In 2026, the Diplomatic Club of Geneva will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dialogue, openness and connection at the heart of International Geneva, where nations, ideas and people come together to shape a more cooperative world.
What is the Diplomatic Club of Geneva?
The story begins in 1976, when a group of young diplomats recognised the need for a space in Geneva where formalities could be set aside. They envisioned a place for genuine encounters, friendship and cultural exchange among the many nationalities gathered in the city. From this idea came the Diplomatic Club of Geneva, quickly known for its vibrant programme of social and cultural activities, from elegant balls and spirited rallies to skiing weekends and informal gatherings. These moments of conviviality created a unique network founded on openness, curiosity and mutual respect.
Over time, this pioneering spirit evolved into what the Club represents today: the official Club of International Geneva, supported by the Swiss and Geneva authorities as well as the United Nations Office at Geneva. With more than 900 members, it brings together ambassadors, heads of international organizations, representatives of Swiss and Geneva authorities, and leaders from academia and the private sector, all united by the belief that dialogue remains the cornerstone of diplomacy.
Since 2008, the Club has also been supported by the Fondation pour Genève, further strengthening its role as a bridge between the international community and the Host City. While the world around it has changed, the Club’s mission remains constant: to foster dialogue across cultures and institutions, reinforce Geneva’s role as a hub of multilateralism and cultivate relationships that extend far beyond its borders.
Today, through more than twenty annual events, from closed-door debates and conferences to cultural visits and excursions, the Club continues to embody the spirit of Geneva: a spirit of dialogue, cooperation and shared purpose that brings people together and honours the human dimension of diplomacy.
Encounters that shaped history
Over the decades, the Diplomatic Club has welcomed figures whose presence and ideas have left a lasting mark on International Geneva. Among them were Kofi Annan and Boutros Boutros-Ghali, two Secretary-Generals of the United Nations, who spoke about Geneva’s unique vocation as a city of peace and dialogue.
A particularly memorable moment came in 1998, when Fidel Castro addressed the Club on his vision of globalization, offering a rare and thought-provoking perspective that reflected Geneva’s openness to diverse voices across political divides. Two years later, Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the USSR, joined members for an intimate dinner to discuss the challenges of a new world order.
More recently, a luncheon-debate with Lech Wałęsa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Poland, continued this tradition by offering a compelling reflection on Europe’s democratic transitions, underscoring the Club’s role as a place where diplomacy and history meet.
Many of these encounters are now preserved in the archives of geneveMonde.ch, offering a fascinating window into five decades of international dialogue. Together, they stand as vivid reminders of the Club’s contribution to the major debates of its time, from the Cold War to globalization, from human rights to sustainable development, and of Geneva’s enduring role as a place where the world continues to meet, listen and understand.
A celebration for 2026
The Diplomatic Club’s 50th anniversary will be marked throughout 2026 by a dynamic programme under the theme “Geneva Working for the World.” Monthly thematic events will highlight how Geneva contributes to today’s global challenges, from peace and security to artificial intelligence, global health and humanitarian action, reflecting both the vitality of International Geneva and its capacity for innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Among the year’s highlights will be the Diplomatic New Year Reception at the Palais des Nations and the General Assembly with Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation in 2026, reaffirming the Club’s mission to strengthen the bonds between the international community and its host country, Switzerland.
A legacy for the future
At a time of increasing fragmentation and geopolitical tension, the founding vision of the Diplomatic Club has never been more relevant. For fifty years, it has embodied a simple yet powerful conviction: that diplomacy begins with people, with encounters that build trust, ideas that inspire cooperation and conversations that transcend borders.
Looking ahead, the Diplomatic Club is determined to renew Geneva’s role as a global laboratory of trust, dialogue and innovation. In the decades to come, it will continue to connect ideas and people across borders, ensuring that Geneva remains not only a home of international diplomacy, but one of its most vibrant forums for cooperation and collective progress.