Swiss Economic Forum 2026

On 4 and 5 June 2026, around 1,350 business, political, scientific and societal leaders gathered to explore how Switzerland can preserve and strengthen its capacity to act in a world of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, technological disruption and growing social polarisation.

'SEF.2026 demonstrated that dialogue between business and politics is more critical than ever. By fostering innovation, taking bold decisions and standing together as a society, we build the foundation for long-term success and future prosperity,' stated Corine Blesi, Managing Director of NZZ Connect.

Opening the forum, Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), described a country in permanent crisis mode, yet combined his analysis with confidence: 'La bonne nouvelle, c'est qu'on a du travail parce qu'on doit trouver les solutions.'

Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor at Harvard Business School, highlighted that leading through uncertain times requires psychological safety, smart experimentation and the ability to learn from mistakes: 'Failure is more likely.'

Warning against geopolitical power politics, rising protectionism and a Switzerland that risks being slowed down by its own stability, Severin Schwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Roche, remarked: 'Wenn sich die Industrie massiv verändert, die Rahmenbedingungen massiv verändern, dann ist diese Stabilität unter Umständen ein Problem.'

Focusing on values, culture and consistent hospitality, Caroline von Kretschmann, Managing Partner of Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg, made her stance clear: 'Wir denken nicht in kurzfristigen Quartalsberichten, sondern wir denken in Generationen.'

Sergio P. Ermotti, Group CEO of UBS, contextualised the role of the Swiss financial sector amid geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory expectations and economic responsibility.

Drawing on her spaceflight experience, Peggy Whitson, Vice President of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, demonstrated how resilience, teamwork and perseverance can make seemingly impossible challenges solvable.

For Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé, the corporate transformation centres on a return to focus, organic growth and reliability: 'Resultate zählen am Ende und die bringen auch das Vertrauen zurück.'