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, held on 2 July 2026 at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
2027 Information:A 2027 edition is currently under consideration and remains unconfirmed. Confirmed details will be announced by email.
Official Highlights
2026 Forum in Retrospect
Relive the discussions, keynote insights, and key moments from the Geneva Forum on Pooling Interests for Peace and Stability in the DRC, held on 2 July 2026 at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
Official 2026 Highlights Video
Watch key moments and thematic perspectives from delegates, partners, and speakers.
Official Event Photographs
A visual record of the diplomatic, economic, and security dialogues in Geneva.
Opening session and welcome remarks at Salon du Lac, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
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Keynote address on economic intelligence and sustainable resource governance in the DRC.
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Distinguished delegates and international institutional representatives in attendance.
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High-level panel discussion on the political architecture and sovereignty of the DRC.
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Thematic dialogue on Great Lakes regional security and stabilisation mechanisms.
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Engaged exchange of ideas between commodity trading leaders and diplomatic officials.
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Delegates discussing regional economic corridors and investment conditions.
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Panelists sharing perspectives during the moderated debate and Q&A session.
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Delegates participating in the afternoon thematic discussion at Salon du Lac.
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Academic, civil society, and institutional stakeholders in dialogue.
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Networking and bilateral discussions among forum participants.
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Delegates registering and receiving materials at the welcome desk, Salon Petit Mont Blanc.
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Delegates exchanging viewpoints during the coffee break at Salon Petit Mont Blanc.
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Closing remarks reinforcing the shared commitment to peace and stability.
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Distinguished speaker addressing the audience on corporate responsibility and governance.
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Evening networking reception bringing together participants at the conclusion of the forum.
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Delegates continuing discussions during the concluding cocktail reception.
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Official commemorative photograph of forum speakers, partners, and organisers.
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Forum Overview
A Forum for Constructive Dialogue
The Geneva Forum brought 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 was designed to foster honest, high-level exchange among those with a stake in long-term stability.
The forum was 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.
Economics
Examined 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.
Politics
Assessed 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.
Security
Analysed 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 made 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
City of international dialogue
The Initiative
A Strategic Framework for Pooling Interests
"The forum was 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 pooled the perspectives of international economic actors, diplomatic and institutional representatives, security analysts, and civil society leaders. Its aim was not to produce declarations, but to create the conditions for a more coherent, realistic, and constructive long-term engagement with the DRC.
2026 Programme
2026 Event Programme
2 July 2026 • Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva
Registration & Welcome
Opening Remarks
Geneva-based institutional partner
Economics
Thematic Speaker
Politics
Thematic Speaker
Coffee Break
Security
Thematic Speaker
Moderated Debate, Exchange of Ideas, Q&A
Moderated panel
Networking Reception
2026 Speakers
2026 Thematic Perspectives
Each pillar of the forum was addressed by a distinguished international speaker, selected for their expertise, standing, and direct relevance to the DRC's situation.
Dorothée Baumann-Pauly
Director, Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights | Adjunct Professor, University of Geneva
Hugo Nsundi Zala
Independent Researcher from DRC & Vice-President of the Cevist Research Center
Mark Assaf
Chief, Human Resources Development Section – TrainForTrade, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Yara Kayyali El Alem
Sustainability & Ethics Analyst, Mercuria Energy Trading SA
Attendance Profile
Who Participated
The 2026 forum was an invitation-only gathering. Attendance was curated to ensure the quality, relevance, and confidentiality of the dialogue.
Participation was curated 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.
2026 Venue
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
The 2026 forum took 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 provided the ideal environment for a high-level, confidential diplomatic gathering.
Parking Information
Please note that on-site parking was not available at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.
Guests arriving by car used one of the nearby public parking facilities:
Practical Information
Visiting Geneva
For invited guests requiring practical guidance on accommodation, transport, and local institutions 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 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.
Future Partnerships
Partner for Future Editions
Interested organisations may register interest in partnering with or sponsoring future editions of the Geneva DRC Forum. Benefit from tailored partnership frameworks designed to enhance visibility and develop strategic connections.
Register Partnership InterestContact
Contact & Enquiries
The 2026 Geneva DRC Forum is completed. To submit an expression of interest for a potential 2027 edition (participating, speaking, sponsoring, or partnering), or for general enquiries, please complete the form or contact the organising team directly.
Direct Email
info@forumdrcgeneve.comPhone Enquiries
+41 78 336 09 29Our Office
Pl. Edouard-Claparède 3, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
Expression of Interest (2027)
A possible 2027 edition is currently under consideration and remains unconfirmed. Register your interest now to be considered and receive official updates by email.
Register InterestStay Informed About Future Editions
A possible 2027 edition of the Geneva DRC Forum is currently being considered. Register your interest to receive official announcements regarding dates, programme, and participation.
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