Our Story

From Concept to Reality: The Geneva+ Initiative

GESDA’s roots trace back to the Geneva+ working group, an initiative launched in 2015 by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Tasked with exploring ways to strengthen Geneva’s role in global governance, the group identified the need for an organisation that could:

Anticipate and assess the implications of technological advancements on global affairs

Break down silos between scientific communities, policymakers, and the private sector

Forge innovative partnerships to address cross-cutting global challenges

Building on these insights, the proposal for GESDA was finalised and endorsed in early 2019.

Anticipation for Action

In an era of unprecedented scientific and technological breakthroughs, the need for a structured approach to science diplomacy has never been greater. GESDA was founded on the realization that:

Scientific and technological advancements are reshaping human identity, societal structures, and environmental stewardship

The speed of these developments demands proactive anticipation to harness their potential responsibly and inclusively

Global well-being, particularly in emerging economies, depends on ensuring equitable access to these innovations

Science Diplomacy

Science diplomacy is not a new concept, but its relevance has surged in recent years. In 2010, the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) defined its three key pillars:

Science for diplomacy

leveraging science as a tool for fostering international relations

Science in diplomacy

using scientific evidence to inform foreign policy

Diplomacy for science

mobilising diplomatic resources to support scientific collaboration

Geneva, the “City of Peace, Rights, and Well-being"

Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to neutrality, democracy, and scientific excellence makes it the ideal home for GESDA. Geneva, often referred to as the “City of Peace, Rights, and Well-Being,” allows GESDA to leverage the International Geneva ecosystem, which includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a pioneer in humanitarian action since 1863; CERN, the birthplace of groundbreaking physics research and of the World Wide Web; and 40 international institutions, organisations, bodies as well as a secretariat established under a treaty, over 750 NGOs, 183 state representations, and leading academic institutions – all working toward sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.

Statutes

GESDA is a foundation established under private law.