Swissnex for the Planet, is an initiative to explore what we call “planetary diplomacy” across the global Swissnex network. The objective is to pioneer a novel form of science-based diplomacy aimed at recalibrating the relationship between humans and the Earth.
The idea is inspired by a growing intellectual movement questioning the human-centric character of our most influential traditions of thought and narratives of progress. Instead of seeing humans as detached from nature, it emphasizes our profound embededness in the biogeochemical system that supports all interdependent forms of life on this planet, including ours. Leveraging science and technology, planetary diplomacy would focus on balancing human and nonhuman interests, searching for an equilibrium in the relations between our species and the other living and nonliving entities and processes that make up the Earth system.
Swissnex for the Planet will serve as a global laboratory for planetary diplomacy. The initiative will feature an online group of experts developing the concept, as well as a planetary campaign of activities organized by different Swissnex locations, each exploring humanity’s relationship with the planet through the lens of locally relevant nonhuman stakeholders.
Swissnex for the Planet will serve as a global laboratory for planetary diplomacy.
Are you 30 or younger and passionate about rethinking humans’ relationship with planet Earth? Submit your visions and ideas for a chance to present at the Swissnex Planetary Summit – where the next generation can guide the way for a more livable future on Earth.
Apply nowChina’s involvement in restoring our planet’s health is crucial. Often, in our perception of China, we tend to overlook the surprising, creative, and out-of-the-box elements that are part of this vast country.
At Swissnex in China we decided to combine the Western concept of planetary thinking with the ancient Chinese concept of Wuxing to demonstrate that concerns about the planet’s health are deeply rooted in contemporary China.
We will emphasize local perspectives and compare them with global understandings, shedding light on how planetary thinking is approached in China. Additionally, the campaign can be connected to other global initiatives, such as featuring the planetary fellows. This campaign will be aligned with any additional events we organize in China or globally.
Deeply embedded into Chinese culture, Wuxing represents the Five Elements or Five Phases. These non-human protagonists will serve as the foundation for exploring Planetary Thinking in China.
Wuxing is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy, traditional medicine, and cosmology. It represents five dynamic processes or energies that are believed to constitute the natural world and govern its changes. The five elements are Wood (木), Fire (火), Earth (土), Metal (金), and Water (水). Each element interacts with the others through cycles of generation (e.g., Wood fuels Fire) and control (e.g., Water quenches Fire). Wuxing is used to explain a wide range of phenomena, from the body’s health to the universe’s natural rhythms, emphasizing balance and harmonious relationships among the elements.
These five elements provide a logical starting point for studying planetary thinking and the interactions between human and non-human entities through a distinct Chinese lense. They represent the fundamental concepts of how nature organizes itself and hold special significance in Chinese culture notably in understanding the balance and dynamics of the natural world and therefore the planet itself.
What happens when we look at contemporary discourses around sustainability or environmentalism, top-end research on biodiversity or smart nutrition, Sustainable Development Goals, or COP negotiations through the prism of Wuxing?
Swissnex in China will launch events, a communication campaign, and more in the coming months to explore Sino-Swiss Explorations of Planetary Thinking.
In a world increasingly shaped by climate change and ecological interconnection, BREATHE by Khalil Berro, Twin Cloud by Black Void, and Apocalyptic Optimists by Juliana Schneider invite us to reflect on our place in a shared, more-than-human world.
This roundtable brings together artists, scientists, and environmental thinkers to explore the intersections of art, science, and policy through the lens of air and clouds, elements that are both invisible and essential, shaping history, climate change, and human experience.
The best fighters need to study their opponent. Where they punch hard. What are their patterns. How they became who they are. Come and study our common opponent Climate Change in a fun and interactive way through the Climate Fresk Workshop. And get ready to join the fight yourself.
This roundtable explores how behavioral science can drive climate action by examining the psychological, social, and cognitive factors influencing environmental decision-making. Experts will share insights from neuroscience, psychology, and policy implementation to foster sustainable behaviors and effective interventions.
Innovation is often viewed as a vital solution to global challenges such as climate change. However, it also presents its own set of contradictions. This event will explore the complex relationship between climate action and innovation, where bold ideas promise transformation but may also lead to unintended consequences.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are already being felt across the globe. In consequence, society is gearing up to transition to a more sustainable system, from politics, innovation, to civil society.
This event organized by SwissCham leverages the globally recognized PechaKucha format, where speakers present their ideas using 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds, resulting in concise yet impactful presentations lasting just 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
This event will take place alongside the Low-Carbon Urban Design Roundtable, hosted in collaboration with Swissnex in China during Shanghai Climate Week. This roundtable brings together professionals, designers, and agencies to explore how urban planning and design can contribute to decarbonisation.
This symposium brings together Swiss and Chinese experts from law, psychology, urban planning, and the arts to explore climate change through an interdisciplinary lens. The discussions aim to bridge governance, public perception, and urban sustainability, fostering Sino-Swiss collaboration on climate solutions.
Step into the ring. Join the fight for our planet. The Climate Ring Shanghai is a collective battle against climate change. In this ring, we don’t exchange punches but ideas and each “round” of discussion brings us closer to impactful solutions.
We had the great pleasure of launching our Planetary Thinking campaign alongside the official Swiss Science delegation led by Jacques Ducrest, the Head of the International Relations Division at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, as well as Luciana Vaccaro, Michael Hengartner , Martin Vetterli, Sébastien Castelltort, Matthias Egger, Barbara Fontanellaz, Thomas Gfeller, and Régis Nyffeler.
