L'oeil de la Genève Internationale

22 February 2017 marked an important milestone in the history of global trade - the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Ambassadors from Rwanda, Chad, Jordan and Oman presented World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevêdo with their countries' TFA instruments of acceptance, bringing the number of ratifications over the threshold needed for the deal to take legal effect.

The Think Tank Hub together with On Think Tanks launched, last January, the first edition of the Winter School for Thinktankers. It is addressed to young and proactive individuals who are committed to developing their knowledge and understanding of think tanks and preparing themselves to become policy entrepreneurs. 

On 6 February 2017, The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) presented the results of a study about the effects of different weapons currently used in populated areas: “Characterisation of Explosive Weapons”.

On 8 February 2017, DiploFoundation - with the support of the canton of Geneva, Twiplomacy and the Geneva Internet Platform - will present the Geneva Engage Awards 2017.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently released the African Elephant Status Report 2016. The report provides vital information on changes in elephant numbers, indicating where they are occurring and enabling scientists to identify drivers of population decline and implement effective, targeted conservation action.

The second edition of the manual entitled "Management of dead bodies after disasters: a field manual for first responders", a collaborative effort between the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), was launched on 1 November.

Achieving food security for all is at the heart of the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organisation's (FAO) efforts. The objective is to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's three main goals are: the eradication of food insecurity & malnutrition; the elimination of poverty; and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The International Gender Champions - Geneva initiative has just celebrated its first anniversary. Its annual report, published on 2 November 2016, reviews its achievements and outlines the way forward for the second year.

On 22 November 2016, the International Solidarity bureau of the canton of Geneva, in collaboration with the Terre des hommes Foundation, will host a panel discussion on the topic of "The fight against drug abuse in Latin America: Geneva's contribution".

In 2015, the UN Human Rights Council decided to establish a Forum on human rights, democracy and the rule of law to provide a platform to promote dialogue and cooperation on these areas.

From 7 to 11 November 2016 Geneva Peace Week will bring Geneva’s contribution to sustaining peace into the light. By synchronizing meetings on different topics related to the promotion of peace, Geneva Peace Week maximizes synergies between organizations in Geneva whose work focuses on the cross-cutting nature of peace. 

On 25 October 2016, the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation will be launched on the occasion of the first Annual Meeting of Frontline Humanitarian Negotiators. Over 170 professionals, experts and scholars are expected at La Pastorale, to share their experience and perspectives on frontline negotiations. This meeting will contribute orienting the activities of the new Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation for the years to come.

The Global Fund is a 21st-century partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs in more than 100 countries.

In the run-up to World Health Day on 7 April 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) is launching a one-year campaign, starting today 10 October, on the theme of depression. Through the campaign, WHO, together with partners, will provide substantial information about this illness, its causes and possible consequences, including suicide, and what help is or can be available for prevention and treatment.

Through a global network of more than 200 local correspondents, experienced editors and analysts, IRIN provides insider multimedia news and analysis about humanitarian issues.

In March 2016, IRIN sent a team of journalists – Amanda Sperber, Will Miller, Alex Pritz and Ashley Hammer – to rebel-held territory in Sudan's Blue Nile State to document the toll of the conflict.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), an autonomous institute within the United Nations, conducts research on disarmament and security with the aim of assisting the international community in their disarmament thinking, decisions and efforts. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR seeks to forward arms control and disarmament, contribute to conflict prevention and promote the development of a peaceful and prosperous world.

Unlike other weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapons are not yet legally banned.

As the WTO's flagship event, the annual Public Forum is an ideal platform to influence the debate about the future shape of the global trade agenda. 2016, marks the 15th anniversary of the Forum.

The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GITOC) is a Geneva-based research and policy think tank founded in 2011.

As the nature of violent conflict is changing and growing increasingly complex, discussions around solutions have become more technical and confined to the realm of politics and security. As a result, many individuals do not perceive the opportunity to practically contribute to building peace and resolving conflict.

Where has the ILO made a difference to the lives of working women and men?

With a portfolio of more than 600 projects worldwide in collaboration with 120 development partners, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is making decent work a reality for men and women in more than 100 countries.