Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland2 July 2026

Geneva Forum on Pooling Interests for Peace and Stability in the DRC

A high-level, invitation-only forum on economics, politics, and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Attendance is by application and confirmation only.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

Event Partners

This forum is supported by selected organisations that help connect international dialogue with relevant economic and institutional stakeholders.

Organised by

SunBolon SA

Event Partner

CTA - Commodities Trading Alumni

Forum Overview

A Forum for Constructive Dialogue

The Geneva Forum brings together senior international figures to examine the economic, political, and security dimensions of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Convened in Geneva — the city of multilateral diplomacy — this invitation-only gathering is designed to foster honest, high-level exchange among those with a stake in long-term stability.

The forum is structured around three interconnected pillars, each examined by a distinguished thematic speaker.

Three-Pillar Structure

Economics. Politics. Security.

Three dimensions. One shared strategic objective: a framework for durable peace and constructive engagement in the DRC.

01

Economics

Examining the DRC's position at the crossroads of major regional trade corridors — its mineral wealth, commodity trading dynamics, and the investment conditions required for sustainable development.

02

Politics

Assessing the architecture of governance, sovereignty, and the international political frameworks that bear on the DRC's long-term trajectory and the consolidation of its institutions.

03

Security

Analysing the persistent security challenges in the Great Lakes region, the reform of defence mechanisms, and the international stabilisation frameworks that must evolve to support peace.

Why Geneva

The Right Setting for Serious Dialogue

Geneva's unique standing as a global hub for international institutions, diplomacy, and civil society makes it the natural home for a forum of this nature. The city offers discretion, institutional legitimacy, and a long tradition of facilitating dialogue on the most complex global challenges.

  • International neutrality and diplomatic tradition
  • Home to major UN bodies and international organisations
  • Global NGO and civil society ecosystem
  • Leading centre for commodity trading and investment
  • Established setting for discreet high-level exchange
Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland

City of international dialogue

The Initiative

A Strategic Framework for Pooling Interests

"The forum is built on a central premise: that durable peace in the DRC requires an aligned conversation across economic, political, and security interests — not a separation of them."

This initiative pools the perspectives of international economic actors, diplomatic and institutional representatives, security analysts, and civil society leaders. Its aim is not to produce declarations, but to create the conditions for a more coherent, realistic, and constructive long-term engagement with the DRC.

Programme

Event Programme

2 July 2026 — Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva

15:00 - 16:00

Registration & Welcome

Salon Petit Mont Blanc
16:00 - 16:15

Opening Remarks

Geneva-based institutional partner

Salon du Lac
16:15 - 16:35

Economics

Thematic Speaker

Salon du Lac
16:35 - 16:55

Politics

Thematic Speaker

Salon du Lac
17:00 - 17:45

Coffee Break

Salon Petit Mont Blanc
17:45 - 18:10

Security

Thematic Speaker

Salon du Lac
18:10 - 18:45

Moderated Debate, Exchange of Ideas, Q&A

Moderated panel

Salon du Lac
18:45 - 20:00

Networking Reception

Salon Petit Mont Blanc
20:00 - 22:30

Private Dinner

Salon Salève

Speakers

Three Thematic Perspectives

Each pillar of the forum is addressed by a distinguished international speaker, selected for their expertise, standing, and direct relevance to the DRC's current situation.

Dorothée Baumann-Pauly
Read Biography

Dorothée Baumann-Pauly

Director, Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights | Adjunct Professor, University of Geneva

Hugo Nsundi Zala
Read Biography

Hugo Nsundi Zala

Independent Researcher | Economic Intelligence & Public Policy Modelling

Mark Assaf
Read Biography

Mark Assaf

Chief, Human Resources Development Section – TrainForTrade, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Attendance Profile

Who Should Attend

This is an invitation-only forum. Attendance is curated to ensure the quality, relevance, and confidentiality of the dialogue.

Participation is limited in order to preserve a focused, high-level exchange.

Commodity Trading & Investment

Senior leaders from commodity trading companies, private equity, and investment institutions with interests in the DRC and broader Central Africa.

Diplomatic & Institutional Actors

Ambassadors, senior officials from international organisations, UN bodies, and bilateral diplomatic missions with mandates relevant to the DRC.

NGOs & Civil Society

Established civil society organisations and NGOs with operational presence or strategic engagement in the Great Lakes region.

Researchers & Policy Experts

Senior fellows, policy analysts, and academics from leading international think tanks and research institutions.

Venue

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

The forum takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues — Geneva's first hotel, built in 1834, set on the banks of Lake Geneva with views of the Jet d'Eau. A landmark of historic prestige and modern elegance, it provides the ideal environment for a high-level, confidential diplomatic gathering.

Explore the Venue
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva 1Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva 2Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva 3Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva 4

Practical Information

Planning Your Visit to Geneva

For invited guests requiring practical support with accommodation, transport, and local guidance in Geneva.

Accommodation

A range of preferred hotels near the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues are available for invited guests, from boutique properties to international five-star establishments along the lakefront.

Transport

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is 20 minutes from the city centre. The hotel is accessible by taxi, the free public transport system for airport arrivals, and the city's efficient tram network.

International Institutions

Geneva hosts the United Nations European Headquarters, the WTO, ICRC, ILO, WHO, and over 40 international organisations within minutes of the forum venue.

Organised By

Organised by SunBolon SA

SunBolon SA

SunBolon SA manages both confidential corporate events and international conferences across Switzerland, with a particular focus on Geneva. Specialising in high-end forums, our team delivers turnkey solutions tailored to the unique requirements of your organisation.

Partnerships

Become a Partner

Position your brand at the heart of a leading diplomatic forum. Benefit from tailored partnership packages designed to enhance your visibility, develop strategic connections, and showcase your expertise to influential stakeholders.

Explore Opportunities

Contact

Contact & Inquiries

This forum is by invitation only. To submit an expression of interest in attending, partnering, or contributing to the programme, please complete the form or contact the organising team directly.

Phone Enquiries

+41 78 336 09 29

Our Office

Pl. Edouard-Claparède 3, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

Request an Invitation

Attendance at the Geneva Forum is by application and confirmation only. Applications are reviewed carefully to ensure a high-quality and relevant exchange among invited guests.

Submit Application

Request an Invitation

This is an invitation-only event. To express interest in attending, partnering, or contributing to the programme, please contact the organising team.

Request Invitation