WEF Davos Summit
The University of Geneva Rector has participated to the World Economic Forum Summit since 2011. Since 2014, the University of Geneva has been launching new initiatives at the margins of the Davos Summit, such as the Geneva Water Hub, the Geneva Science Policy Interface or the Geneva Centre for Business and Human Rights as well as signed important agreements.
Davos Summit 2023 Edition
The MoU between UNECE and UNIGE, originally signed in Davos in 2018, was renewed in January 2023 after the successful launch of a joint centre of excellence.
Ms. Olga Algareyoga, Executive Secretary, UNECE and Prof. Yves Flückiger, Rector, University of Geneva
University of Geneva researchers took part in several events.
Prof. Pascal Peduzzi (far right) speaking at the House of Switzerland side event organized by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland in Geneva. "Harnessing the power of data to shape the future" January 17th 2023.
Dr. Alexandre Hedjazi represented the newly launched UNIGE- UNECE Center of Excellence for Sustainable Cities and discussed with the audience emerging governance and policy practices to ensure greater impact of Nature Based Solutions. The Davos 2023 side event "Revamping Investment for Regenerating Nature" was cohosted by EU-NBS Task Forces of Horizon 2020, Global Commons Alliance. 18th January 2023.
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Davos Summit 2020 Edition
The University of Geneva has held three events at the margins of the Davos Summit in January 2020.
> AcceleRare, a public-private-patient initiative aimed at combating rare diseases of genetic origin. Presented by Professor L. Scapozza (UNIGE), Professor O. Devuyst (UZH) and Professor J. Hall (ETH)
Rector Hengartner (UZH), Federal Councilor Dr. Cassis, Rector Flückiger (UNIGE), Prof. Scapozza (UNIGE), Prof. Devuyst (UZH) and Prof. Hall (ETH)
Dr. Cassis and other distinguished guests welcomed the AcceleRare initiative with enthusiasm.
AcceleRare is an empowering public-private-patient framework for translational programs on rare diseases of genetic origin, with sustainable socio-economic output, in phase with patients across Switzerland and beyond. AcceleRare is composed of a multidisciplinary matrix of infrastructures, researchers, clinicians, patient advocacy groups and management hubs of worldwide-known excellence. AcceleRare proposes to bridge the gap between disease mechanisms and innovative, affordable therapies for the affected patients by pulling together existing resources and research efforts.
> World Environment Situation Room: from big data to big actions for the planet. Presented by Professor P. Peduzzi (UNIGE and UNEP GRID-Geneva)
Prof. Peduzzi
Through satellites and in-situ data, it is possible to monitor the health of our planet in near real time by enabling the assessment, prediction and access to information on the most relevant solutions. However, given the flurry of information channels, it is important to ensure that information is reliable. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the authoritative entity for the World Environment, working with governments and other partners. The World Environment Situation Room is a data and knowledge platform that will allow world leaders to take the best decisions and hence act toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
> the Swiss Data Cube for environmental monitoring, jointly with the University of Zurich. Presented by Professor M. Schaepman (UZH) and Dr. Gregory Giuliani (UNIGE). Panel discussion with Dr. N. Archinard (FDFA), Dr. R. Krpoun (SERI), Professor P. Peduzzi (UNEP/GRID-Geneva and UNIGE), Professor M. Schaepman (UZH), Ms. V. Scotti (Swiss Re). Closing by Nobel laureate Professor D. Queloz (UNIGE)
Recteur Flückiger (UNIGE), Dr. Berthet (UNIGE), Recteur Hengartner (UZH), Dr. Krpoun (SERI), Prof. Queloz (UNIGE), Prof. Schaepman (UZH), Dr. Archinard (FDFA), Prof. Peduzzi (UNEP GRID-Geneva et UNIGE), Mme Scotti (SWISS RE), Dr. Giuliani (UNIGE), Dr. Hédjazi (UNIGE)
UNEP GRID-Geneva, University of Zurich and University of Geneva researchers have joined their efforts to produce the Swiss Data Cube, an innovative and efficient tool, which serves a threefold purpose: (1) It automatizes the processing of satellite imagery to transform raw data into information products. This allows non-technical experts to access this information. (2) It solves the conformity issue of earth observation. On a national and international level, there is a need for rapid updates on indicators, which support multilateral environmental agreements. (3) It allows mass processing of algorithms, multiplying the capacity for scientists to test new methodology for monitoring our environment. The Swiss Data Cube aims at greatly facilitating the access to complex data and transforming it in a format that is ready for analysis and information for decision makers.