Federal Councillor Beat Jans hosting the Global Digital Collaboration Conference in Geneva
Federal Councillor Beat Jans hosted the Global Digital Collaboration Conference in Geneva. The conference was co-organised with 46 organizations, including UN-organizations, international organizations, standardization organizations, open-source organizations and others and was attended by 1000 experts from all over the world.
Closing Note by the Federal Councillor Beat Jans
Ms. Gail Hodges
Ms. Sylvia Cadena
Mr. Andrew Shikiar
Secretary General Sergio Mujica
Secretary General Philippe Metzger
Director Seizo Onoe
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we bring this first Global Digital Collaboration Conference to a close, I would like to express Switzerland’s heartfelt appreciation for your presence, your insights, and your extraordinary dedication.
It was in January, when I was hosting the OpenWallet High Level Panel Meeting in Davos, where I have met Sergio and Philippe – and many other high-ranking officials of organizations who are co-organizers of todays event. While already at that time, the quest for privacy, interoperability, trust and inclusiveness felt important, I was not expecting such a big impact within only a few months.
Inaugural Global Digital Collaboration Conference
In the past two days, you have collectively taken part in 22 overview sessions and nearly 100 collaborative working sessions. You have covered ground that spans continents, disciplines, and protocols — from hardware requirements and verifiable credentials to governance models, open-source development, and the challenges of building secure, trustworthy digital public infrastructure.
I heard agreeing on the agenda of this conference was no easy task. Organizing this event in the spirit of an unconference—with more than 40 co-organizers, all with equal rights and voices—meant navigating a truly collaborative and sometimes complex or even frustrating process.
This is exactly how the Swiss government works. I am one of seven Federal Councilors. We have been elected by the parliament and represent four different political parties. It is no secret that my colleagues and I do not always share the same opinion. But every week we meet, deliberate and seek policies that are backed if not by all, at least a majority of us. Once we conclude, all seven Federal Councilors get behind the agreed position and make sure that it is implemented.
This conference has not only examined the technical foundations of identity — it has re-affirmed the human values at its core: dignity, autonomy, consent, and trust.
These are big words and often used loosely. But let me tell you, they are essential values that guide my thinking and my doing. It is obvious that in my current role as Federal Councilor, I do not have the capacity to delve into all the technical and regulatory details that keep you up at night. But it is my responsibility to uphold these values — dignity, autonomy, consent, and trust — in every decision I make. Especially in moments when the technical complexities exceed my direct grasp, these principles serve as my compass. And from what I’ve heard and seen of this conference, I feel confident that this compass is shared by many of you.
The Swiss Context: Why This Matters Here and Now
For Switzerland, these discussions about digital identity are deeply timely.
You see, four years ago, the first attempt for introducing a national digital identity was rejected in a referendum vote — largely due to privacy concerns and the proposed delegation to private actors.
As you know, our Parliament has passed a new e-ID Act.
This time, we’ve taken a different approach:
- Public issuance, not privatization.
- Open standards, not proprietary lock-in.
- And a commitment to transparency, not opacity.
But again about 56’000 citizens have exercised their constitutional rights and requested a referendum. On September 28, all Swiss citizens can approve or reject the e-ID. The result is binding. I cannot overrule it. My bosses are the Swiss citizens. Since we learned from the first – failed – project, I’m very confident that Swiss citizens will approve this project.
So, as we reflect on the importance of this conference, I want to be clear: Your work here matters to Switzerland.
In that context, let me share with you that some advised me not to even come to this conference. After all, some people, who are trying to stop the Swiss e-ID argue, that this technology is not only meant to set up a system of mass-surveillance for Switzerland, but also for international organizations, some of which are co-organizing todays event. We have to take these concerns seriously. I could not think of a better way as with events like the Global Digital Collaboration Conference, where experts address these issues in a transparent fashion and anybody can participate for free. Thank you for making this possible.
Outlook: From Momentum to Mandate
Now, as we wrap up, the question is: what’s next?
This conference has sparked not just ideas, but clear directions. The collaborative sessions — technical, regulatory, and conceptual — have created frameworks that need to move forward, not sit on a shelf.
As host, Switzerland takes seriously the responsibility to keep this momentum going. We’ll work to improve future conferences — making them more accessible, better organized, and more inclusive.
But this is a global effort. We want to share responsibility and deepen partnerships because no country can do this alone.
So, we’re not closing a meeting; we’re opening a new phase. This will take consistency, governance, resources — and patience.
Building the future of digital identity isn’t just about technology. It’s about managing complexity — protocols, policies, and people.
Let’s commit to moving forward together with clear principles, collaboration, and respect for democratic values: transparency, accountability, participation, and trust.
Let’s make the next generation of identity not just more efficient — but genuinely empowering.
Conclusion
Before I let you head to the apéro — which, as every Swiss knows, is often the most productive part of any meeting — let me just share a brief personal impression.
I wasn’t here for the full program, but even in the short time I’ve been with you, it’s clear that this conference brought together not just technical expertise, but real human commitment. Commitment to openness, to cooperation, and to building digital systems that reflect democratic values.
Now, I may not be able to explain the difference between certain wallet protocols — some of the session titles did remind me of federal ordinance numbers — but I can see when something has momentum. And this does.
In Switzerland, we like things that work: trains, standards, and yes, consensus. What you’ve built here reflects all three — even if the journey occasionally included a few missed connections and lively debates.
So thank you — for your work, your trust, and your time. And now, let’s continue the conversation informally.
Merci. Danke. Grazie. Thank you.
