UN-ETH Forum: Science and policy in turbulent times
ETH Zurich is organising the UN-ETH Forum "Science and policy in turbulent times" on 20–21 October 2025. This two-day conference assembles ETH scientists and students, policymakers and practitioners from diverse United Nations organisations as well as representatives from government, civil organizations, and NGOs.
Science and technology offer innovative insights and solutions that help to address global challenges like sustainable systems, digital ethics, and geopolitical tensions. Yet delivering tangible benefits that serve society at home and abroad requires strong collaboration between science and policy. The UN-ETH Partnership, signed in a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, is intended to serve as a catalyst for strengthening these ties.
The UN-ETH Forum brings together researchers and students from ETH Zurich as well as policymakers and practitioners from the United Nations system to foster collaboration and explore ways of strengthening the science-policy interface. It will focus on policy-relevant areas in turbulent times, structured around three thematic tracks with panel discussions:
- Strengthening Global Peace and Security,
- Ensuring Responsible Digitalization,
- Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Programme 20–21 October 2025
The programme of the forum includes diverse formats. Plenary sessions with high-level guests examine core themes of the forum. Panel discussions with science and policy practitioners delve into diverse topics of the three tracks. Curated poster sessions will highlight innovative research contributions from emerging scholars. Finally, interactive workshops will offer participants the opportunity to engage more deeply in specialized topics.
Check the UN-ETH Forum page for details on programme and speakers
UN-ETH Forum
Monday, 20 and Tuesday, 21 October 2025
The UN-ETH Forum will take place at the Careum Auditorium at Pestalozzistrasse 11, 8032 Zurich. Registration is required. Registration closes on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
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