Published: 16 January 2025

The 31st High-Level Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, took place in partnership with the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Covering the dates of January 16-17, the Meeting brought together more than 40 distinguished leaders. It was attended by former heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations, representing over 25 countries.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by the NGIC’s Co-Chair, Ms. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga; the Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya; the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin; the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and COP29 President, Mr. Mukhtar Babayev; and the former President of Finland, Ms. Tarja Halonen.

Additionally, the Meeting addressed key global topics such as “Financing SDGs for Developing Countries,” “COP29: From Promise to Progress,” and “Health and Climate Change: Implementing Green Digital Action.” It also served as a preparatory event for the upcoming 12th Global Baku Forum.

This Meeting marked the fourth joint event organized by the Center in collaboration with the UN Office at Geneva.