Munich, September 14, 2026 – The Munich Security Conference (MSC) has announced a significant leadership change, appointing former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and former OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt as its new co-chairs. The decision was made unanimously by the MSC Foundation Council, marking a new era for the world’s leading forum on security policy.
New Leadership to Take Helm for MSC 2027
Stoltenberg and Schmidt are set to assume their roles ahead of the 63rd Munich Security Conference in February 2027, where they will jointly lead the prestigious event. This dual leadership model replaces the long-standing chairmanship of Wolfgang Ischinger, who has been at the helm for nearly two decades.
The MSC highlighted that both incoming co-chairs are distinguished transatlanticists with extensive diplomatic experience. They have not only led major international organizations but have also played pivotal roles in numerous significant global decisions over the past decades. Their combined expertise is expected to further strengthen the conference’s influence and reach.
Wolfgang Ischinger to Remain Actively Involved
Wolfgang Ischinger expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating that he looks forward to continuing his support for the MSC as an active member of its Foundation Council. His long tenure has seen the conference grow in prominence, attracting numerous heads of state and government, as well as leading experts in international security.
The Munich Security Conference is widely recognized as the most important expert gathering on security policy globally, providing a crucial platform for high-level discussions on pressing international challenges.
Profiles of the New Co-Chairs
Jens Stoltenberg served as the Secretary General of NATO from 2014 to 2024. Prior to that, he was Prime Minister of Norway for two terms (2000-2001 and 2005-2013). His career has been marked by a deep commitment to transatlantic cooperation and international security, navigating complex geopolitical landscapes during his leadership at NATO.
Helga Maria Schmidt brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Her career in diplomacy has focused on conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation, making her a highly respected figure in international relations.
The Future of the Munich Security Conference
The appointment of Stoltenberg and Schmidt as co-chairs signals a strategic move to bring diverse but complementary leadership to the MSC. Their combined experience in multilateral diplomacy, security policy, and international cooperation is expected to reinforce the conference’s role as a vital forum for addressing global security challenges.
The MSC Foundation Council’s unanimous decision underscores the confidence in their ability to maintain the conference’s high standards and adapt it to evolving global dynamics. The upcoming 63rd conference in February 2027 will be a key event to watch as the new leadership takes the reins.
The conference consistently brings together a diverse group of participants, including world leaders, defense ministers, intelligence chiefs, and leading academics, to foster dialogue and solutions for the most critical security issues facing the international community. The new co-chair arrangement is anticipated to enhance the conference’s capacity to facilitate these crucial discussions.
Source: https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/msc-muenchner-sicherheitskonferenz-bekommt-doppelspitze/100254419.html
