Through our monthly After Work Events, we at Geneva Macro Labs center our conversations on various topics led by our speakers which inspire different takeaways.
Below is a recap of the main takeaways from our most recent events, following the conversations between our attendees and the guest speakers!
Our April 2025 afterwork event with Lars Radscheidt on building international digital policy
This afterwork event gave space for a conversation between our community, Lars Radscheidt from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and a group of young professionals from the digital policy sector.
This conversation highlighted how inclusion is non-negotiable when discussing international digital policy: we must bring diverse voices to the table – whether through formal institutions like international organizations or dynamic spaces for informal dialogue, like Geneva Macro Labs.
It was further underscored how international digital policy and diplomacy is a marathon, not a sprint – meaning lasting change demands persistent action and long-term vision. Additionally, Geneva stands out as a vibrant hub, home to purpose-driven individuals committed to shaping a better, more connected future for all.
Our February 2025 afterwork event with Laura Fisher on sustainability within industries
This afterwork event led by Laura Fisher from the World Economic Forum explored the reality of businesses developing sustainable industries.
Thanks to Fisher’s experience leading the ‘Nature Positive Transitions’ initiative, she was able to share valuable insight on how businesses and governments are awakening to the deep connections between climate and nature, shifting their focus beyond net-zero goals toward holistic, nature-positive strategies.
Furthermore, despite the challenges, the momentum is building – sustainability has become a CEO-level priority, and companies are actively developing tangible roadmaps to integrate nature into their core operations.
Finally, she highlighted how the World Economic Forum unites leaders across business, government, and civil society to drive meaningful action, ensuring nature remains at the top of the global agenda and making the business case for urgent, transformative change.
Our December 2024 afterwork event with Severine Ambrus on the art of news coverage
A seasoned journalist and producer of the 19.30 news at Radio Television Suisse, Severine Ambrus led the conversation around journalism.
We delved into the foundation of a news story, facts – and how once opinions come into play, true journalism must ensure balance by spotlighting diverse perspectives – not just one side of the story.
We then examined the evermore relevant issue within journalism: polarization. In a world where polarization is the norm, delivering clear, reliable information that everyone can trust is more crucial than ever. It’s about creating a shared foundation where conversations can begin.
Additionally, our conversation highlighted how demanding better and more reliable information is not a solution to mitigate only polarization within the media, but also to alleviate feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle. As a matter of fact, better journalism breaks through the noise, offering clarity, nuance, and the essential context you need to understand the bigger picture.
Our October 30, 2024 afterwork event with David Derrier on corporate philanthropy
This afterwork event allowed for a focused and insightful conversation surrounding corporate philanthropy lead by David Derrier, a director at Deloitte in Geneva.
Our conversation highlighted key points to incorporate in a strategy navigating the landscape of corporate giving:
(1) get to know their mission: dive deep into their sustainability agenda and purpose to uncover what truly matters to them;
(2) customize your pitch: tailor your narrative to highlight synergies and shared values;
(3) create mutual value: clearly articulate how a partnership can benefit them and drive impactful outcomes;
(4) formulate clear asks: be specific about what you need and illustrate how you can amplify your mission together.
Our October 2, 2024 afterwork event with Julián Ginzo presenting UN Today
This afterwork Event centered around the presentation to our community of the magazine UN Today, thanks to Julian Ginzo, a member of their board:
UN today’s mission is to represent and inform the UN staff and is published monthly and distributed at the Palais des Nations in NY and at Permanent Missions in Geneva.
Additionally, Ginzo highlighted how the magazine focuses on issues related to improving work-life balance, eliminating unpaid internships, career development, and gender and racial discrimination against the staff.
Finally, although a majority of contributors are from the UN, there are also guest authors from the private and public sectors and NGOs.
To keep up to date with our latest afterwork events and takeaways, check our home page and Linkedin page!
