Switzerland and UN strengthen coordination of peace efforts in Sudan

Bern, 20.10.2026 — Switzerland and the United Nations are organising an international meeting in Geneva on 21 October 2026 focusing on peace efforts in Sudan. This sixth consultative meeting brings together states and international organisations working to find a solution to the conflict. As the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, the meeting aims to strengthen the coordination of diplomatic initiatives, promote de-escalation and support an inclusive political process.

The meeting at the Palais des Nations is being jointly organised by Switzerland and the UN secretary general's personal envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto. It will be co-chaired by the state secretary of the FDFA, Alexandre Fasel. Participants will include, in particular, Sudan's neighbouring countries, the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the main states involved in peace initiatives, as well as the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the League of Arab States.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. This has led to a major humanitarian disaster, with some 34 million people currently in need of humanitarian aid. In the face of ongoing fighting and the worsening crisis, a negotiated political solution remains vital.

Coordination between peacebuilding and humanitarian aid

This meeting forms part of a process that began in June 2024. It aims to strengthen the complementarity and effectiveness of the various international initiatives, to support de-escalation efforts and to promote an inclusive and credible political process.