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international

leadership, and international cooperation. More Finally, he would emphasize that universal
specifically, the Foundation works toward three values — dignity, solidarity, peace, and justice —
strategic objectives in areas that were particularly matter more than institutions themselves, which
close to his heart. are fallible and must continually evolve.

First, we seek to empower young people to build a 9. And what advice do you think he would give
peaceful and sustainable future. We do this through specifically to Geneva — the city he loved, where
projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, he chose to establish his Foundation? In your
and Southeast Asia focused on preventing violent view, what would he see as the remedy to restore
extremism and promoting social cohesion, as well Geneva’s former “rayonnement” and global
as through global youth leadership initiatives such influence?
as the Kofi Annan Changemakers. We are truly I am sure he would expect International Geneva,
building a global community of young people who especially today, to stand firmly for the values
carry forward Kofi Annan’s values. associated with international humanitarian law
and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Second, we work with partners to counter the global Organizations may come and go, but values
erosion of democracy. Democracy was deeply endure.
important to Kofi Annan, who described it as “a
catalyst for better governance, greater security, and This is where Geneva’s true global influence
human development.” Unfortunately, democracy lies: in the “esprit de Genève” more than in its
is now in retreat across all continents. Our work institutions alone. Geneva has long represented
focuses particularly on promoting electoral integrity, tolerance, knowledge, openness, cooperation,
combating disinformation, and encouraging youth and stability. I believe current events are actually
participation in politics and civic life. demonstrating that the city still has a very bright
future ahead of it.
Finally, we advocate for more equitable and effective
multilateralism. This includes raising awareness — 10. Finally, what is your own advice, your wish,
through lectures, podcasts, and publications — of and your vision for the future of International
Kofi Annan’s work and his conviction that global Geneva?
challenges can only be solved through collective The extraordinary concentration of expertise
action. It also includes research and convenings and organizations present here is what makes
focused on global governance and multilateral the international Geneva ecosystem so unique
cooperation. and valuable. At the same time, however, the
proliferation of organizations can also be a
8. Since you knew him so well, can you imagine how weakness. There is too much duplication and,
he might react to the many crises currently facing the increasingly, too much competition for scarce
United Nations — and international cooperation resources.
more broadly? What advice do you think he would
offer to the UN today? I believe organizations need to work far more
I am often asked this question, and of course I closely together, identifying areas where they
cannot claim to speak for him. I do believe, however, have complementary strengths and where costs
that Kofi Annan would not begin by lamenting the and capacities can be shared. This is precisely
limitations of the Organization. He would first what the Kofi Annan Foundation and Interpeace
remind us that solutions do exist, even in times of have decided to do. This strategic rapprochement
crisis and budgetary constraint. What is lacking, he — aimed at increasing impact in the field of
would say, is not so much the means as the political peace while improving efficiency — could serve
will. as a model for others.

He would insist on the need to restore that will by My vision for international Geneva is that of
calling on leaders to act with courage, to return to a constantly evolving hub of innovation and
dialogue, respect for international law, and a sense cooperation.
of shared responsibility. Above all, he would restore
a sense of hope and possibility, convincing us that
collective mobilization can still make a difference.

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