Theme: Rethinking the Human Edge: Intercultural Skills across AI, Complexity and Uncertainty
When: 3–5 June 2027
Where: Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
Mode: in-person
We’re excited to announce the theme for the 2027 Intercultural Conference, co-hosted by SIETAR Switzerland (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research) and Università della Svizzera italiana (USI): “Rethinking the Human Edge: Intercultural Skills across AI, Complexity and Uncertainty”
AI is reshaping how we work, learn and connect, while complexity and uncertainty are increasingly part of everyday life. This theme invites us to explore what remains distinctly human in how we engage across cultures and difference.
It raises questions such as:
- How do we build trust in shifting, complex environments?
- Which intercultural skills matter most when situations are uncertain?
- What does meaningful connection look like today?
We’ll create space for dialogue, reflection, and cross-disciplinary shared learning.
Further details about the program and general registration will be announced soon.
Follow SIETAR Switzerland on LinkedIn for updates, or sign up at https://sietar.ch/ for email updates.
Call for Proposal Submissions
We welcome submissions that share research, showcase innovative practices, or spark dialogue on key issues shaping intercultural work, education and research today. This is an opportunity to contribute to a conference that aims not only to exchange ideas, but also to co-create meaningful change. We are specifically looking for sessions that not only share ideas but also include an element that supports meaningful impact and encourages clear outputs or action-oriented outcomes.
Submission Deadline: Monday 2 November 2026, by 11:59 pm CET (Swiss time)
What We Offer
- One presenter per session will receive a waived conference fee once their session is accepted and confirmed. For sessions with more than one presenter attending the conference, there will be a reduced conference fee. A conference certificate will be provided to all presenters in recognition of their contribution. Max. 3 presenters per session are possible.
- All listed presenters are expected to be committed to attending and presenting in person at the conference if their proposal is accepted. Please only include co-presenters who have confirmed their availability and intention to participate.
- Travel, health and liability insurances are the responsibility of every individual.
- Please note that no remuneration or expense coverage will be provided to session presenters.
- Submitting a proposal confirms your agreement to these conditions.
Ready to Contribute?
Submit your proposal for a conference session here by Monday 2 November 2026, by 11:59 pm CET (Swiss time).
Any questions? Contact welcome@sietar.ch and copy president@sietar.ch.
Program Highlights
We are excited to announce that Prof. Matthew Hibberd, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society at USI, will deliver the welcome address, alongside keynote speeches by Prof. Jolanta Drzewiecka and Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni.
We are pleased to share further details about Prof. Jolanta Drzewiecka’s keynote presentation here.
Further keynote details will be announced soon.
Sponsorship and Support Opportunities
Would you like to support our conference and gain visibility within the intercultural community – locally and internationally? We invite potential sponsors and supporters to connect with us at president@sietar.chand welcome@sietar.ch. Sponsors and supporters will receive special acknowledgment on our social media channels and during the event. Depending on the sponsorship/support level, fee-waived admission to the conference may be arranged for you and a guest.
Special thanks already now to Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) for generously sponsoring the rooms for our conference at their campus, located in beautiful Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland!
The Swiss Journal of Intercultural Education, Training and Research
Conference presenters and attendees are encouraged to submit articles to The Swiss Journal of Intercultural Education, Training and Research. This Swiss Diamond Open Access listed journal is a peer-reviewed journal. Questions? Reach out to journal@sietar.ch.