open day
Open Day 2019
The 2019 Open Day was held on Sunday 16 June at the WTO's headquarters in Geneva. It was the fifth Open Day since the creation of the WTO. A full programme of activities took place throughout the day.
Programme (in pdf format)
WTO welcomes close to 3,000 visitors to its Open Day
The WTO welcomed close to 3,000 visitors to its headquarters on Sunday 16 June for the fifth WTO Open Day. Visitors enjoyed guided tours of the building, gained insights into the work of the WTO, sampled the national cuisines of a range of WTO members and took part in many other activities organized throughout the day. One of the day’s key events was a special award presented by Director-General Roberto Azevêdo to Geneva’s diplomatic police.
Programme
10:00
Welcome Address and Opening Ceremony
Council Room
An opening ceremony will be held in the WTO's Council Room with the participation of:
- Roberto Azevêdo, WTO Director-General
- Ambassador Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Chair of the General Council
- Ambassador Didier Chambovey, Representative of the Swiss Confederation
- Olivier G. Burri, Secretary General a.i, Ville de Genève
- Mauro Poggia, Member of the State Council
10:30
Thank you Award
Council Room
As a token of appreciation to the city of Geneva, the Director-General will present an award to a local institution to thank it for its contribution to the work of the WTO.
Activities throughout the day
Guided tours
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the rich history of the Centre William Rappard and to learn about the people who have played a part in its evolution since its inauguration in 1926. The guided tours will include a visit to the WTO library.
WTO staff will act as tour guides. The tours will take place at 11.00, 13:00 and 15:00. Each tour lasts a minimum of one hour.
Interpreter for a Day
Room W
Would you like to find out what it feels like to work as an interpreter at the WTO? Sessions where you can try out your skills will be held in Room W at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.
Exhibitions
Atrium
An exhibition of photos showing the evolution of the WTO building since its inauguration in 1926 will be on display in the WTO Atrium. Some of the most famous people in the history of the WTO will also be featured along with historic pictures from the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO. A display on “Ways we gain from trade” will be another feature in the atrium.
Children's activities
Numerous activities are planned for our little visitors. These includes face painting, storytelling, a bouncy castle, a treasure hunt, and puzzles inspired by the WTO building's artwork.
International buffet
Refreshments and national dishes will be provided by a variety of WTO members throughout the day.
WTO Human Resources
Human resources staff will explain how recruitment is carried out at the WTO.
WTO Cinema
A series of videos on the WTO will be on display throughout the day.
Live music
There will be live music all day.
Piano pieces by Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy and Astor Piazzolla will be played by WTO staff in Room X
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