L'oeil de la Genève Internationale

From 14 to 24 March, the Open Geneva Innovation Festival will gather members of International Organizations, NGOs, academia, public and private sectors. Since 2017, the summit has served as a multistakeholder platform that aims to stimulate exchange, open up perspectives, and find solutions for social innovation, sustainable development, global health, media, and digital transformation. This image was taken in the Geysir geothermal area of Icelande in 2024 by Magnum photographer Martin Parr. 

It has been a year since the first discussions were initiated between high-level representatives of international and non-governmental organizations, diplomats, and experts from the academic community to reflect on how international Geneva should adapt to a changing world. Whether it concerns multilateral negotiations, city diplomacy, AI and space governance, or water in the rules of war, whether it concerns humanitarian needs, Climate Action, or when human rights are at stake, the Geneva Policy Outlook addresses the challenges our world has to face and the opportunities to seize. Join the launching event of the GPO 2024 "How will Geneva remain relevant?," on 27 February, at the Maison de la Paix. This outstanding view of the Mont Blanc was taken, by Luca Fascini, from the gardens of the Palais des Nations and its famous “Celestial Sphere.”

In a fragmented world and given the urge to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, the Graduate Institute invites you to the panel discussion "How can International Geneva advance social justice?" Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UNCTAD, Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General, ILO, Paul Ladd, Director, UNRISD, and Marie-Laure Salles, Director, Geneva Graduate Institute, will discuss the importance of harnessing the diversity of actors that form the International Geneva ecosystem bringing crosscutting responses and taking courageous action to advance social justice. This young hairdresser above was pictured in the Kasungu region, Malawi. He uses a hair clipper powered by a solar panel offered by the ILO. 

The CEDAW has opened its 87th session in Geneva and runs until 16 February. Made up of independent experts, the Committee is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and ratified, to date, by 189 States parties, the Convention is an essential legal instrument for protecting and promoting the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls. This woman, walking with determination down a street in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, was photographed by Sabiha Çimen in 2022.

The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GMFD) will hold its summit, in Geneva, from 23 to 25 January under the theme "The Impact of Climate Change on human mobility." For the first time, the chairmanship will raise the cultural aspect of migration. This new dimension brought to the summit should "initiate discussions on the many facets of migration, from its economic, social, and environmental" point of view "to the wealth of cultural interactions it generates." The image above was taken by Lindokuhle Sobekwa at the Dagahaley Camp sports field in Dadaab, Kenya, in 2021. It is part of the story "Collages of Refugees from the Dadaab Camp."

The Geneva Science Policy Interface annual call for projects is open until 2 February 2024. Whether you are "a scientist willing to engage with policy actors and channel your research towards policy needs" or an "international policy professional looking to ground your work in scientific expertise," all you need to know regarding the Impact Collaboration Programme application is available here. Magnum photographer Chris Steele-Perkins took this image in 2004 in Majuro, Marshall Islands. Because the sea level rises and makes the Pacific Ocean a constant threat, containers filled with rocks and heavy objects are installed along the shore. 

The Global Refugee Forum - the world's largest international gathering on refugees - takes place from 13 to 15 December at the Palexpo convention centre in Geneva. A wide range of linked events will run throughout the Forum. Like the Geneva State Council, if you wish to have your picture taken and record a message to express your support for UNHCR's work on behalf of refugees, Switzerland for UNHCR invites you to participate in the Inside Out "Hope Away From Home" public action on 13 and 14 December Place de Neuve between 9.30 and 16.30. 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said about this picture: "Behind every photo is a person forced from their home and a story of displacement, dispossession and suffering. They merit our attention and support not just with humanitarian aid, but in working together to find solutions to their plight." This family was photographed in Greece by Paolo Pellegrin in 2016. It is part of a set of commented images to mark the 70th anniversary of the Refugee Convention. 

How can we shape the future of the digital economy more inclusively and sustainably? UNCTAD's eWeek starts today, 4 December, with an ambitious program that will gather 3,000 stakeholders from 130 countries to "turn digital opportunities into shared development gains and close existing divides for a sustainable future." The above scene was taken, by UNICEF, in Sudan where E-learning is an alternative to "protect the right to education when students are affected by recurring floods." 

Based on the observation that "Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) affects one in every six women giving birth and is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally", the International Geneva Global Health Platform and the Global Health Center convene you today, 27 November, to the panel discussion "Dying for Life: are mothers still a global health priority?" Starting at 12.15 pm, you may attend in person or online. This mother-to-be was photographed by Guy Le Querrec during her consultation at one of the social centers in Fort-Lamy, Chad, in 1970. 

The 21st Meeting of the States Parties (21MSP) to the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines starts today, 20 November. Through the lens of gender and employment, climate change and environment, humanitarian demining, and reinforcing financial, technical, and human resources, 350 representatives of states, IOs, NGOs, members of affected communities, and survivors of anti-personnel mines will meet and take stock of progress and challenges in mine clearance in 33 States Parties. Wounded by the explosion of an anti-personnel mine during a military expedition in 1987, this man was photographed by Sebastian Liste at the Furwus Capadife Rehabilitation Clinic in Managua, Nicaragua, in 2014.

The Young Activists Summit, the flagship event that gives a voice to young change-makers for a more sustainable world that respects human rights, will be held on 16 November, 2023, from 2.30 to 4.30 pm at the United Nations in Geneva. Under the theme "Peace and Reconciliation," the ceremony rewarding their achievements may be followed here. This photograph of students in front of the Burkina Institute of Technology was taken by Moises Saman in Koudougou, Burkina Faso, in 2021.

Many nature, climate change, and sustainable development-related events are to come this week. Whether it concerns climate change policies, the transition to net-zero carbon and fossil fuel supply management, economy and nature, or cooking sustainably, the following events will take place in Geneva or online between 8 and 10 November: 

• Pathways to equitable fossil fuel supply management
• Fire is all around: Why are climate change policies more contested even when we have more scientific knowledge and more public awareness about negative impacts?
• Launch Webinar - Net-zero operational carbon buildings: State of the art
• Delivering a Nature-Positive Economy 
• All in For Nature: Promoting Whole-of-Society Approaches for Nature
• Advancing public access to environment-related product information: challenges and opportunities
• Farm-to-table cooking workshop

This majestic iceberg was pictured by Paolo Pellegrin at Ilulissat, Disco Bay, Greenland, in 2021. 

Because "it is more important than ever to talk about peace and offer a platform to those who are building it, day after day," the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Geneva Peace Building Platform, and the Graduate Institute invite you on 3 November to the "Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address" delivered by Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The event will be held in the Ivan Pictet Auditorium at the Maison de la Paix at 11 a.m. CET. You may register to attend in person here. Magnum photojournalist Paolo Pellegrin took this image of refugees coming ashore on the Greek island of Lesbos in 2015.

How does the press industry cover the activities of the organizations that form the International Geneva ecosystem? Today, 16 October, the Swiss Press Club invites you at 4 p.m. to the panel discussion on "The image of International Geneva in the international and Swiss media." You may join in person or online. Photographer Violaine Martin took the above scene featuring journalists waiting for the delegation before the opening of the Syrian Constitutional Committee at UN Geneva on 30 October 2019. 

CERN's flagship center for science education and outreach has opened its doors. By providing hands-on experiments, real scientific objects, immersive environments, and interactivity to engage all aged visitors, CERN Science Gateway brings particle physics to life. With 1400 m2 of exhibitions, 260 m2 of labs, a 900-seat auditorium, a shop, and a restaurant, this emblematic building "inspired by the fragmentation and curiosity intrinsic to CERN" celebrates the beauty of science and its valuable contribution to the common good. For its renowned architect, Renzo Piano, it is "A bridge, forever bridges! A glass bridge which links the different themes and parts of Science Gateway while also allowing a physical encounter between researchers and children, visitors and physicists, tourists and scientists, all driven by curiosity and the thirst for knowledge." 

On 3 October, at 12.15 pm, the Geneva Press Club invites you to the panel discussion "Development and humanitarian aid: is the funding of certain NGOs in danger?" Representatives from Alliance Sud, Care International, the SDC, and the Fédération genevoise de coopération will discuss the challenges they have to face and possible solutions to funding difficulties. You may attend or participate remotely through this link. Magnum photographer Matt Black took this image of the people of Gayiel, South Sudan, searching for spilled grain after a World Food Programme airdrop in 2016. 

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is opening the doors of its Palais Wilson headquarters on Saturday 30 September. Starting at 10 a.m., the day will provide an opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to learn more about the work of the OHCHR. Whether you're wondering about the Declaration's role in promoting human rights around the world, or you're a fan of history or cultural heritage, the OHCHR is planning a rich program of activities suitable for everyone, including the very young. For security reasons, you are invited to register and bring your ID with you. 

This event is supported by the Republic and State of Geneva. To mark this anniversary, the Vice-President of the State Council, Nathalie Fontanet, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will address the public in the lobby of the Palais Wilson at around 11:25.

This majestic front view of the Palais Wilson, photographed by Luca Fascini, is part of the book "Genève internationale, 100 Years of Architecture" by Joëlle Kuntz. The history of this monument facing the lake, built between 1873 and 1875 by Geneva architect Jacques-Elisée Goss, is told here.

On 27 September, The Lancet Commission on Women, power, and cancer, together with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, GENDRO, and ecancer, invites you to the Graduate Institute for the Global Launch of the Commission report. Key findings and recommendations of the report will be addressed, followed by a moderated panel discussion with thought leaders in global health and development, cancer policy, and women’s rights. This compelling scene is part of the 2006 World Press Photo awarded documentary "A Diary of Healing." Mary Ann Nilan was 39 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She asked the photographer, Christopher Capoziello, to account for every stage of her treatment. 

Because "it is time to harness the power of trade to help drive climate action," the WTO's Public Forum is held under the theme "It is time for action." Starting today until 15 September, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders from around the globe will explore how to enhance trade for a sustainable future and contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this context, the WTO invites you to discover "SDGs and Trade: Making Trade Work for People and Planet," exhibited until 2 October at Parc des Bastions, Geneva. This view of a "sea of wool" was taken by Magnum photographer Jonas Bendiksen in Bradford, England, in 2013. 

From 4 to 15 September, Handicap International is teaming up with artist Saype to create a monumental fresco on the Place des Nations. Like the "Broken Chair," created by artist Daniel Berset, this collaboration aims to raise public awareness of the cause of "civilian populations afflicted by war." The sky view above was taken in 2019 in Geneva. This 5,000 m2 drawing by artist Saype is part of the "Beyond walls" project: hands joining together to form a large chain around the world.