Director-General's message for the 100th Anniversary of the Geneva Graduate Institute

100th Anniversary of the Geneva Graduate Institute

Recorded on Wednesday, 17 June

Dear professors, students, alumni and friends,

Let me congratulate you on the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Graduate Institute.

As Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I have the privilege of witnessing every day the unique role it plays within International Geneva.  

What makes this Institute truly special is its ability to build bridges between academic excellence and real-world policymaking.

For a century, it has brought together talented students, researchers, diplomats, practitioners and leaders from all regions of the world — including distinguished figures such as former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan — creating a vibrant and diverse community dedicated to understanding and addressing global challenges.

The Institute’s location at the heart of International Geneva is one of its greatest strengths. Surrounded by international organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society and the private sector, students are exposed not only to ideas and theories, but also to the practical realities of multilateral cooperation. This close connection between scholarship and practice is both rare and invaluable.

Today, the Institute is more relevant than ever. At a time when the world faces growing geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, technological transformation and persistent inequalities, we need spaces that foster dialogue, critical thinking and innovative solutions. We need institutions that prepare future leaders to work across borders, disciplines and cultures.

For one hundred years, the Geneva Graduate Institute has contributed to this mission. It has helped shape generations of professionals committed to international cooperation and to the values that underpin the multilateral system.

On behalf of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I congratulate the Institute on this remarkable milestone and wish it every success in its second century of service to knowledge, dialogue and international cooperation.

Thank you.