PRIX JEUNESSE GREYCELLS 2026

Essay & Video Competition for Secondaire II Students in the Canton of Geneva

The Question

“How can Geneva strengthen its role as a key city of multilateralism?”

About the Competition

The Prix Jeunesse Greycells invites students to share their vision of how Geneva — home to over 40 international organisations, 750 NGOs, and 180 diplomatic missions — can strengthen and renew its role at the heart of global cooperation. The competition is organised by Greycells, an association of former international civil servants dedicated to knowledge sharing, in partnership with the Geneva Department of Public Instruction (DIP/DGES II).

How to Participate

  • Formats: Essay (1,000–2,000 words) or Video (3–5 minutes)
  • Languages: French or English
  • Deadline: 30 April 2026
  • Submit to: greycells08@gmail.com

Prizes

  • 1st prize: CHF 1,000
  • 2nd prize: CHF 500
  • 3rd prize: CHF 250
  • Optional mentoring by Greycells members (former international civil servants)

Comité d’Honneur

  • Ruth Dreifuss — former President of the Swiss Confederation
  • Thierry Apothéloz — President of the Council of State of the Republic and Canton of Geneva (2025–2026)
  • Anne Hiltpold — Vice-President of the Council of State, Head of Department of Public Instruction
  • Nathalie Fontanet — Member of the Council of State
  • Carole-Anne Kast — Member of the Council of State
  • Pierre Maudet — Member of the Council of State
  • Delphine Bachmann — Member of the Council of State
  • Nicolas Walder — Member of the Council of State
  • Michèle Righetti-El Zayadi — Chancellor of State
  • Alexandre Fasel — State Secretary, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
  • Ana Roch — President of the Grand Council (2025–2026)
  • Alberto Velasco — former President of the Grand Council (2024–2025)
  • Bertrand Piccard — explorer, Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation
  • Philippe Chappuis (ZEP) — creator of Titeuf
  • Marie-Laure Salles — Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID)
  • Raymond Loretan — former Swiss Ambassador, President of the Geneva Diplomatic Club
  • François Nordmann — former Swiss Ambassador to France
  • Bernard Sabrier — Chairman of Unigestion, founder of Children Action
  • Ivan Pictet — former Senior Partner of Pictet & Cie
  • Christina Kitsos — Member of the Geneva Executive Council, former Mayor of Geneva
  • Francine de Planta — President of EDUKI

Partnership with the Department of Public Instruction

The Prix Jeunesse Greycells is organised in partnership with the Geneva Department of Public Instruction (DIP/DGES II). Watch the DIP’s presentation of the competition: ➡ Prix Jeunesse GREYCELLS 2026 — Site de l’enseignement, République et Canton de Genève

Dossier Pédagogique

A comprehensive 74-page Dossier Pédagogique is available to help teachers and students explore the themes of multilateralism, global governance, and Geneva’s unique role. It includes nine thematic sequences covering the history, institutions, and contemporary challenges of the multilateral system.
Download the Dossier Pédagogique (PDF)

Contact

For questions, to request the Dossier Pédagogique, or to arrange a classroom exchange on multilateralism:

  • David M. Dror, Convener, Projet Fédérateur, Greycells
  • Tel: +41 78 790 6789
  • Email: greycells08@gmail.com

PROJET FEDERATEUR

Giving Voice to the Next Generation

At Greycells, we believe that Geneva isn’t just a city with international institutions—it’s a city with international DNA. Our latest initiative brings that idea to life by inviting the young people of Geneva to discover—and shape—the city’s global identity for themselves.

A Civic Adventure in Expression and Engagement

We’ve launched a project that speaks to the heart and mind. Aimed at students in upper secondary schools (secondaire II), this initiative invites them to express themselves—through words, images, or any creative medium—about what International Geneva means to them: in their lives, their identity, their future, and the future of their city.

This isn’t a test, and there’s no “right answer.” It’s an invitation to speak up, think big, and connect across generations. At its core, this is an ideas competition—but one where imagination, curiosity, and civic spirit take center stage.

Momentum Gathers: Institutional Support Secured

After months of conversations (and quite a few cups of coffee), the project has received enthusiastic support from both the Canton and the City:

  • State Councilor Anne Hiltpold (DIP) has encouraged collaboration with the Service de l’enseignement, évaluation et certifications (SEC).
  • Ms. Nathalie Leutwyler, Director of the SEC, confirmed her team will help develop a custom-made educational dossier on International Geneva.
  • Ms. Christina Kitsos, Geneva’s Councilor for Social Cohesion, called the project “essential” for nurturing civic awareness in young people.

With this solid backing, we’re no longer just dreaming—we’re building.

Why This Project Matters (And What Makes It Different)

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about memorizing the flags of international organizations. It’s about sparking real conversations—between students and seasoned professionals, between personal identity and public purpose, between Geneva the hometown and Geneva the global capital.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Encourages thoughtful, heartfelt expression.
  • Brings young minds and international experience face-to-face.
  • Recognizes every participant with a certificate—and celebrates the best at a public event, with applause included.

What’s Next?

Now that the stage is set, we’re moving forward with the rollout. Coming soon:

  • A tailor-made learning guide on International Geneva (with help from Mr. Bastien Ischer and his team at DIP).
  • Partnership with the Eduki Foundation to support schools across Geneva in 2025/2026.
  • Creation of an Honorary Committee and an independent jury to review student entries.
  • Operational team in place, co-chaired by Greycells President David M. Dror and former City Secretary General Jean Erhardt, alongside key institutional partners.
  • Fundraising to keep the wheels turning—and the ideas flowing.

A Smart Investment in Geneva’s Future

Geneva has long played host to the world. But if it wants to keep that role in the 21st century, it must also inspire the next generation to claim it as their own. This project is Greycells’ contribution to that vision.

It’s a bridge—not just between international and local Geneva, but between generations, between ideals and action, and between today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders.

We’re proud to be building it—with and for the people who will cross it.