International Geneva at a Turning Point : 17:30 16 June, International Museum of the Reformation : Edward Girardet / Global Geneva

 

AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE NEW OPTIONS
Dear Friends of Global Geneva: For those in the Lake Geneva region, you are invited to a special event with lead voices from diplomacy, science, media, cultural, environmental and humanitarian sectors as well as opportunities for youth engagement global governance initiatives.

DATE: Monday, 16 June 2025
MAIN EVENT: 17:30 – 20:00 with introductory remarks followed by main panel (18:00) and reception.
LOCATION: International Museum of the Reformation, Cour de Saint-Pierre 10, 1204 Geneva in the Old Town.

SIDE EVENT: Free workshop on youth journalism and global threats for high school and university students and young professionals. (14:00-17:00)

This is being co-hosted by the non-profit Global Geneva Group (GGG) together with the Explorers Club (Switzerland), the International Institute for Law, Science and Policy (IILSP) and other partners. The International Museum of the Reformation has very kindly offered its premises for this event. (See Global Geneva article on this exceptional museum)

Main Event
17:30-18:00 Welcome Remarks & Introductory Presentation
Vicken Cheterian, President, Global Geneva Group, Geneva.
Gabriel de Montmollin, Director, International Museum of the Reformation, Geneva.
Anja Hajdukovic, Explorers Club Team Member, Switzerland. Establishing a Youth Explorers Initiativfor International Geneva.

18:00-19:00/ Lead Panel Discussion
“Reclaiming Relevance: International Geneva’s Role in a Crisis-Ridden World”
Charles Adams, International lawyer & former US ambassador;
Tarak Bach Baouab, Head of Advocacy, Medecins sans Frontieres, Geneva.
Sophie Tholstrup, Head of Policy and Climate Change, Ground Truth Solutions, Vienna.
Christine Lutringen, Executive Director, Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Geneva Graduate Institute.
Mystery panellist, TBC.
MODERATOR: Dr James J. Busutill, Explorers Club Fellow and Senior Advisor, I ILSP, The Hague.

19:00 - 20:00 Reception
Join us for informal networking, idea-sharing and cross-sector connection.


Participation is FREE but numbers are limited. Please RSVP to Edward Girardet Email: edgirardet@gmail.com),

Afternoon Side Event: Free Youth Journalism & Media Workshop (14:00-17:00)
A Free Youth Communications Workshop (Students and Young Professionals): “Reporting the Future: Youth journalism and global threats.”
This is an interactive workshop for high school and university as well as young professionals (14-34 yrs) exploring the role of credible journalism in addressing global challenges and abusive social media, plus an opportunity to seek internships.

Facilitators:
Edward Girardet: (Foreign correspondent & Editor, Global Geneva, and Club Suisse de la Presse Board Member)
Tom Woods, Chairman and Founder of HelpSaveTheMed.org, President of Woods CommunicationsLtd. and four-time Emmy-awarding filmmaker.
Other professionals, TBC.

Key Activities
Exploring storytelling and communications production (film, photo, written…) on climate change and other global issues.
Introduction to the HelpSaveTheMed multimedia initiative.
Relaunch of the YouthWrites and Young Filmmakers awards.
Developing a Young Explorers and Scientists initiative for International Geneva.


To register, please contact: Anja Hajdukovic Anja.Hajdukovic@unige.ch

Background & Rationale
The world is entering an era of compounding crises. The international system is being tested by the convergence of climate breakdown, armed conflict, misinformation, and the weakening of multilateral frameworks. At the same time, public trust in institutions is eroding, while youth are increasingly marginalized from decision-making—even though their engagement is crucial for long-term solutions.

The International Geneva community with over 100 global organizations and a long-standing pillar of multilateral cooperation - is at a crossroads. Geneva must rethink how it operates, how it communicates, and how it mobilizes the next generation to remain a credible and effective convener on global challenges.


Apolitical initiatives in the public interest such as HelpSaveTheMed, YouthWrites, and the Explorers Club’s youth programme highlight the need for credible, youth-driven responses to global threats. These efforts demonstrate how storytelling, science, and diplomacy can intersect to forge new alliances and build resilience.

Event Objectives
Explore Geneva’s role and potential in a fragmented and fast-moving world
Highlight the importance of trustworthy journalism, science-based policy, and inclusive diplomacy
Showcase innovative, media-driven responses to disinformation, climate risks, and social polarization
Foster inter-generational coalitions and collaborative action

Expected Outcomes
Stimulate renewed dialogue on Geneva’s role in global cooperation
Increase visibility for youth-led initiatives and journalism
Encourage new partnerships across diplomacy, science, media, and civil society
Promote internship and engagement pathways for emerging professionals

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Global Geneva Group, The Explorers Club, International Institute for Law, Science & Policy.