In­sur­ers’ Day 2025: se­cu­ri­ty is (more than just) a feel­ing

More than 280 representatives from insurance and business, politics and administration travelled to Zurich Airport from all over the country on 20 June to take part in Insurers’ Day at The Circle Convention Center. While the jets took off and landed nearby, those arriving at the event were greeted with a welcoming cup of coffee as anticipation began to build.

Singer and vocal artist Martin O. opened the anniversary proceedings in his own inimitable style with a performance that looked back on 125 years of the SIA and 200 years of the insurance industry in Switzerland. With his very own looping device made from Appenzell walnut, he translated history into sound and transformed old documents from the time into a musical orchestra of voices in a unique way. This surprising and powerful opening act would be followed by many more impressive performances in the following few hours. Last year’s host, Christine Maier, returned for 2025 to guide the audience through the programme of presentations, panel discussions and inspiring keynote speeches.

SIA Chairman Stefan Mäder kicked off the main programme with a speech that addressed the devastating landslide which struck Blatten in the Lötschental valley at the end of May. With regard to the total damage of more than CHF 320 million, he said: ‘That’s a lot of money – and even more suffering.’ However, he also noted that the rapid assistance provided by insurers shows just how important a role the industry plays – and what it means to take responsibility in practical terms. Mäder then spoke about other challenges currently facing the industry – including, for example, increasing regulatory pressure and higher taxation of capital withdrawals. Those who save for decades must be able to rely on stable rules, said the SIA chairman. ‘Security also means predictability and trust in fair framework conditions.’

Three keynote speeches brought the issue of security to life in ways that were both personal and surprising. Extreme climber Nina Caprez spoke about the rope as a symbol of trust and personal responsibility, but also of connection and risk. ‘Sometimes, security is a rope. And sometimes, it’s knowing your own limits,’ she said. NZZ journalist and lawyer Katharina Fontana questioned the growing influence of the state. She argued that instead of a ‘nanny state’, security needs room for personal responsibility. And renowned heart surgeon Devdas Inderbitzin (Klinik Hirslanden) offered a fascinating insight into his high-risk discipline.

After a coffee break, young politicians Jonas Lüthy (Young Liberals), Marc Rüdisüli (Young Centre) and Maya Tharian (Young Green Liberals) discussed the future of pensions: How can intergenerational equity be ensured? How much personal responsibility is realistic? And how much solidarity is affordable? The lively discussion showed that the big questions of the future have filtered through to the younger generation – even if they do not always agree. Kurt Pelda later provided a counterpoint with his inspirational talk. Having come more or less straight from Ukraine, the war correspondent showed, among other things, a video of a drone attack on a restaurant – taken just minutes after he left it. Security is relative when you consider the wars currently raging in Europe and the Middle East, he said: ‘In crisis areas, it’s often simply about survival.’ After these haunting images and words, the programme returned to the political and economic situation in Switzerland. In her opening address, State Secretary Daniela Stoffel from the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) paid tribute to the role of insurers: ‘Your business is to know risks and anticipate them.’ Security is the result of the interaction between the state, the market and society, she added. 

SIA CEO Urs Arbter closed the day with an appeal: ‘Risks are part of life – without them, there would be no life.’ The association thrives on the commitment of its members – especially when it comes to voluntary work in commissions, working groups and committees. ‘On 14 December 1900, 21 founding companies came together at Bahnhofbuffet Olten and decided to speak out in favour of reliable framework conditions and to take responsibility for a young, growing industry. Now, 125 years later, this spirit is more relevant than ever.’ As part of his summary, Arbter also thanked his team: ‘Today, our association has demonstrated not only political acumen, but also its skills as a host.’

To round off the proceedings, Martin O. took to the stage once again – and summed up the insights of the preceding hours in musical form. With his very own version of ‘Don’t worry, be happy’, he put a smile on everyone’s faces. It was a fitting end to a day on which the subject of security became audible and tangible in many forms.

NB: The next Insurers’ Day will be held on 19 June 2026.