Opening Night: Imagining Planetary Diplomacy

How can diplomacy, research, and cultural practice respond to environmental challenges that extend beyond human-centered frameworks? While presenting the exhibition projects, speakers from the fields of art, science, philosophy, and curatorial practice will explore how planetary dialogue can open new ways of listening, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

This opening event marks the launch of the Planetary Embassy in Japan. It brings together perspectives from art, science, philosophy, and curatorial practice to introduce the concept of planetary diplomacy and the broader objectives of the program. Through discussion and exchange, the event reflects on how planetary dialogue can help address environmental complexity, consider non-human actors and ecosystems in decision-making processes, and foster new forms of international and interdisciplinary engagement.

About the Exhibition

Imagining Planetary Diplomacy presents a selection of projects from the global open call “NextGen: Imagining Planetary Diplomacy,” launched in 2024 as part of the Swissnex for the Planet initiative. The open call invited young artists, researchers, innovators, and practitioners from around the world to imagine what planetary diplomacy could mean in a time of ecological change.

The selected projects explore diverse approaches to planetary dialogue, engaging with the more-than-human world through artistic research, speculative futures, and systems of care across species. During the opening night, exhibiting artists and contributors will introduce their projects and share the perspectives behind their work.

The evening will also feature a panel discussion with Yuko Hasegawa and Yasuo Deguchi, followed by a networking reception. It sets the conceptual framework for the subsequent events of the Planetary Embassy, which will address biodiversity, planetary thinking, climate action, youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and circularity.

Program

  • 5:30pm – Doors open
  • 6:00pm – Welcome & introduction
  • 6:20pm – Presentations by exhibiting artists and contributors
  • 6:45pm – Panel discussion with Yuko Hasegawa and Yasuo Deguchi, followed by Q&A
  • 7:30pm – Networking reception
  • 8:30pm – End of the event

Event start time

Presentations

Panel discussion

Partners

  • Swissnex
  • Presence Switzerland