The event began with words of welcome from Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, who emphasised the shared global responsibility in a world defined by the rule of law and underscored the need for bold action in the face of growing global uncertainty. 

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

The panel discussion explored three critical themes shaping GPO 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, 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.

Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of Global and Emerging Risks at the Geneva Centre 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 Master Student in International and Development Studies (MINT), highlighted the need to rebuild trust among developing and developed countries and including youth voices in building Multilateralism 2.0.
 
Speakers and attendees alike reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Geneva remains a hub for innovation in diplomacy and policy.

This article was published in Globe #35, the Graduate Institute Review.