78 Years Engaging Global Citizens
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 GENEVA – For the first time, WFUNA welcomed 15 Chinese entrepreneurs to participate in the Leadership Training Program: China from 28 September to 2 October 2015. They spent three days in the United Nations Office at Geneva and International Organizations headquartered in Geneva and refined their knowledge of the UN structure and mechanisms. […]
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015
GENEVA – For the first time, WFUNA welcomed 15 Chinese entrepreneurs to participate in the Leadership Training Program: China from 28 September to 2 October 2015. They spent three days in the United Nations Office at Geneva and International Organizations headquartered in Geneva and refined their knowledge of the UN structure and mechanisms. Each day was dedicated to a specific theme and briefings were related to the UN’s work, International Trade, Health and Development.
Monday – The UN at Geneva
Ms. Irene Martinetti greeted the LTP participants with Welcome Remarks and gave an overview of the history of WFUNA and its mission. She also led the presentation of the functioning of the UN in Geneva and its role worldwide. In the afternoon, Strategic Operations Officer at the International Telecommunications Union, Mr. Xin Liu presented the history of ITU and explained its function and mission.
Tuesday – International Trade
First secretary, Mr. Tianyu Mao and Third secretary,Mr. Chen Wang, presented the role of the Chinese mission to the WTO. They led participants through a questions and answers session on the work of the mission. The participants also had the opportunity to visit the World Trade Organization (WTO). Information Officer at the WTO, Ms. Ankai Xu introduced the work of the organization in Chinese, providing the participants with the implication of the organization in trade relations between countries.
Wednesday – Health & Cooperation
In the morning, participants visited the World Health Organization (WHO). External Relations Officer, Partnerships and Non-State Actors,Ms. Lixia Ru presented the WHO and its relations with non-state actors. Technical Officer, Influenza, Hepatitis and PIP Framework, Dr. Quanle Li gave an overview of the work of the WHO to treat diseases in the field.
In the afternoon, the participants received a hearty welcome from Mr. Edgar Van Schaik, the Director of International Development at Clinique des Grangettes. Through his presentation, Mr. Van Schaik shared the Clinique des Grangettes’ experience and innovation in healthcare of over 100 years.
Thursday – Inheritance & Innovation
The visit to the factory of Vacheron Constantin was one of the highlights for the LTP participants. Guided by two skilled master watchmakers, they explored the fascinating and sophisticated craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking. At the Museum of Vacheron Constantin, Mr. Heinz Forrer, Director of the Swiss Market, explained how creativity and excellence play a vital role in the success of 260 years old brand.
In the afternoon, the participants visited Dome Capital Partners, a Geneva-based multi-family office. Mr. Sylvain Vauthey – managing partner of the company and Ms. Isabel MU partner for Greater China – exposed their view on the off-shore banking environment and the leading role that Switzerland should continue to play despite the ongoing structural changes facing this industry. They emphasize the growing importance of independent asset managers and family offices in this specific business environment.
Friday – Tradition & Development
LTP participants were greeted at Nestlé by Mr. Anthony Low – Vice President Regional Management – the Chinese national flag hanging side by side with the Swiss national flag at the main gate of Nestlé headquarters in Vevey. Mr. Low introduced Nestlé’s global business enterprise and explained its forward-thinking measures on opportunity, challenge and strategy. Human Resources manager, Mr. Puneet Dua, presented Nestlé’s own Leadership Program, which sparked off many questions from the participants. The open discussion and direct dialogue enabled them to reflect and absorb many new ideas. The visit to Nestlé’s Product Exhibition Center proved to be a unique experience as well. Mr. David Frick, the Senior Vice President of Nestlé, attended lunch with the participants and honored LTP with his inspiring insights.
Being one of Europe’s finest hotels, the Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne hosted the seminar on “the Art of Swiss Top Hotel Management” organized for the LTP participants. The General Manager, Mrs. Nathalie Seiler-Hayez, shared many stories of how the hotel remains true to its traditional values while at the same time constantly breathing new life into the hotel.
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