Multilateralism is facing many challenges, such as a revived great power competition, violations of international law, political divisions and the apparent failure of global multilateral institutions. Scholars and policymakers are increasingly concerned about the long-term viability of global multilateral institutions, the prospects for productive international cooperation, and the future of multilateral diplomacy (at least in the way it has been practised since the end of the Second World War).

Yet, the role of multilateralism and the prospects of adapting multilateral diplomacy and negotiation processes to the new realities and challenges of our geopolitical age remain largely unexplored. The project Redefining Multilateralism in a New Geopolitical Era aims to fill this gap.

The first day of the conference will consist of expert panel discussions focusing on current diplomatic and negotiation challenges in different institutional settings and potential innovations in governance and negotiation strategies to address these challenges. The programme of the first day, open to public, can be found below. The second day of the conference is an expert workshop on invitations only. 

Additional panellists will be announced soon.

10h00 - 10h30

Welcome address

• Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)
• Dr Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA)

10h30 - 12h00

Shifts in Geopolitical Dynamics, Multilateralism and International Negotiations

In an era marked by intensified great power rivalries and the emergence of new coalitions, traditional frameworks of multilateral diplomacy are under significant strain. These tensions influence the functioning of global governance structures and reshape international engagement. This panel will analyze how states compete within different institutional settings and navigate new agendas, challenges, and dynamics. To what extent are great powers engaged in new multilateral initiatives? Do they drive innovation or hinder the negotiation and reform of international regimes? The rise of recent coalitions, operating alongside conventional multilateral institutions, raises questions about whether these alliances foster governance innovation or introduce complexities that stifle effective negotiation.

Our panelists will explore strategies and mechanisms to involve great powers effectively in multilateral initiatives while considering the impact of emerging coalitions on negotiation processes and outcomes. The discussion will highlight how shifting geopolitical dynamics and coalition-building influence the landscape of multilateral negotiations.

• Ambassador Shen Jian, Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament and Deputy Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland
• Ambassador Julien Thöni, Head of the Multilateral Affairs Division and Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
• Ambassador Priyanka Chauhan, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Respondent: Prof I. William Zartman, Jacob Blaustein Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University 

Chair: Dr Fen Osler Hampson, Chancellor’s Professor and Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University and President, World Refugee & Migration Council

12h00 - 13h00

Light lunch

13h00 - 14h30

Overcoming Deadlocks in Multilateral Negotiations

The persistence of deadlocks in multilateral negotiations poses a formidable challenge to effective international governance and consensus-building. Addressing these challenges—ranging from nationalism and protectionism to global fragmentation—requires new approaches that balance national sovereignty with the imperative for cooperation. This panel will investigate why negotiations often stall and will identify some practical solutions for breaking through these impasses. The session will emphasize the development of specific, innovative, and actionable strategies to enhance the effectiveness of multilateral negotiations.

Panelists will share insights on strategies for overcoming deadlocks through case studies of past successful and unsuccessful negotiations, offering valuable lessons and best practices for current and future multilateral efforts.

• Ambassador David Riley, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament 
• Mr Christoph Spennemann, Swiss Representative for Intellectual Property, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Respondent: Mr Richard Gowan, UN Director, International Crisis Group

Chair: Dr Tobias Vestner, Director of the Research and Policy Advice Department, GCSP

14h30 - 15h00

Coffee break

15h00 - 16h30

Inclusivity in Multilateral Negotiations 

True progress in international negotiations demands inclusivity that goes beyond rhetoric and integrates diverse voices into the negotiation process itself. This panel will address mechanisms for enhancing inclusivity in decision-making and tackling power imbalances within global institutions. The distribution of power affects institutions' ability to reach agreements and can perpetuate stalemates when national interests clash. The design and rules of multilateral bodies can either facilitate or impede consensus-building.

Our discussion will explore the evolving roles of middle and small powers, civil society, and the private sector in global negotiations.. Panelists will examine new approaches to include traditionally marginalized voices and assess why inclusivity remains a challenge in multilateral negotiations.

• Dr Narayanappa Janardhan, Director of Research and Analysis, AGDA
• Ambassador Christian Guillermet Fernández, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
• Prof Gabrielle Marceau, Counsellor for Research on Legal Policy, World Trade Organization

Respondent: Dr Lynn M. Wagner, Senior Director of the Tracking Progress Program, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Chair: Ms Maréva Roduit, Senior Project Officer at the Research and Policy Advice Department, GCSP