The GPP Congratulates Ambassador Greminger on Prestigious Award

The Geneva Peacebuilding Platform extends heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Thomas Greminger, President of the GPP Board and Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), who has been honored with the STAB Foundation's 2024 Annual Award. 

The STAB Foundation has been awarding an annual prize worth 50,000 Swiss francs since 1977. It goes to individuals and organizations who support the idea of freely and personally determined human responsibility and consideration for future generations and who make an extraordinary contribution to the cultivation of fundamental Western values

Ambassador Thomas Greminger, has dedicated his career to advancing peace, security, and development, foundational elements of Switzerland’s foreign policy. Now leading the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), he oversees training for over 1,300 individuals from 150+ countries annually, while fostering dialogue and offering policy advice to states and international bodies. Under his guidance, GCSP has established numerous platforms for addressing critical global issues, including strategic stability, nuclear policy, the Arctic, and AI’s impact on security.

He served as Secretary General of the OSCE, the world’s largest regional security organization, where he introduced the "Fit for Purpose" reform agenda, adapting the OSCE for modern challenges. During Switzerland’s 2014 OSCE chairmanship, he played a pivotal role in crisis management around Ukraine, notably establishing the OSCE’s largest monitoring mission, which became essential in de-escalating the crisis.

In earlier roles, Greminger was instrumental in advancing Swiss peacebuilding efforts, including a 2006 peace agreement in Nepal and a 2005 ceasefire in Uganda, allowing for the safe return of over a million refugees. He also supported key initiatives like the creation of the UN Human Rights Council and the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, which influenced the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 for peace and inclusive societies. At the GPP, we are very proud that Ambassador Greminger chairs our board, steering and sharing his invaluable experience on peacebuilding and security.

I don't feel like I've reached the finish line yet. There is still much to overcome on the way to peace. But I will continue on this path in the coming years with renewed energy and great conviction thanks to the appreciation and support I experienced today. Thank you very much and let us continue to work together for peace and international cooperation!