A Powerful Message for a Changing World
Europe is going through a period of uncertainty, marked by political, economic, and social tensions. How can we address these challenges, and what role can the Council of Europe play in their resolution?
In his speech, Alain Berset highlighted the fundamental role of the Council of Europe as a pillar of democracy and human rights in Europe. Reflecting on its historical and current significance, he emphasised that this organisation, founded after World War II, now brings together 46 member states and embodies a broad vision of European unity: "The Council of Europe consists of 46 states. 46 member states, 700 million people, all of whom are European, all part of the European family. It is not the European Union, but the European family of values, the geographically broad European family."
The event also featured speeches by Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Institute, as well as other academic and political figures from Geneva. Marie-Laure Salles reaffirmed the central role of the Council of Europe and the need for collective commitment to address today’s challenges: "The world today—how it functions or, more importantly, how it dysfunctions—makes institutions like the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the Human Rights Council, or international courts more necessary than ever."
An Engaging Dialogue with Students
The conference continued with a conversation between Alain Berset and Paola Gaeta, Professor of International Law at the Institute, followed by an open discussion with students from the Institute, the University of Geneva, and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. The discussions shed light on key issues such as migration policies, the extraterritoriality of human rights, and legal recourse related to climate change.
A Conference Reaffirming European Values
In an uncertain geopolitical context, this event served as a reminder that the Council of Europe remains a key player in protecting fundamental freedoms. Alain Berset concluded by emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing today’s challenges: "This is what the Council of Europe does: ensuring that we do not live in a world where violence, destruction, wars, power struggles, and impunity prevail. The world we aspire to is one of peace, where relationships are based on law and respect for human rights."
