The Topics of the SSF

Security: Much More than Military and Police

Security concerns us all! Security affects not only the army, police and emergency services, but all areas of activity and life. Government institutions are just as affected as companies, SMEs and employees. In addition to protecting the economy and the state, the safety of the population is of central importance. Open societies are highly vulnerable. Internal security is therefore an important issue, as is the peaceful coexistence of people from various ethnic backgrounds, religions and milieus.

The world is constantly changing and so are the threats. There are more and more hazards (war, natural disasters, cyber attacks etc.) and more and more hybrid forms of threats (warlike conflicts, terrorist attacks, crisis situations etc.) which can hit us suddenly and unprepared.

For this reason, the SWISS SECURITY FORUM confronts this broad spectrum of topics together with partners from business, politics, civil society and academia over the next years to provide neutral information.

Knowledge, understanding of connections, awareness and resilience are important decisive elements for a new security discourse. Security concerns us all! Everyone can and must contribute to our security!

Civil Security

The security of citizens is an issue of great social relevance. It affects women as well as men, young and senior citizens equally. The SWISS SECURITY FORUM wants to involve all societal groups in this dialogue.

This includes the following topics:

Women and security: How safe are women in society?
Youth and security: How do young people relate to security?
Senior citizens and security: Is security still guaranteed at an older age?
Data protection: How secure is my personal data?
Social security: What social tensions can arise in Switzerland?
Health security: Is public health at risk? What does it mean when more and more people travel and when goods from distant countries reach us?
Migration and religious minorities: How will migration affect Switzerland's security?
Crisis situations:
- Terrorism: How safe is our society from attacks?
- Extremism / radicalization: What are the reasons and what can be done about it?
Disasters and resilience: How well is society prepared for unforeseen events?

Security Policy and Military Defense

Traditional security policy is an important part of the dialogue on security.

Armed forces, militia organizations, and civil society all have different functions and interests. But security can only work if these various actors interact and understand each other. The SWISS SECURITY FORUM therefore promotes this dialogue.

Topics:

Defence and neutrality: How should Swiss neutrality be executed?
Security in Europe: What role does Switzerland play for European security?
Foreign and security policy: What foreign and security policy does Switzerland need?
Future of the Swiss Armed Forces: What do the Swiss Armed Forces of the future look like?
Cyber attacks: How must / can the federal government, the Cantons and public authorities arm against cyber attacks?
Intelligence service / surveillance: What tasks does the intelligence service have in the digital age?

Police and Emergency Services

The public space is highly relevant for security. Actors such as the police, fire departments and other emergency services contribute decisively to public safety. The daily engagement of these organizations and the great experience of their experts are an important part of the dialogue that the SWISS SECURITY FORUM intends to promote.

Topics:

Security in urban and rural areas: Is the countryside safer than the cities?
Organized crime: What threats arise from organized crime?
Surveillance: Where are the limits of state surveillance?
Emergency services: How does the interaction of various security forces (police, fire brigade, ambulance, etc.) work in case of an emergency?
Crisis-Situations:
- How can one prepare for crisis situations?
- Are the inhabitants of Switzerland prepared for crisis situations? How resilient is the Swiss population in an emergency?

Economy and Security

Security is a central factor of prosperity. Business and industry not only need a stable political framework, but also the guarantee that they are protected against attacks and assaults. The protection of a country's critical infrastructures is essential. Yet, the general protection of companies and SMEs poses a major challenge. In addition to known classic dangers, there are more and more risks associated with the digitalization of the economy and society.

Topics:

Critical infrastructures: How is the security of critical infrastructures safeguarded?
Cyber security: How can companies tackle the danger of cyber attacks? What to do after a cyber attack?
Security of transport routes and energy supply in Switzerland: What protection concepts exist and what does this mean for the population in the event of a crisis?
What is the significance of private security services and security companies for business and the general public?

Science, Education and Security

Constant technological progress and globalization trigger innovation and open up new business fields. This benefits science, education and research as well as the industry. The downside of new technologies are new risks that not only impact the safety of businesses and organizations but also the daily lives of all of us.

Topics:

What does security mean? - A philosophical debate on the topic of security
Security vs. freedom: What is the relationship between freedom and security in modern society?
Is the world less secure than it used to be, or is subjective perception different today?
New technologies and security: What are the issues and trends? What opportunities and threats do they entail?
What are the prospects for development in the field of security technology?
Is there security research in Switzerland? Which security measures are effective and what are the underlying objectives?