Gianluca Costantini draws the Munich Security Conference 2026
From 13 to 15 February 2026, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) will once again bring together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, experts, and representatives of civil society to discuss the most pressing challenges to international security.
On this occasion, Gianluca Costantini will follow the conference through a live illustrated reportage on social networks. Drawing in real time, Costantini will translate key moments, debates, and atmospheres of the MSC into images, offering a visual narrative that runs alongside the political discussion.
His live-drawing practice turns complex geopolitical themes into an immediate and accessible visual language, capturing not only statements and concepts, but also tensions, gestures, and the human dimension of global decision-making.
Through this illustrated live coverage, the Munich Security Conference will be observed from a unique perspective — where art, journalism, and international affairs intersect.
To contact the illustrator: email
Download high-resolution drawings: Link
President Nechirvan Barzani conveyed the Kurdistan Region’s gratitude for France’s ongoing friendship and support, as well as its commitment to defending the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan
“Russian attacks happened almost every night in Ukraine, and at least once a week massive strikes. Still, Ukraine has endured 1,451 days of full scale war, longer than anyone predicted.” Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 6th President of Ukraine.
On February 14, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in Munich, as part of the 24th International Munich Peace Conference, the discussion “Time to Talk: Sanctions and Boycotts as Tools of Politics and Civil Society” will take place at the Salesianum Tagungshaus. The panel critically examines non-violent forms of political pressure in times of war.
The event, organized by the association Zeit zu reden, invites experts and the public to explore the possibilities and limits of state sanctions and boycotts as instruments to stop human rights violations and breaches of international law, balancing political effectiveness with humanitarian impact. Continue
“Without peace, global governance is impossible. Over 60 ongoing conflicts are causing immense suffering. Xi Jinping’s vision of common, cooperative security points the way: resolve differences through mediation and conflicts through dialogue.” Wang Yi, Chinese diplomat and politician who is the Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee Foreign Affairs Commission Office and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Only if we are unapologetic of our heritance, we can shape our future.” Maro Rubio, 72nd United States secretary of state.
On February 14, 2026, the Aktionsbündnis gegen die NATO-Sicherheitskonferenz is calling for demonstrations and other actions in Munich to raise awareness about the growing militarization of society and to protest against the German government’s rearmament plans. Continue
“Yes, it is true that the United Nations Security Council resolution provided for a Board of Peace for Gaza, but it also specified that it would be time-limited until 2027, that Palestinians would have a say in it, and that it referred specifically to Gaza…” Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission in the second von der Leyen Commission.
“A gap has opened up between the United States and Europe.” Friederich Merz, Chancellor of Germany.
Today, February 14, 2026, a large demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people is taking place in Munich, coinciding with the Munich Security Conference, which brings world leaders and international officials to the Bavarian city. Continue
“For years we have heard — across political parties and from other quarters as well — that Europe must do more for defense. And it is true. Europe must become more autonomous and must do more for its own defense. A strong Europe also means a strong NATO. This is the mindset I have brought into the European Union.” Ursula Von der Leyen – President European Commission, European Union.
On 13 February 2026, as part of the 24th Internationale Münchner Friedenskonferenz, the panel “I Refuse! — Conscientious Objection as Resistance Against the State and the Military” will take place, focusing on conscientious objection as a form of resistance against militarization and war. The event will be open to the public and streamed live, providing an international platform to explore the motivations, challenges, and social and political implications of those who choose to refuse military service. Continue
At the Munich Security Conference 2026, one of the most discussed interventions was delivered by Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and now a leading voice in the global debate on technology and defense. His message was clear: 21st-century international security will be determined more by artificial intelligence than by traditional weapons. Continue
As part of the Munich Security Conference 2026, the European Defense Townhall stood out as one of the most significant events of the public program: two hours of open discussion—from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.—dedicated to the future of European defense and the role of the Union in an increasingly unstable geopolitical context.
The discussion was opened by Helga Maria Schmid, Ambassador for Global Affairs at the German Federal Foreign Office, President of the European Institute of Peace, and Vice-President of the Foundation Council of the MSC. In her remarks, she recalled the Conference’s long-standing tradition: “The Munich Security Conference has a long standing tradition of bringing security policy discussions out of closed rooms into the public sphere.” For this very reason, she explained, the event preceding the Conference was conceived as a public Townhall, accessible via livestream, in order to engage citizens and civil society in a debate that is often confined to restricted institutional settings. Continue
On the third day of the Munich Security Conference 2026, Saturday, February 14, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. CET, the Saal on the third floor of the Literaturhaus München (Salvatorplatz 1, 80333 Munich) will host the event “Security in an Apocalyptic World”, a discussion exploring security in catastrophic and dystopian scenarios. Attendance is free, but registration is required. The session is part of the Security and Literature Series,, organized in partnership with DIE ZEIT, which brings together literature, political analysis, and international security to show how storytelling can illuminate complex strategic challenges. Continue
At a time when Europe is marked by geopolitical tensions, war on its borders, and profound cultural shifts, literature is once again moving to the center of public debate as a space for critical reflection and civic responsibility. This is the focus of the second event in the Security and Literature Series, taking place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. (CET) at the Literaturhaus München, as part of the Munich Security Conference. Continue
Munich, February 12, 2026 – The first day of the Security and Literature Series at the Munich Security Conference focuses on Ukraine’s uncertain future. The event will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (CET) at the Saal, Literaturhaus München (3rd floor, Salvatorplatz 1, 80333 München). Continue
Serhiy Zhadan is one of Ukraine’s most prominent contemporary authors, a poet, novelist, and musician. Born in Starobilsk in 1974, he is known for novels, poetry collections, and song lyrics that depict life in eastern Ukrainian cities, often marked by war and social tension. Awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (2022), Zhadan combines political engagement, cultural insight, and innovative language, making him an influential voice not only in literature but also in Ukrainian civil society.
Chrystia Freeland is a Canadian politician and journalist, currently serving as Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. She is a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada and Co-Chair of the Advisory Council of the Munich Security Conference. Educated in history and international studies, Freeland has worked as a correspondent and author, focusing on global economics, politics, and human rights. She is recognized for her commitment to Ukraine’s reconstruction and the promotion of democracy and press freedom worldwide.
Volker Weidermann, a German writer, journalist, and literary critic. Born in 1977, he has worked as a cultural editor and head of the Feuilleton for leading German publications such as Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Der Spiegel. He is the author of both nonfiction and historical narrative books, including Ostende 1936 and Lichtjahre, which examine German literature and 20th-century cultural history. Weidermann combines journalistic rigor with literary sensitivity, making him an influential voice in the German cultural scene.
Munich, February 13, 2026 – The second day of the Munich Security Conference opens with a cinematic focus on one of the most strategically significant—and often overlooked—territories of our time: Greenland. At 5:30 p.m. (CET), the Gloria Palast will host the screening of “Why the US and Europe are battling for Greenland’s future”, a documentary presented in cooperation with Deutsche Welle. Continue
The drawings of the Munich Security Conference 2025 | Gallery
