The day kicked off with an opening ceremony attended by WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, Chair of the General Council Fernando De Mateo and representatives of the Swiss Confederation, the State Council and the City of Geneva. This was followed by the “Thank You” award presented by DG Azevêdo to the Fondation des Immeubles pour les Organisations Internationales (FIPOI). DG Azevêdo acknowledged the unique relationship that the WTO and FIPOI have had since 1995, and particularly since 2009 when the renovation of the WTO’s Headquarters started. He thanked FIPOI for being “our partner, our team-mate — and I am proud to say — our friend for the last 20 years”. The Thank You prize, which will be awarded annually to thank a local institution for helping WTO members and WTO staff do their job, is a symbol of the WTO's thanks to the people and city of Geneva.

Throughout the day, visitors were offered the opportunity to discover more about the organization through tours of the building and by exploring some exhibitions of the WTO’s work. Sessions were also organized by the WTO’s team of interpreters, who explained what it is like to work as an interpreter and encouraged visitors to try out the interpretation booths.

Visitors were also able to enjoy food and drink provided by a wide selection of WTO members who had set up stalls overlooking Lac Léman. Younger visitors were able to enjoy story-telling, face-painting and a bouncy castle.