GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum 2026

The 21st edition of the GLOBSEC Forum will take centre stage on 21 – 23 May 2026, in Prague, Czechia. For over two decades, the Forum has established itself as one of Europe’s most influential platforms for shaping global security and stability. This year’s gathering will bring together world leaders, innovators, and changemakers, under the auspices of President of Czechia, Petr Pavel. The Global Systemic Transformation: 21st-Century Solutions to 21st-Century Challenges GLOBSEC Forum 2026 comes at a moment of reckoning. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues. An active Iran-US-Israel war has engulfed the wider Middle East, deepening an already volatile regional crisis. Indo-Pacific tensions are also rising. Meanwhile, the rules-based international order fractures while technological change accelerates faster than governance can adapt. GLOBAL CONTEXT Recent years have exposed a harsh truth: 20th-century institutions are struggling to solve 21st-century crises. As allies seek cooperation, adversaries probe for weakness, and rivals pursue advantage, the 21st edition of the GLOBSEC Forum convenes in Prague in 2026 under the theme “The Global Systemic Transformation”, addressing a defining question of our time: how Europe can play a constructive role in a world marked by fragmentation, power competition, and accelerating risk? Europe must rise to this moment by translating its commitments on defence, competitiveness, resilience, and enlargement into tangible results. This requires redefining Europe's global role and building governance structures capable of delivering solutions equal to today's challenges. Strengthening partnerships beyond its immediate neighbourhood, including with South America, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East, will be essential for Europe to remain a global actor and a credible partner. Discussions at the Forum will explore Europe's strategic role in a rapidly changing world from rethinking alliances and shaping global governance to advancing pragmatic transatlantic cooperation. Sessions will address security and defence in a new era, technology's impact on geopolitics and innovation, sustainable growth strategies, energy and climate security, and building resilience amid global uncertainty. AN INTERNATIONAL GATHERING GLOBSEC Forum 2026 will bring together over 1800 participants from 75+ countries. Alongside main stage debates, the Forum will feature exclusive side events and brainstorming sessions, designed to generate workable solutions and formulate strategic plans for the future. Running parallel to the GLOBSEC Forum, GLOBSEC will also host the third edition of the annual Prague GeoTech Summit. This platform will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, business executives, and tech visionaries to explore the evolving intersection of cutting-edge technologies with national security, geopolitics, and geostrategic relationships. A LEGACY OF IMPACT For over two decades, the GLOBSEC Forum has served as a meeting point for heads of state, global visionaries, and trailblazing thought leaders, paving the way toward a better future. Throughout its history, GLOBSEC’s guests of honour have included Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen, the late Pope Francis, Jens Stoltenberg, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Donald Tusk, Alexander Stubb, Mette Frederiksen, Edi Rama, Roberta Metsola, Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Kersti Kaljulaid, Andrius Kubilius, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Harjit Sajjan, the late Madeleine Albright, Margrethe Vestager, Anwar Gargash, Joseph Nye, Timothy Garton Ash, Paul Collier, Francis Fukuyama, Brad Smith, and many others who have shaped the Forum’s legacy of impactful dialogue. A GLOBAL STAGE The GLOBSEC Forum routinely garners extensive international media coverage, with global outlets such as BBC, Euronews, AP, Financial Times, AFP, Euractiv, and Politico, ensuring that the Forum’s discussions resonate on a worldwide scale. Don’t just witness history — be a part of it. Join us for the 21st edition of the GLOBSEC Forum as we confront the world’s most pressing challenges and forge innovative solutions together. Stay connected for updates and become a part of the GLOBSEC community!