The event began with words of welcome from the Institute's director, Marie-Laure Salles who emphasised the shared global responsibility in a world defined by the rule of law:

“The common interest that connects most of us across the world today, in spite of our many differences, has two key existential dimensions, first to prevent the return of war and second to ensure the preservation of our planet and natural resources so that the next generations can live a life of dignity.”
 

A Call for Renewed Multilateralism
 

Marie-Laure Salles also underscored the need for bold action in the face of growing global uncertainty, highlighting the Geneva Policy Outlook as a crucial platform for shaping the future of multilateralism. “The unique moment in which we find ourselves creates an opportunity and in fact a responsibility for Geneva to start working very concretely on what Multilateralism 2.0 could and should mean. For this, we need to deploy political imagination and intellectual courage. This is a moment not to be missed.”

The Geneva Policy Outlook can be an important mechanism to steer some of the collective work that needs to materialise to go in that direction” she stated. Emphasising Geneva’s historical role in global governance, she highlighted the urgency of rethinking traditional diplomatic structures.

Delivering the inauguration remarks, Sami Kanaan, Vice-President of the Executive Council of the City of Geneva, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting International Geneva: “Rest assured that the city of Geneva will modestly do everything in its power to keep International Geneva at the forefront. We will play our part in promoting a diverse and inclusive multilateralism which also includes local and regional governments.” he highlighted while stressing that “one of our main challenges is to demonstrate to the wider population that multilateralism is still totally relevant to ensure that brute force, blackmail diplomacy, toxic masculinism, and depraved capitalism are not the new rules of international relations”

Achim Wennmann, Professor at the Institute and Editor of GPO 2025, framed the discussions by sharing his optimism: “I remain optimistic of Geneva’s future role because I see an incredible human competence, skill, and expertise collected or connected to this city. Ultimately, it is this human asset of know-how and knowledge that will be critical to preserve, from those entering the field like our students to those having dedicated their lives to preventing the worst and enabling the best for humanity and planet through diplomacy and cooperation.”
 

Key Themes and Expert Insights
 

The panel discussion explored three critical themes shaping the Geneva Policy Outlook 2025: Multilateralism 2.0, Diplomacy in Action, and New Issues on the Radar. Experts shared insights on the implications of shifting global alliances, the role of Geneva in fostering networked diplomacy, and the pressing need to address emerging challenges such as disinformation and the governance of artificial intelligence.

Jussi Hanhimäki, Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute, provided historical context for the challenges facing multilateralism today. Heba Aly, Senior Advisor at the Coalition for the UN We Need, shared perspectives on efforts to reform global governance. Margo A. Bagley, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, focussed on the success of multilateralism emerging out of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge, while Gian Luca Burci, Senior Visiting Professor of International Law, reflected on the evolving landscape of health diplomacy in Geneva.

Panelists also reflected on issues that need urgent attention. Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of Global and Emerging Risks, Geneva Center for Security Policy emphasised the threats emerging from ‘Weapons of Mass Disinformation’ which are increasingly eroding trust in democracy, while Prathit Singh, Operations Coordinator at the Geneva Policy Outlook and Student at the Geneva Graduate Institute highlighted the need to re-build trust among developing and developed countries and including youth voices in building Multilateralism 2.0.
 

Shaping the Future of Global Cooperation
 

The Geneva Policy Outlook 2025 presents a roadmap for reimagining multilateralism in a rapidly changing world. Through thought-provoking articles and expert contributions, it offers concrete proposals for policymakers and international actors seeking to strengthen global governance structures.

As the event concluded, speakers and attendees alike reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Geneva remains a hub for innovation in diplomacy and policy. “To seize the moment for change requires anticipation, preparation, and a clear plan. It means going beyond complacency and business as usual to shape and accelerate the adaptation of International Geneva as a global hub” remarked Prof. Wennmann.

For more information and to access the full publication, visit the Geneva Policy Outlook website.