Geneva Peace Week 2024: An Expansive Global Engagement
- October 30, 2024 10:15
Geneva Peace Week 2024: An Expansive Global Engagement
The 11th edition of Geneva Peace Week (GPW), held from October 14 to 18 at the Maison de la Paix, took on the theme “What is Peace?” to stimulate diverse perspectives and deeper reflection on the meaning of peace in today’s world, an era defined by discord and uncertainty. With 70 events organized in collaboration with 117 partner organizations, GPW24 brought together a broad community of peacebuilders from around the globe.
The event saw an impressive 4,140 registered participants from 166 countries, with 72% attending GPW for the first time. Attendance throughout the week was equally strong with 6,700 total event session attendances over the week, including 3,469 online. GPW24 showcased a wide range of sector engagement, with participation from NGOs (25%), international organizations (23%), academia (13%), students (14%), government (11%), the private sector (5%), and other sectors (9%). GPW’s digital presence continued to expand, gaining 2,898 new social media followers during the week.
Building on the momentum from GPW's 10-year milestone, the consortium has focused on scaling the impact and inclusivity of the 11th edition. This year, GPW offered a different range of event formats, including ceremonies, panels, workshops, and special events, ensuring more dynamic engagement with the audience. GPW24 transitioned from 4 thematic tracks to 17 keywords, broadening its scope for dialogue and engagement. In a commitment to inclusivity, this edition was held fully hybrid, allowing global participation, with interpretation available in over 60 languages and a French version of the website.
Furthermore, GPW provided dedicated spaces for artistic expression, inviting participants to explore peacebuilding through alternative, creative channels, with the Nature Footprint Exhibition featuring global art pieces sharing stories of climate-related conflict and peacebuilding. Artist-in-Residence Fernando Cometto unveiled a unique piece during the closing matinee, connecting with attendees to share his creative journey during GPW24. The week’s artistic performances included soulful fado from Marco Rodrigues, cello by Junseo from Ecolint La Grande Boissière, and singing by 12-year-old Valeria. Additional highlights were UNESCO Artist Dr. Guila Clara Kessous, violinist Hyung Joon Won, the JerusalemS fresco, and a captivating musical and dance performance by Diwele Molale Lubi and Delphine Digonnet.
GPW24 enhanced networking opportunities to foster meaningful connections within the peacebuilding community through networking breakfasts, cocktail gatherings, and warm hospitality, all supported by dedicated staff, including hostesses, volunteers, and technicians to ensure a smooth experience throughout the week.
Opening Ceremony: "What is Peace?"
Held on October 14 in the iconic Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room (Room XX) at the Palais des Nations, the opening ceremony drew 573 attendees (403 in-person, 170 online). Moderated by Ahmad Fawzi, the event featured interventions from prominent figures, including Tatiana Valovaya, UNOG Director-General; Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Executive Director of the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform; Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General and Amb. Thomas Guerber, Deputy State Secretary, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland; among others.
An impactful peace message was delivered by Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, President and CEO of the International Peace Institute, followed by a High-Level panel discussion with Rebecca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General, and Helga Maria Schmid, former OSCE Secretary-General, on pressing topics such as multilateral cooperation and the intersections of peace with trade and security.
Portuguese Fado singer Marco Rodrigues and his musicians, Pedro De Oliveira and Frederico Gato, embodied the spirit of peace and reflection through his soulful performance. Students from the Geneva Graduate Institute, including members of the Student Peacebuilding Initiative, also participated, showcasing the next generation's commitment to peace.
2024 Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address: "Rising Peacebuilders"
On October 15, GPW hosted the annual Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address, attracting 660 attendees (405 in person, 255 online) in the Auditorium Ivan Pictet at Maison de la Paix.
Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders, delivered a Peace Address, urging the international community to prioritize leadership for peace amidst today’s challenges. In closing, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein offered reflections on the current global climate, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative efforts in peacebuilding.
The evening reached a powerful culmination with a panel discussion between peace leaders and young peacebuilders, including representatives from the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, East Africa, Creative Leadership Youth Team with the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, and Extremely Together Young Leaders of the Kofi Annan Foundation. Together, they discussed strategies for effecting meaningful change, overcoming injustices, and bridging divides. The dialogue covered topics such as interfaith dialogue, digital peacebuilding, and essential leadership skills for emerging peacebuilders.
A Collective Achievement and a Call to Future Generations
The resounding success of Geneva Peace Week 2024 is a testament to the invaluable support of our donors, partners, and participants. This year’s achievements reflect our shared commitment to peace and emphasize the critical role of intergenerational collaboration in building a more peaceful world. As we look to the future, we are reminded of the importance of coming together across sectors, cultures, and generations to create lasting change.
In a world where countless lives are torn apart by violence and conflict, let’s not forget that peacebuilders stand as a beacon of hope. Their relentless efforts aim to heal deep wounds, unite fractured communities, and offer pathways to peace for those who suffer most.
A comprehensive report on Geneva Peace Week 2024 will be released by the end of the year. In the meantime, videos of special events and ceremonies from GPW24 are available for re-watching here.
Stay tuned, and thank you for being a part of this journey!
In places where darkness lingers, a ray of light can always be found.
See you next year,
Dany Diogo, Geneva Peace Week Lead
