BUILDING THE DIPLOMACY OF TOMORROW
The Institute
Switzerland is world-renowned for its diplomacy and humanitarian tradition. Geneva, in particular, plays an essential role as a crossroads for multilateralism. It is known as “International Geneva” in the field of international relations. Thanks to its UN agencies, programs and specialized institutions, Geneva enables Switzerland to raise its profile abroad. The city is also home to more than 432 NGOs, some 390 public bodies and over 37,000 private companies.
It is therefore important to seize the many opportunities offered by the Geneva environment and strengthen its real impact. The combination of unique know-how and an exceptional geographical location makes it an unrivalled location.
The international stage is experiencing an unprecedented period where new devastating conflicts are adding to those already existing. The observation is as follows: multilateralism is fragmented, trust between states has dramatically deteriorated, and political stalemates mean that we are witnessing a decision-making lethargy in terms of effective and efficient solutions. Moreover, to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is imperative to establish and ensure a cross-cutting vision of these issues by raising awareness across society.
The International Institute for Diplomacy (IID) is the solution.
IID aims to reinvigorate Switzerland and Geneva through teaching, research, services (consulting and negotiation) and events, in order to find concrete answers to tomorrow’s challenges, particularly in areas such as humanitarian aid, trade, health and the environment.
Values
At the heart of the Institute’s core values lie a number of different aspects. First and foremost, our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our services and products, which are open to governments, international organizations, the public/private sector and civil society. We are part of a dynamic dynamic where our mission is to create and strengthen existing synergies in Geneva, Switzerland and internationally. Innovation is fundamental. Indeed, we have a new approach that takes into account the evolution of diplomacy. That’s why we provide the best possible response to these challenges, with a range of tools at your disposal. Quality is a value we hold dear because it represents Swiss know-how, where professionalism and excellence are an integral part of our offering. Last but not least, we value our customers’ trust. That’s why, transparency is a sine qua non for the successful development of our services.
The Mission
The International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland(IID) offers diplomacy-related products and services. Its aim is to raise the profile of international Geneva and Switzerland in the rest of the world. The IID is a unifying project that creates synergies and strengthens existing ones with various actors in diplomacy in the broadest sense. It also aims to work closely with local authorities, the Swiss Confederation, and the United Nations while maintaining its independence. Indeed, this independence allows the IID to be at the center of dialogue and to find pragmatic solutions to complex issues.
New Module
« Mastering Trade Diplomacy: The Key to Global Success »
Discover the path to success in your negotiations with the International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland (IID). Exceptional speakers, including diplomats and renowned experts, will share their expertise with you. In partnership with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services (CCIG), we offer you the opportunity to transform your skills into a guaranteed victory with our highly qualified team!
“The world needs diplomats. Globalization has made diplomacy more necessary than ever before, because international negotiation is the best way to achieve this goal. antidote to chaos. It’s a stabilizing factor at a time when the rules of the game have become more complex.”
Raoul Delcorde – Honorary Ambassador of Belgium
The activities
Diplomatic Academy
- Continuing education (MAS, DAS, CAS) and modules.
- Training courses will be certified.
- Enable Swiss and foreign nationals to take part in a unique training program at a time when organizations need more diplomats (public/private).
- The Institute provides a practical dimension for professionals and aspiring professionals.
- The Academy enables diplomatic staff and civil servants coming to work in Switzerland to take part in diplomacy-specific modules to familiarize themselves with the current environment and challenges.
- Following certification, young graduates can be recruited by various organizations, or have the opportunity to join International Advocacy to gain their first experience.
- Training courses will also be exported abroad.
International advocacy
- Services include consulting and negotiation.
- Enable both experienced and new diplomats to champion various causes (environmental, humanitarian, trade…).
- Implementation will depend on the field and experience, with risk management.
- In an inclusive approach, the Institute aims to give a voice to large organizations as well as to smaller ones without the necessary resources.
- These services will be internationalized.
Conferences
- Organize public conferences for Swiss and international diplomats.
- Set up the “Diplomacy Forum”.
- Prepare high-level conferences.
- With a view to a major conference, set up a series of upstream and downstream conferences to continue the debate.
- Bring together players from a wide range of backgrounds (civil society, UN agencies, private and academic sectors, etc.).
- Support Permanent Missions and other organizations lacking human or financial resources.
- Familiarize Permanent Missions with Geneva’s expertise.
- The conferences are intended to be put on the political agenda at national, international and transnational level.
- Strategic documents will be drawn up following the events.
Applied Research Center
- The Research Centre is helping to find concrete solutions by strengthening
links with other centers, institutes and organizations. - Bringing together the world of research and practitioners from different fields around the same table to
national and international issues. - The Centre will also be responsible for drafting reports for conferences organized by the Conference department.
- Publish policy papers and recommendations.
- The types of mandate are as follows: organizer (facilitator), applied research, training program.
“Diplomacy is the art of building bridges, finding common ground, and forging partnerships.”
Federica Mogherini – Former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Board Members
PRESIDENT
Pablo Demierre
VICE-PRESIDENT
Cristina Davies
VICE-PRESIDENT
Vincent Subilia
MEMBER
Jean-Jaques de Dardel
MEMBER
Raoul Delcorde
« The International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland (IID) works towards a better world by offering common and pragmatic solutions to complex issues. As an innovative and unifying project, it provides an opportunity to implement unique know-how and expertise within the International Geneva, Switzerland, and worldwide contexts. Through its Diplomatic Academy offering continuous training, it enables the new generation of diplomats and members of the public eager to enhance their skills to acquire practical competencies by leveraging its intergenerational expertise ».
Founder and President, International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland (IID)
« At a time when the multilateral system is under pressure, and many of the values we have taken for granted are being put to the test, the International Institute for Diplomacy is becoming an obvious choice. The role of diplomacy has never been more vital than at the beginning of this turbulent century.»
Executive Director, Switzerland for UNHCR
« Being the global hub of governance, Geneva stands as a prominent center of global diplomacy, particularly in economic matters. In a world marked by increasing complexity, a thorough understanding of geostrategic issues, coupled with a strong command of diplomatic tools, is essential. In this regard, the establishment of a diplomatic institute in the heart of the International Geneva proves to be as relevant as it is desirable. There is no doubt that such an institute will contribute to striving for a better world while also enhancing the reputation of Geneva, the smallest of great cities.»
Director General, The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG)
« Maintaining prosperity and peace in the world is a Sisyphean task… Science, technology and knowledge are progressing, but the balance of interests and the harmony of international exchanges are constantly being called into question by lethal regressions. The International Institute for Diplomacy has come at just the right time to counter this trend. By aiming to build the capacities of those involved in diplomacy, a complex profession, an art that can be learned, a vocation that can be educated, it intends to contribute to concretely reinforcing the “Spirit of Geneva” beyond all borders.»
Ambassador of Switzerland (ret.), President, Economy of trust Foundation
« Diplomacy is not embodied by robots but by men and women. They are both the heirs of a tradition and the representatives and advocates of their country and its interests, while also serving as informants, direct negotiators, and mediators. The IID provides both training and information, based on the diplomatic expertise of the experts it engages in its work. Diplomacy is a profession, and the IID aims to contribute to better understanding and promoting it.»
Honorary Ambassador of Belgium, Member of the Royal Academy of Belgium
“What use is diplomacy when, despite its commitment, crises are multiplying on a global scale in terms of security, the environment, people, the economy, energy, technology and information, and multilateralism is being challenged as never before by geopolitical tensions? As long as humanity is made up of peoples of different cultures and languages, and as long as they are separated by borders, their armies will most likely seek to use force, but the diplomats who represent their states will continue to think about ways of resolving these crises, and to negotiate their resolution. While governments and international organizations are no longer the only ones involved, many other players, representing non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society, have thrown themselves into the geopolitical fray and are helping to shape our planet’s destiny in an inclusive and sustainable way. The International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland will undoubtedly make a major contribution to the search for innovative solutions in training and advocacy for conflict resolution. “
Bertrand Louis – Former Swiss Ambassador, President, Forum suisse de politique internationale (FSPI)
The Founder
Pablo Demierre is Founder and President of the International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland (IID). This institution is currently in the process of being set up, after 3 years of reflection and exchanges with practitioners from the diplomatic world, as well as personalities who have contributed to the project.
A political scientist specializing in international relations, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lausanne and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Geneva, where his research focused on European and international affairs. He also did part of his Masters in the UK, at the University of Essex, focusing on humanitarian affairs and conflict resolution.
Pablo Demierre has worked at the United Nations for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, as well as at the Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe in Lausanne, where he co-edited the publication: “Smart à tout prix? Challenges of digitization in the age of Covid-19” (2022).
With 10 years’ experience in civil society, particularly in the associative field, in 2019 he created the Swiss Diplomacy Student Association (SDSA), an association aimed at students (BA, MA, PHD) and young professionals, whose objective is to democratize the field by informing them about today’s major issues as well as the opportunities for accessing diplomacy-related professions. In 2022, at the advocacy competition organized by Leaders for Peace, his project to provide solutions for quality education (SDG4) won first prize. Pablo Demierre is also a member of various associations and organizations concerned with international politics, European issues and diplomacy. His passion for the latter has led him to become involved in numerous projects and initiatives in Switzerland and abroad. He has also been invited to speak at events organized by TEDx, OECD, UNHCR, WSIC…
Donation
International Geneva and Switzerland offer us great opportunities to strengthen our diplomatic influence. That’s why we’re counting on you to become a driving force for change, by taking part in the creation of the International Institute for Diplomacy – Switzerland(IID).
Your assistance in furthering our mission through financial support can take various forms, including:
- Providing a comprehensive donation facilitates efficient resource allocation across all operational domains.
- Designating a contribution to specific areas such as the Diplomatic Academy, International Advocacy, Conferences, and the Center for Applied Research.
- Advocating for our cause among your network of acquaintances and family members.
If you are inclined to support our endeavours, please reach out to us using the contact form provided below.
SWIFT : UBSWCHZH80A
Phone contact : +41 79 535 28 43