The Geneva School of Diplomacy officially welcomed the participants of its Leadership Academy 2026 on Sunday, 19 July, marking the beginning of an exciting week of learning, exchange and discovery in Geneva.
The programme opened with welcome drinks and dinner at the Crowne Plaza Geneva, giving participants the opportunity to meet one another, connect with the GSD team and settle into the week ahead in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
As part of the opening evening, students were invited to share what diplomacy means to them and what they are most excited to experience during the Academy. Their thoughtful, ambitious and playful responses were brought together in a short introductory video, capturing the energy and personality of this year’s group.
Throughout the week, participants will take part in academic sessions, institutional visits, workshops and cultural activities designed to introduce them to diplomacy, international relations, leadership, conflict resolution and multilateral cooperation.
The programme will also give students the opportunity to experience Geneva as a global centre of diplomacy, engage with experts and practitioners, and build friendships with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds.
The opening evening set the tone for a dynamic and memorable week ahead, filled with new perspectives, meaningful conversations and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy is delighted to welcome the Leadership Academy 2026 cohort and looks forward to sharing highlights from the programme throughout the week.
The opening evening set the tone for a dynamic and memorable week ahead, filled with new perspectives, meaningful conversations and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Meet the Leadership Academy 2026 participants and hear what diplomacy means to them, as well as what they are most excited to experience during their week in Geneva, in the video below.