Policy Forum 2026

Overview

In 2012, the UN Guidance for Effective Mediation defined peace mediation as “a process whereby a third party assists two or more parties, with their consent, to prevent, manage or resolve a conflict by helping them to develop mutually acceptable agreements.” Just over a decade later, armed conflicts unfold in a markedly different global environment, characterised by geopolitical polarisation, shifting power constellations, and rapid technological changes. Wars are increasingly internationalised, norms and institutions are contested, and pathways to comprehensive political settlements are often constrained.

Under these conditions, how does peace mediation adapt? Do the core principles articulated in the UN Guidance still hold, and how are they interpreted and applied in practice? How are mediators navigating growing tensions between conflict management and resolution, impartiality and leverage, inclusivity and expediency—and reflecting on their own positionality? What fundamentals remain indispensable, and what may need rethinking?

The 2026 MAS ETH MPP Biennial Policy Forum on Peace Mediation brought together the global MAS ETH MPP community of mediation researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to assess the implications of the current global peace and security landscape on peace mediation. To structure deliberations, the Forum was organised around core analytical themes addressing the “what,” the “who,” and the “how” of mediation, complemented by three additional themes focused on application and reflection:

Core Analytical Themes

• What are the goals of peace mediation today? (“PURPOSE”)
• Who mediates today? (“PEOPLE”)
• How is mediation conducted today? (“PROCESS”)

Application and Reflection

• Creative and interactive encounters (“ACTION”)
• Applying insights to contemporary cases (“CASES”) -- closed door for MAS ETH MPP alumni
• Implications for mediation pedagogy and professional learning (“LEARNING”) -- closed door for MAS ETH MPP alumni

The last two themes (“CASES” & “LEARNING”) were discussed in more detail at the closed-door alumni reunion of the MAS ETH MPP programme on June 13.

The Forum discussed what principles and practices related to these dimensions of mediation remain indispensable, and what needs changing. These discussions were grounded in empirical evidence, academic analysis, and practical experience, reflecting the MAS ETH MPP programme’s commitment to bridging theory and practice.

The Forum took place at the CAREUM Auditorium in Zurich on Friday, June 12, 2026, followed by a closed-door meeting of MAS ETH MPP alumni on June 13.

For more information on the event, please refer to the sub-tabs on programme and speakers. 

For any inquiries, please reach out to .