Three Decades Advancing European Security Expertise

The 30th European Security Course (ESC 2026) concluded a couple of days ago with a powerful closing ceremony that celebrated not only professional achievement, but also the enduring partnerships formed among security leaders from across the globe. In a challenging security environment, the ESC 2026 stands as a strong example of peacebuilding and dialogue in practice. 

Supported by the Swiss Confederation, hosted by the GCSP, and run by the Executive Education Department, the eight-week programme became something far more human by its conclusion: a group of 23 trusted security policy professionals from 22 countries.

The ESC Through the Eyes of the Two Class Representatives in their Closing Speech

An Inclusive Environment 

“In this room we have diplomats, military officers, and security policy professionals - people who have served in ministries, on UN missions, in war zones, in parliaments and embassies across the world. We have all attended many courses before. And yet - something about this European Security Course was different.” 

We have participants from all over Europe, from the MENA, from Sub-Saharan Africa, from the Caucasus, from South– Southeast and East Asia, from North America.  

Diplomats sitting next to military officers, academics next to police officers. Participants whose governments have had serious disagreements - sometimes even war - finding common ground around the table.” 

The GCSP a place where dialogue happens – where trust is built

“The Geneva Centre for Security Policy is most probably one of the few places in the world that makes this possible. We have to thank the government of Switzerland - with its unique tradition of neutrality and as host of so many international organisations - for making this possible.

Confronting the most difficult realities shaping European security over 8 weeks 

“There are only a handful of courses in the world that can create this environment. We spent eight weeks of joint analysis and honest dialogue on even the hardest questions in international security. I will only mention a few: great power rivalry, occupation, conflict… the wars around us, the civilians suffering - in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and too many other places.” 

Opening horizons

“We broadened our perspectives not only on the far too many conflicts and injustices, but also on ways to bring peace - through diplomacy, humanitarian access, international cooperation and arms control.” 

Learning extended far beyond the classroom walls 

“Walking through the historic corridors of the United Nations - offered a powerful reminder that dialogue between states, even former enemies, remains humanity’s most effective alternative to war. In an era when multilateral institutions face mounting pressure, the building stood as a symbol of what must be preserved. 

At the International Committee of the Red Cross, a different lesson emerged: even when conflicts cannot be resolved peacefully, the responsibility to protect human dignity never disappears. The obligation to protect civilians, limit suffering, and uphold international humanitarian law remains constant - and personal. 

At the CERN, cooperation revealed another face - quieter, but not less profound. Scientists from across political divides work side by side in pursuit of discovery, demonstrating that shared human progress can transcend geopolitical competition.”

The course asked the 23 professionals to see the world through one another’s eyes. Participants left Geneva with a deeper awareness that security looks different depending on where one stands. 

From Santo Domingo, it is one reality 
From Kyiv another 
From Vienna, Islamabad, Beijing, or Washington - different still 

Yet for eight weeks, those perspectives shared one space. 

“This course gave us twenty-six new eyes - including our amazing course staff - through which to see the world. That is a rare gift.”