Monday 22 June, 13:30

Revitalizing Democracy — Opening Session

Free

This opening ceremony gathers leaders, practitioners and institutional figures to reflect on the state of democracy and to outline pathways for its renewal. The program introduces thematic tracks: hope, healing and human security, while presenting academic perspectives and concise interventions that examine democratic resilience, civic engagement and transnational cooperation. Attendees will be oriented to the forum’s dialogue formats and collaborative goals, setting a tone for in-depth discussions and practical approaches to democratic revitalization.

In French.

Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2

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Photo Credit: Fondation Caux Initiatives et Changement

13 February & 19 June

Voltaire, craftsman of the Enlightenment

Lectures & Workshops

Les Délices

Explore the life and work of Voltaire, concentrating on his formative years in Geneva when he produced key Enlightenment writings such as Candide. The presentation examines his intellectual methods, satirical strategies, and themes of exile, travel and religious critique. It investigates how local experiences influenced his literary production and political thought, revealing the links between personal circumstance and broader eighteenth-century debates about reason, tolerance and public engagement.

In French.

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28 January – 23 December

Our Biodiversity: Memory game

Lectures & Workshops

Jardin botanique

This interactive memory challenge invites participants to test their memory while exploring practical ways to preserve biodiversity based on Geneva’s municipal strategy. Players match “before-and-after” images that illustrate individual and institutional actions, and each correct pair reveals concise information explaining the measure. The activity examines themes such as habitat restoration, species-friendly practices, urban greening and policy responses, helping participants understand the impact and rationale behind everyday and organisational conservation choices.

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20 – 21 June

Preventing Gender-Based and Sexual Violence — Safe Zone & Outreach

Lectures & Workshops

Parc des Bastions

We Can Dance iT deploys outreach teams and a professional Night Team Care to prevent gender-based and sexual violence in festive and public spaces. Teams engage attendees through rigorous, participatory conversations on consent, inclusivity and risk reduction, using pedagogical and playful tools such as a consent quiz, sexism bingo, the violence iceberg, thematic comics and educational materials. The nocturnal Team Care establishes a confidential reception space for listening, rest and orientation, offering support and referrals for victims and witnesses.

In French.

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28 January – 23 December

Create Your Own Rousseau-Style Herbarium

Lectures & Workshops

Jardin botanique

This workshop explores the traditional process of assembling a herbarium specimen, inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s collections. Participants learn scientific techniques for pressing and mounting dried plants on old paper, practice botanical labelling and nomenclature, and select specimens to create a personal herbarium sheet. The session examines preservation methods, identification principles and the historical context of Rousseau’s approach, combining practical skills with scientific insight to produce a lasting botanical object.

In French.

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17 February – 15 December

Afterwork Book Club : Reading Differently

Lectures & Workshops

Bibliothèque de Carouge

A welcoming book club that explores how reading can be experienced in new ways. Each meeting offers thematic discussions, rapid book pitches and practical writing workshops designed to stimulate imagination and critical reading. Sessions investigate narrative tropes, celebrate disruptive contemporary literature and propose exercises to develop creative writing practice. Participants exchange perspectives, deconstruct genres and discover new approaches to reading, interpretation and collective creation.

In French.

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Wednesday 24 June, 17:00

Bons Baisers du TO!

Lectures & Workshops

Théâtre de l'Orangerie

Florence Widmer Garcia, founder of Superpapier, leads a hands-on postcard workshop focused on playful paper-making and personal writing. Participants explore creative techniques for designing and composing postcards, practicing concise expressive writing and visual choices to convey affection and memory. The session examines material processes, layout and the craft of sending a considered message. Ideal for those who want guided creative practice and practical skills for meaningful, handmade correspondence.

In French.

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Revitalizing Democracy — Opening Session