Morocco’s Zniber Presides Over Francophone Ambassadors’ Awards Ceremony in Geneva

Speaking in his capacity as President of the Geneva Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), Zniber highlighted the special significance of this award in a city that stands as the “heart of international cooperation and multilateral dialogue.”

Established in 2018, the award recognizes each year “an individual and an institution that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the core values of the Francophonie,” he recalled, citing in particular “the promotion and use of French,” as well as “solidarity, peace, democracy, human rights, and humanitarian principles.”

In the Geneva context, “these values are not abstract. They are lived and upheld on a daily basis within international organizations, diplomatic missions, and civil society,” the GAF president stressed, noting that “French plays a vital role” as a “working language and a tool for dialogue and mediation in support of multilateralism.”

Through this distinction, the Group aims to “highlight those who, in this demanding environment, embody these principles with consistency and conviction,” individuals and institutions that help make Geneva “not only a decision-making center but also a hub of shared values.”

“In a world marked by multiple crises,” their commitment serves as a reminder that “cooperation, respect for fundamental rights, and intercultural dialogue remain essential pillars,” he added.

The 2026 laureates “are builders of these connections” and “contribute, in their own way, to shaping a more just and united global order,” Zniber noted. By honoring them, the Francophone community collectively affirms that “these values must continue to guide our actions,” the diplomat said.

Following a selection process involving all members of the Geneva GAF, the award in the “individual” category was presented to Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, while the University of Geneva was recognized in the “institution” category.

A special award for gender equality—an initiative launched by Zniber as part of the Group’s 2026 roadmap—was also presented to the International Gender Champions network.

The Francophone evening, held at the prestigious Palais Eynard, which houses offices of Geneva’s Administrative Council, was organized by the Permanent Representation of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in Geneva.

The event also featured a high-level discussion on the theme “Universalism: a bygone legacy or a necessary horizon?” led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Souleymane Bachir Diagne, a philosopher and professor at Columbia University in New York.

Editorial team/le7tv