(Design by Mirjana Farkas for Le Temps)

When human rights help bridge the distance between family and work in the field. Having a family while working in the field for the United Nations can be a challenging feat, as Luis and María know all too well. But explaining their dedication and passion for their careers to their daughter has helped ease the strains of separation.

(Design by Geneva Solutions)

Voltaire and technology’s liberating power. Voltaire, the symbol of enlightenment philosophy based on reason, critical thinking and scientific inquiry, was also a fierce advocate for advancing science and technology. The French philosopher thought everyone should have access to knowledge, and progress in science and technology should aim to improve society.

(Design by Geneva Solutions)

Mary Shelley’s cautionary tale of a quest for scientific progress gone awry. In May 1816, Mary Shelley travelled to Geneva with her family to meet with Lord Byron and other friends, hoping to escape London’s bleak weather. Geneva was known for its sunny days – except for that year. The eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia caused temperatures to drop across Europe and North America for an entire year, which became known as the year without summer. With no other option but to pass the rainy days in the confines of Villa Diodati, above Lake Geneva in Cologny, Shelley began writing her gothic novel Frankenstein.

Heads of delegation at a press conference after talks aimed at a cessation of hostilities in Sudan at the US mission in Geneva, 23 August 2024. (Keystone/Salvatore Di Nolfi)

Sudan talks in Geneva end with mixed outcomes as war rages on. Talks in Geneva aimed at quelling the suffering in Sudan wrapped up on Friday. But with no ending to the fighting in sight and millions of Sudanese still in the grips of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis as aid barely trickles in, can the US-led discussions be deemed successful?

Russian diplomat in New York: ‘We have no time to waste in Geneva’. Russia says it has more pressing matters than attending the Geneva Conventions' anniversary celebrations, despite Switzerland's invitation. Bern insists it is anything but a waste of time.

Sudan talks in Geneva: US envoy sees progress on aid, but ceasefire remains unlikely. Talks in Geneva have led to positive steps from both sides in Sudan’s conflict to unblock humanitarian aid, according to the US lead negotiator, but the Sudanese army’s refusal to attend makes the prospect of a ceasefire unlikely.