Coordination between peacebuilding and humanitarian aid
The meeting, organised by Switzerland and the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, will take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel will co-chair the meeting. Participants include, in particular, Sudan’s neighbouring countries, the permanent members of the UN Security Council and representatives of the main states involved in peace initiatives, the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the League of Arab States.
Sudan has been at war since April 2023, with fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian catastrophe: today, around 34 million people depend on humanitarian aid. With fighting continuing and the crisis worsening, a negotiated political solution remains essential.
The meeting is part of a process launched in June 2024. It aims to strengthen the complementarity and effectiveness of the various international initiatives, support de-escalation efforts and promote an inclusive and credible political process.
Ahead of the meeting on 21 October 2026, discussions will take place on the humanitarian situation and respect for human rights in Sudan. Representatives of UN organisations and humanitarian actors will present their assessments and the challenges on the ground to the delegations. The discussions will focus on respect for international humanitarian law and improving humanitarian access.
Switzerland’s active role in addressing the crisis in Sudan
In its engagement in Sudan, Switzerland combines humanitarian aid and peace diplomacy. Since the start of the conflict, it has made around 217 million Swiss francs available for humanitarian aid in Sudan and the region. The focus is on food security, support for displaced people and protection of the civilian population. As part of its good offices, Switzerland also facilitates confidential talks between the various actors and supports the UN’s mediation efforts.
Holding this meeting at the Palais des Nations underscores Switzerland’s role as a host state and the importance of International Geneva as a venue for dialogue and multilateral diplomacy. The meeting is part of Switzerland’s efforts to improve coordination of international endeavours to achieve lasting peace in Sudan.