2025 GESDA summit: Shaping shared futures at the frontier of science and diplomacy

The GESDA 2025 Summit: Shaping Shared Futures at the Frontier of Science and Diplomacy will take place from 15 to 17 October 2025 at CERN in Geneva, with hybrid participation options available online. The summit brings together scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore how scientific breakthroughs can inform global decision-making and international cooperation.

Under the overarching summit theme of “The Age of Possibility: Science, Sovereignty and Shared Futures”, the programme is divided into five thematic tracks:

• Science in a divided world – Science as a bridge for trust, cooperation, and shared progress in a fragmented global landscape.
• From discovery to action- Turning breakthrough research into real-world impact through diplomacy and foresight.
• Planetary stewardship – Building shared responsibility for Earth’s future across science, society, and policy.
• Intelligent futures – Shaping the rise of AI and quantum technologies to advance human well-being and global cooperation.
• Health & human potential – Redefining health and longevity in the biotechnological age.

Over three days, participants will examine the challenges and opportunities presented by frontier science, including governance of shared environmental systems, dual-use technologies, and equitable access to emerging innovations. The programme features over 40 sessions and 80 speakers, combining anticipatory briefings, interactive discussions, workshops, and experiential demonstrations. GESDA’s Science Breakthrough Radar® will highlight emerging scientific developments and their potential societal implications, enabling participants to consider practical applications and policy responses.

The summit also emphasises the role of science in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and the responsible use of technology. Through dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, GESDA 2025 aims to help shape collective strategies that ensure science benefits humanity broadly while supporting effective diplomacy and cooperation in a rapidly evolving world. All sessions will be live-streamed, allowing global audiences to engage and contribute to discussions on shared futures.