The GESDA Anticipation Summit 2026 took place in Geneva on 14–15 October, with Dr. Valentin Katrandzhiev representing the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.
This was the sixth edition of the international forum dedicated to the field of anticipatory science diplomacy.
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) provides a broad platform for dialogue, bringing together scientists from diverse disciplines and research fields, diplomats, government experts, including representatives of international organisations based in Geneva, specialists in frontier technologies and artificial intelligence, and business representatives. The initiative was established with the institutional backing and visionary support of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.
In the GESDA framework, “anticipation” goes beyond conventional forecasting. It involves anticipating potential future technological breakthroughs and scientific discoveries, considering how to prepare for them, and exploring ways to shape their future development and application.
Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and neurotechnologies featured prominently in the presentations and discussions, particularly in relation to their potential impact on the labour market, education and international security.
During the forum, GESDA presented its flagship tool, the Science Breakthrough Radar, which maps anticipated developments in science and technology across three time horizons: five, ten and twenty-five years. By examining a range of possible developments, the tool preserves the diversity of expert perspectives. The GESDA model is particularly valuable for science diplomacy, as it transforms scientific knowledge into a basis for intellectual dialogue, the exchange and contestation of ideas, and the development of forward-looking strategic responses to emerging technological change.
The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute will incorporate insights gained from its first participation in the GESDA forum into its training programmes, at a time when the Bulgarian diplomatic service is preparing to operate in an international relations environment shaped by rapid technological advances.
