19 September 2025
On Thursday 18 September, the GICHD had the honour of welcoming Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, Head of DDPS, to the Maison de la Paix. During the visit our Director, Ambassador Tobias Privitelli, and colleagues gave brief presentations on GICHD’s work in Ukraine, Syria, and ammunition management, reaffirming how the Centre supports national security policy and upholds Switzerland’s mine action strategy. Swiss Federal Councillor Martin Pfister of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), emphasised that the three Geneva Centres— the GICHD, DCAF, and GCSP—respond to “real needs” and are indispensable for Switzerland when it comes to meeting today’s security, environmental, and humanitarian challenges.
This event celebrated decades of collaboration rooted in Swiss foreign policy priorities. Keynotes by Pfister, State Secretary Alexandre Fasel (FDFA), and the three Centre Directors, Ambassadors Nathalie Chuard, Thomas Greminger, and Tobias Privitelli, were joined by representatives of the Ville de Genève and the Canton de Genève, underlining the strong local commitment to International Geneva. Together, they highlighted the unique strengths of each institution. From shaping international agreements to delivering impact on the ground, they reinforced how Switzerland’s investment in multilateral peace, security sector governance, and humanitarian action continues to deliver: training thousands, publishing research, devising innovations, and helping vulnerable communities reclaim safety and access. Swiss media coverage in French and German outlets noted that these Centres are adapting with agility to climate threats, technological change, and shifting conflicts more complex than ever.
As we move forward, the event underscored GICHD’s commitment to working together with partners, government institutions, and the local Geneva community to amplify peace, security, and humanitarian protection. We extend our thanks to all participants, donors, and staff whose efforts make this mission possible, especially at a moment when peacebuilding has never felt more urgent.
