High-Level Opening Ceremony: Peace in Action

As the world continues to face accelerating change, rising tensions, deepening inequalities, and polarization — between regions, nations, and within societies alike — the pursuit of peace remains under profound pressure. From ongoing wars to new domains and forms of violence, few regions of the world are left untouched. The threat of violence — whether overt or insidious — has become an all-too-familiar reality for a growing number of people, across generations and from all walks of life. In this context, peacebuilding actors navigate new levels of financial and existential uncertainty. Emerging — and at times competing — approaches to peace introduce fresh challenges. Multilateral hubs like Geneva feel the impact of these global tensions — yet they continue to offer unique spaces for dialogue and collective action at a time when they are most needed. Against this backdrop, the High-Level Opening Ceremony that marked the start of the 12th edition of Geneva Peace Week 2024 set a pragmatic yet resolute tone under the guiding theme “Peace in Action.” The event looked for glimmers of hope and drew inspiration from those who continue to advance peace, often in the face of great adversity. Acknowledging the scale of the challenges before us, it invited reflection on the responses they demand — and on the actions, both individual and collective, that can make a difference. Hosted at the Maison de la Paix (“House of Peace”) in Geneva — a city long dedicated to dialogue — the ceremony resonated as a call to action. It reaffirmed that, even in uncertain times, the pursuit of peace remains our shared responsibility and a source of collective strength. The opening ceremony was organized by the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, in partnership with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland (FDFA) and the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). Featured Speakers Introductory Remarks H.E. Mr. Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland H.E. Mr. Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations H.E. Mr. Thomas Greminger, President, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform; Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy Peace Message Mr. Pierre Krähenbühl, Director-General, International Committee of the Red Cross Discussion with the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform Board Members H.E. Mr. Thomas Greminger, Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy; President, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform Board H.E. Ms. Nathalie Chuard, Director, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance H.E. Mr. Tobias Privitelli, Director, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining Mr. Itonde Kakoma, President and CEO, Interpeace Ms. Hiba Qasas, Founding Executive Director, Principles for Peace Moderated by Prof. Achim Wennmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Geneva Graduate Institute Youth Message Ms. Olivia Bornyi, Co-President, Peacebuilding Initiative, Geneva Graduate Institute Master of Ceremonies Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Executive Director, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform 🎥 This recording of the High-Level Opening Ceremony of Geneva Peace Week 2024 reflects on the ongoing challenges to peace — and the creativity, resilience, and cooperation needed to meet them.