussions will focus on the war as a watershed moment, or 'Zeitenwende', and on the challenges this poses for European security and foreign policy today. In addition to panel discussions, the MSC provides excellent opportunities for bilateral networking with high-ranking government representatives.

Schedule of Vice President Amherd

The had of the DDPS will meet with her counterpart from Germany, Boris Pistorius, and others to discuss the current security situation. She will also take part in a panel discussion on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine as a turning point, where she will discuss the new security policy challenges with the former President of Germany Joachim Gauck and Austria’s Minister of Defence Klaudia Tanner.

On 16 February, the day before the MSC, Vice President Amherd will attend at the invitation of her Dutch counterpart, Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren, the first ever Summit on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM 2023). The aim of REAIM 2023 is to place the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the military sector higher on the international security policy agenda. To achieve this, REAIM 2023 is including players from government, civil society and the private sector in the discussion. Switzerland welcomes this initiative by the Netherlands and will support the REAIM Call to Action for International Security and Stability that will be made at the end of the summit.

Schedule of Federal Councillor Cassis

At the Conference, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will focus on engaging in bilateral talks, namely with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, and of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt. Talks will centre on security policy vis-à-vis the war in Ukraine, the war’s long-term effects, and Switzerland’s commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order, for example through its seat on the UN Security Council, which it has held since January 2023.

Mr Cassis will also meet Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Luiz Vieira, in Munich. Both countries are currently non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Meetings are also scheduled with the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Yemen, Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak. With the latter, Federal Councillor Cassis will exchange views on the High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen, which will take place on 27 February in Geneva.

Vice President Amherd and Federal Councillor Cassis at the 2023 Munich Security Conference