- Tatiana Valovaya – Director-General, The United Nations Office at Geneva
Opening Ceremony: What is Peace ?
Special Event
International Geneva and Peacebuilding
Opening Ceremony: What is Peace ?
Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, The United Nations Office at Geneva, Canton et République de Genève, Ville de Genève
- 14/10/2024 @ 16:30 - 18:00
- Palais de Nations room XX – Hybrid
Join us for the highly anticipated opening of the 11th edition of Geneva Peace Week, where we confront the pressing question: “What is Peace?” In a time of escalating global tensions, inequality, and challenges, this theme sets the stage for a week of reflection, dialogue, and action. Featuring thought leaders, policymakers, and artists, the ceremony will explore peace in its many forms, offering insight into how we can collectively build a more peaceful world. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this pivotal conversation. The ceremony will be followed by a cocktail at the Restaurant Vieux Bois (Pregny Gate) from 18:00 to 20:00.
GPW24 Opening Ceremony
Welcome Messages
- Dr. Annyssa Bellal - Executive Director, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform
From the Swiss Authorities
Official Address
- Eva Herzog, Speaker, Council of States of Switzerland
GPW24
Peace Message
- Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein -- President and CEO of the International Peace Institute (IPI) and Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
GPW24 Opening discussion
Video message
- Guy Ryder – Under-Secretary-General for Policy, UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General
GPW24 Opening discussion
Panel Discussion
- Rebecca Grynspan – Secretary-General, UN Trade and Development
- Helga Maria Schmid – Former Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, President of the European Institute of Peace and Vice President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference
GPW24 Opening discussion
Youth Statement
- Students from the Peacebuilding Initiative will present a statement and engage with our panelists through questions.
GPW24 Opening Ceremony
Closing remarks
- Amb. Thomas Greminger – Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)
Artistic performance
Marco Rodrigues
Marco Rodrigues, born in Amarante and raised in Arcos de Valdevez, is a distinguished Portuguese fado singer and composer. His early exposure to music came through his father, a local accordion player, and he began performing at village festivals from a young age. After winning the prestigious Grande Noite do Fado in Lisbon in 1999, Marco launched a successful career, becoming a resident artist and artistic director at Café Luso. With a series of acclaimed albums, including Fados da Tristeza Alegre and Fados do Fado, he has collaborated with notable artists and earned a Latin Grammy nomination. His music has also featured in popular TV soap operas, solidifying his influence in Portuguese culture. Learn more about Marco Rodrigues.
GPW24 Opening Ceremony
Moderator
- Ahmad Fawzi – Communications Strategist, former spokesperson for Kofi Annan
Main organizer
Co-Organizers
Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva
The United Nations Office at Geneva
Canton et République de Genève
Ville de Genève
Registration for UN Accreditation
You need to obtain accreditation to attend this ceremony (unless you already have a UN pass).
In addition to the GPW general registration, please make sure you register here.