Do you not fear ridicule with this peace talk of yours? -  Oh yes, but what is ridiculous? I, having believed in a kind of ascending sunrise for the human race, or those whose convictions are being swallowed by the ascending darkness? Talking about peace is not easy, one always risks making a fool of himself. In spite of this, Henrik Sørensen, Norwegian painter and author of “The Dream of Peace”, thought it was a risk one should take. The International Day of Peace was celebrated last September 21 in the so-called...

On November 20, 2017, as part of the “UN Library Talks Geneva” series, there was a presentation of the book “Indispensable ONU” by its author, the former French high diplomat Mr. Jean-Marc de La Sablière. The Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Mr. Michael Møller participated in the meeting, as well as the distinguished journalist Mrs. Catherine Fiankan-Bokonga. In the audience, the Ambassadors of France, Togo and Benin honoured the presentation of the book with their presence. After a lifelong career in the French top diplomacy, Mr. de La...

On October 23, 2017, as part of the “UN Library Talks Geneva” series, there was a discussion focused on cultural diplomacy. The main ideas came from a report titled “The art of soft power: A study of cultural diplomacy at the UN Office in Geneva” co-authored by James Doeser- a research associate at King’s College London. The UN at Geneva was chosen as the site to gather information for the report since it was seen as a microcosm of global politics. Moreover, H.E. Mr. Lomonaco, Ambassador of Mexico, gave great insights...

On Thursday, May 4th, IIMA and VIDES attended an enlightening event at the UNOG Library organized by the foundation “CAUX – Initiative of Change”. The event, “Youth Breaking Barriers of Exclusion”, brought together stories of young volunteers who made big changes in their community through their self-managed initiatives. Barbara Hintermann, Secretary General of CAUX, gave her welcoming remarks, highlighting how this meant to provide a space for young leaders and give them a voice. Four projects have been presented: small audiences joined in turn short presentation from each one of...