Dear friends,

It is a great pleasure to invite you all to Switzerland to attend HCIM 2026. We will come together at a time when the world is marked by wars, division, and suffering. Here, however, we have chosen to create a different space — one of peace, respect, and unity.

This summit is not about politics or divisions — it’s about what unites us: laughter, compassion, creativity, and the magic of the performing living arts. Together we believe that healthcare clowning can bring light where there is darkness, hope where there is fear, and dignity where there is pain.

As organizers, we are conscious of the privilege of hosting this summit in Switzerland — a country marked by peace, stability, and prosperity.

HCIM 2026 is, by design, a non-political and non-religious event.
While we do not ignore or diminish the tragic events unfolding across the globe, our intention is to create a space that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for every participant — regardless of country of origin, religious background, or personal beliefs. We wish to focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

What unites us is the conviction that healthcare clowning and performing living arts bring hope, resilience, and dignity to people in times of crisis. We share values of compassion, openness, and joy. By joining HCIM 2026, each participant accepts our “code of conduct” and commits to preserving this safe space: refraining from political expression during the summit and standing as an ambassador of hope, peace, and unity.

We know this commitment is not always easy, and we cannot shield the summit entirely from the world around us and its realities. Yet within HCIM 2026, we are determined to maintain an atmosphere of respect, safety, and shared purpose.

Let us connect, exchange, and unite around a shared vision of a brighter future. We trust in the strength and resilience of this remarkable international healthcare clowning community, and we look forward to welcoming each of you to HCIM 2026.

Miriam Bass Costantini & Alexander Milligan

Organizers, Healthcare Clowning International Meeting 2026