Bringing Multilateralism Closer to Citizens: The Launch of the Portail des Nations

Speech by Ms Nathalie Fontanet, State Councillor, on the occasion of the topping-out ceremony of the "Portail des Nations" : future visitor centre of the Palais des Nations
23 February 2026

"Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a profound honor, as State Councillor representing the authorities of Geneva, to stand with you today for this important milestone.

In our interconnected world, marked by uncertainty and rapid change, Geneva remains a place where nations meet every day. Here, they negotiate ceasefires, respond to health crises, tackle climate change, and shape the rules governing emerging technologies.

These efforts remind us that no country can face today’s challenges alone. Multilateral dialogue, though complex, ensures decisions that are inclusive, transparent, and aimed at the common good.

Yet in a time of disinformation and crisis of trust, multilateralism can seem distant. Citizens may rightly ask: who makes the decisions? How are they taken? How do they affect our daily lives?

The Portail des Nations answers these questions. It is not simply an entrance — it is an experience. 
Visitors will discover that international cooperation is not theory but action. Decisions made here influence the air we breathe, the medicines we access, the rights we defend, and the aid delivered in times of crisis. What happens in Geneva resonates far beyond Switzerland.

This new gateway to the Palais des Nations reflects Geneva’s deep commitment to international cooperation. It highlights the expertise and innovation driven by the United Nations, its agencies, and partners working here for the benefit of humanity.

No other city brings together such a concentration of global actors. Nearly every nation is represented, alongside international organizations, NGOs, policymakers, and experts. 
In International Geneva, dialogue is not an aspiration — it is a daily practice.

Situated between the Place des Nations — where citizens raise their voices — and the Palais des Nations — where states turn dialogue into responsibility — this space embodies a powerful idea: that nations can work side by side in pursuit of the common good.

This initiative owes much to Ivan Pictet, Founder and President of the Foundation Board of the Portail des Nations. For decades, he has strengthened public-private partnerships and promoted International Geneva with vision and determination. 

We also warmly thank the Wilsdorf Foundation and the Loterie Romande for their generous support.

On behalf of the local authorities, we are proud to host the Portail des Nations. Geneva is not only a place of diplomacy — it is a laboratory for solutions serving humanity.

May this space inspire curiosity.
May it strengthen dialogue.
May it remind us that despite our differences, we remain capable of acting together.

From Geneva to the world, this is the promise we renew today.

Thank you."

Only the spoken text is authoritative

Image caption : 23 February 2026, Geneva, Switzerland. H.E. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, H.E. Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor, Ms. Nathalie Fontanet, State Councillor, and Mr. Ivan Pictet, President of the Fondation pour le Portail des Nations, attend the topping-out ceremony of the "Portail des Nations." This future visitor center at the Palais des Nations aims to modernize public reception and strengthen the dialogue between International Geneva and the public through new exhibition and information spaces.