ZIF and SIPRI host side event at the MSC once again
As part of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026, the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), together with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), will host a high-level side event on the future of international crisis management. The breakfast discussion, entitled “Peace on a Shoestring? Maintaining international crisis management in times of financial scarcity”, will take place at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich.
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, an increasing number of armed conflicts and shrinking financial resources, multilateral crisis management is under considerable strain. While political support for multilateral approaches is declining in some countries, the demand for international engagement in conflict prevention and crisis response remains high.
Ahead of the MSC, ZIF Executive Director Dr Astrid Irrgang underscores the urgency of the debate: “In times of turmoil, we must fight the urge to look inward and instead reach out to friends and partners and rally alliances of the many who do support and recognize the value of a multilateral order with effective tools to manage crises and prevent wars.”
Karim Haggag, Director of SIPRI, also highlights the growing importance of effective multilateral frameworks: “Multilateral mechanisms for conflict management face strain, yet rising conflicts underscore the urgency of strengthening these frameworks as pillars of international peace and security. Mobilizing resources and diplomatic support remains the best investment.”
International perspectives and high-level contributions
The discussion builds on a series of joint events hosted by ZIF and SIPRI at the Munich Security Conference between 2023 and 2025.
The side event will be opened by Dr Astrid Irrgang and Karim Haggag. Short kick-off interventions will bring perspectives from Africa, Southeast Asia, the Arab world, China, and conflict-affected and fragile states into the discussion, followed by reflections from a global perspective.
The discussion will be facilitated by Tobias Pietz (ZIF) and summarised by Jair van der Lijn (SIPRI).