US Mission Geneva

The theme of World Environment Day 2010 is “Many Species. One Planet. One Future.” It echoes the urgent call to conserve the diversity of life on our planet. A world without biodiversity is a very bleak prospect. Millions of people and millions of species all share the same planet, and only together can we enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

The Department of State will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day as well as the first anniversary of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Greening Diplomacy Initiative on April 21 (the eve of Earth Day, which is April 22) in the Dean Acheson Auditorium. At the event, the Department will formally launch the D.C. Forum for Greening Embassies, which will convene foreign missions to exchange ideas on environmental issues and operational practices

Special Advisor for Nonproliferation and Arms Control Robert Einhorn briefed the Conference on Disarmament (CD) community in Geneva on the recently released Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) on April 13 via Digital Video Conference. CD Ambassador Laura Kennedy hosted the briefing at the U.S. Mission. After Mr. Einhorn’s initial presentation, attendees were able to ask him questions about the NPR and other related issues. Many of the attendees will be representing their governments at the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York in May.

The Permanent Mission of the United States of America, the Permanent Mission of South Africa, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights hosted a screening of the movie Invictus, to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

There are so many women, many of whom are in your audience today, who are carrying on the work of Eleanor Roosevelt. They’re helping to give, in their own societies, the voice to the voiceless, and to try working with others to make it possible for every girl and every boy to live up to his or her God-given potential.

Women human rights defenders from around the world will gather in Geneva December 8-10, 2009 for the first Courage To Lead Summit. The three day summit will bring together experienced and emerging leaders to share and build on their experiences and to promote mentoring and collaboration among women who play a key role in promoting human rights worldwide.

Throughout our history, American entrepreneurs have been an effective force for innovation at home and around the world. From the airplane to the Internet search engine to new tractors, they have pioneered technologies, products, and processes that have improved lives and shaped the course of our future. Today, they are fueling our economy with their creativity, tireless work ethic, and risk-taking spirit.

The U.S. Mission in Geneva is the first State Department facility, abroad or at home, to receive this designation, certifying that our grounds provide the essential elements for healthy and sustainable wildlife habitats.

November 2009 is National American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month. See our collection of information resources and photo slide shows.