Director-General's remarks at the CAGI Fête de l'Escalade

« CAGI Fête de l'Escalade » 
Mardi 2 décembre 2025 à 18 heures
Centre de Congrès, Palexpo

Excellences, 
Mesdames et Messieurs, 
Chers amis,

C’est avec grand plaisir que je vous retrouve cette année encore pour célébrer ensemble une nouvelle édition de la Fête de l’Escalade. Année après année, je suis ravie de continuer à vivre cette tradition profondément ancrée dans le cœur et l’esprit des Genevoises et Genevois, mais aussi dans ceux de la communauté internationale.

Avant de continuer, permettez-moi de remercier l’Ambassadeur Roulin et toute l’équipe du Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale (CAGI) pour cette invitation, ainsi que pour leur important travail tout au long de l’année. Vos efforts pour rapprocher les communautés locale et internationale de Genève sont visibles de toutes et tous, et particulièrement précieux en ces temps troublés. Notre communauté internationale a grand besoin d’acteurs comme le CAGI. Au nom de la grande famille des Nations Unies à Genève, je vous en remercie.

Je souhaite également exprimer ma sincère gratitude à notre État hôte, à tous les niveaux, pour son soutien sans faille à la Genève internationale. Depuis de nombreuses années, la Suisse continue de promouvoir la coopération internationale, à la fois à Genève et au-delà. Sans cet appui constant, nous ne serions pas ici aujourd’hui. Je me réjouis de poursuivre cette excellente coopération.

Ladies and gentlemen, 
Dear Friends,

This year has been a challenging one for Geneva and for multilateralism. The global geopolitical context and the significant reductions in development aid have placed our international community under severe strain. Many of our organizations have faced difficult decisions, including the reduction of staff and the scaling back of operations. These developments have sparked questions about Geneva’s continued relevance as a hub for global diplomacy.

Yet, it is precisely at times like these that Geneva’s unique role becomes most evident. This is not only a city rich in history and tradition; it is a city of dialogue, of humanitarian action, and of solutions; it is a laboratory of multilateralism. Home to nearly 40 UN entities, with near universal representation of Member States, and hundreds of Non-Governmental Organizations, our city offers a unique environment where global decisions are debated, shaped, and implemented. This is where collective action, trust and cooperation take place. This is the ‘Spirit of Geneva’.

Integration, respect, and solidarity are values defended daily by the UN family, in Geneva and beyond. They are also the values celebrated through the traditional Escalade. This annual event embodies a hopeful and powerful story of peace and reconciliation that we are here to honor tonight. The celebration also pays tribute to the courage and commitment of ordinary men and women who fought to preserve their lives and values.

Years later, the festivities – from pots of chocolate to fondue, and an iconic race though the city – have become a cherished living tradition of the Republic and Canton of Geneva and one that many of us here tonight would not want to miss.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For over 100 years, Geneva has been embodying resilience and hope – qualities that will keep this city at the heart of diplomacy and multilateralism. As we continue to pursue peace, human rights and development, let us be inspired by the story of the Escalade which reminds us of the strength that comes from courage and unity in the face of adversity. Let us also be inspired by the ‘Spirit of Geneva’ – a spirit of collaboration and perseverance – in our shared efforts to strengthen multilateralism for a better future.

I wish you all a wonderful evening and look forward to celebrating with you.

Thank you.