Strengthening Global Connections: Highlights from the GCSP Global Alumni Networking Night 2025

In its 30th anniversary year, the GCSP proudly celebrated another successful edition of the Global Alumni Networking Night (GANN), a flagship initiative of the Centre designed to strengthen connections among its global alumni and foster professional dialogue.

A Truly Global Celebration

The GANN is a key instrument for the GCSP to nurture lasting relationships with its alumni and to support their continued engagement after completing one of the Centre’s international security or executive courses. The event introduced nine years ago by Ms Isabelle Gillet, Head of the GCSP Alumni & Community Engagement Office, has since become a cornerstone of the Centre’s community-building efforts. By organising local editions around the world, the GCSP fosters vibrant alumni networks, encourages the exchange of ideas, and strengthens collaboration among alumni and partner institutions. 

This year’s GANN reached a remarkable scale and diversity, with 29 events successfully organised across Europe, North, East, and West Africa, the MENA region, South America, Scandinavia, and South Asia. From informal gatherings to thematic discussions, each event reflected the unique spirit and dynamism of our alumni network.

Though we could not physically be present at all destinations, we were pleased to be able to feature our Executive Director, Ambassador Thomas Greminger, and our Head of Alumni & Community Engagement, Ms Isabelle Gillet, through a highlight video shared during the events. Ambassador Greminger shared with the alumni community the importance of the power of multilateralism and cooperation, and highlights from our 30th anniversary year, with an emphasis on how the GCSP Alumni Community embodies the spirit of multilateral engagement. Ms Gillet's contribution focused on highlighting the Alumni Hubs as antennas of the GCSP, and showcased the "30 Recipes for Peace" book, which is a special alumni initiative to celebrate the GCSP's anniversary this year.

Numerous events were held in collaboration with partner institutions and supporters, including the Swiss Embassies, the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany, and the International Peace Support Training Centre in Nairobi, whose contributions helped strengthen the reach and impact of the GANN across regions. We extend our sincere gratitude to these partners for their continued support and commitment to advancing peace and security through collaboration. 

Thematic Conversations and Alumni Leadership

Several hubs embraced thematic formats, such as Accra, Dakar, and Vienna, where alumni speakers led inspiring conversations on regional challenges. These events showcased the intellectual depth and real-world impact of the GCSP community. 

The recent launch of new hubs in Skopje and Nairobi marked an important milestone, expanding GCSP’s global footprint and reaffirming our commitment to regional engagement in 35 capitals.

“30 Recipes for Peace”: A Shared Theme

The 2025 edition of the GANN was united under the theme of GCSP’s newly published cookbook 30 Recipes for Peace, with several events featuring reproductions of its recipes. This symbolic project was realised in celebration of the GCSP’s 30th anniversary, and features 30 recipes in which alumni from around the world contribute with culinary recipes representing their culture and identity. Each recipe conveys the message that peace is built through understanding, shared experiences, and connection. Alumni appreciated the creativity of this initiative, noting that it effectively symbolises GCSP’s mission of global collaboration and intercultural understanding. 

Some GANN events featured reproductions of the book’s recipes. The book gathers contributions from 30 alumni across five continents, blending diplomacy and gastronomy, using the table as a powerful metaphor for unity and dialogue, a place where people come together, peace talks unfold, and ideas continue to grow.  

All proceeds from the book support the GCSP Global Scholarship Fund, helping participants from countries in crisis attend GCSP courses. For a purchase, click here.

Positive Momentum and Future Growth

Feedback from all regions has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising both the sense of reconnection and the inspiring content of the events. Following the event a social media campaign was launched (#GCSPGANN2025) to highlight this global momentum, amplifying the voices of alumni and hubs worldwide.

Building Peace Through Connection

Within the GCSP Alumni & Community Engagement Office, we believe that in today’s complex geopolitical environment, our strength lies in building trust, empathy, and dialogue. Through our alumni community, we seek to foster cooperation and understanding among people and nations. 

The Global Alumni Networking Night – GANN, once again demonstrated the strength, creativity, and commitment of the GCSP Alumni Community. Through shared experiences, local engagement by our hub leaders, and global collaboration, our alumni continue to embody GCSP’s mission: to advance peace, security, and international cooperation - together.