Diplomatic representatives, community leaders, and friends from around the world gathered in Geneva this evening for a Christmas dinner hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event celebrated the spirit of the season and recognized the meaningful humanitarian and diplomatic efforts carried out in Geneva throughout the year.
The program began with a welcome from Joseph and Jan Cannon of the Church’s Geneva Office and Latter-day Saint Charities. They expressed appreciation for the diplomatic missions, NGOs, and partners who have worked collaboratively in 2025 to strengthen families, assist refugees, and promote peace.
Stefano Bosco, Director of the Geneva Office, emphasized Geneva’s unique role as a center for dialogue and cooperation, highlighting the many quiet acts of service and coordination that make humanitarian progress possible. He noted that Christmas provides a moment to recognize these contributions and renew commitments to serving others.
This was echoed by Ambassador Iván Emilio de Jesús OGANDO LORA, the Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, “We see many things that are happening in the world, many people thinking about individualism. It’s about sharing, this season invites you to share. Dominican culture is mostly that.”
A keynote Light the World address was delivered by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, President of the Europe Central Area of the church, who attended with his wife, Sister Fabiana Alliaud. Elder Alliaud shared a message focused on Jesus Christ and the call to extend hope, kindness, and peace.
“These dinners are a simple way to thank all the countries, people, and organizations that unite to help those in need and bring light into their lives, following the example that Jesus Christ so well exemplified,” he said. “The Church is a global organization and is present in many countries, the help and humanitarian aid we provide each year is through organizations and good people in all those countries that can better identify real needs. Ambassadors and NGOs help bring light into the world, and this is what we celebrate tonight.”
The evening featured cultural performances, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the global community represented in Geneva. Artists offered music and dance from their home countries, contributing to an atmosphere of friendship and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Paul Empole Losoko Efambe, the Permanent Representative of Democratic Republic of the Congo, 'Thank you for the demonstration of the lights of the world, the demonstration through the dance and the way we see the world together as a group, as a family.”
Performances were shared by, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, the Samoan Pacific Youth Group, the Dominican Republic and Hungary’s L’Ensemble Pannonia, Danses Hongroises & Bojóca Band.
“We’re all children of God. It doesn’t matter which country your from or which culture or what kind of food you eat or what dances you dance, we have a universal language of love and light,' said Elder Joep Boudewijn Boom, a leader (Area Seventy) in the Europe Central area.
Each performance highlighted the traditions and spirit of a different region, uniting guests in appreciation for the cultures that enrich Geneva’s international landscape.
Ambassador Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy, a Permanent Representative of the Independent State of Samoa, expressed that, “Samoan culture is based on love, respect and humility. Samoa is a country founded on God and we try to speak and live with love and respect and more importantly to have an attitude of service, to serve others.”
Throughout the evening, guests noted the warmth and fellowship that marked the gathering—an expression of the Christmas message of peace and goodwill. Many reflected on how Geneva’s progress in humanitarian action, diplomacy, and interfaith cooperation is made possible when individuals and institutions work together to lift others.
'It felt being a family, I had not met the people before but we met and talked and felt a connection. That connection also comes because we’re brothers and sisters. It felt like the world came together,” said Elder Yves Weidmann, another Area Seventy in the Europe Central area.
The Christmas dinner served not only as a seasonal celebration, but also as a recognition of the good accomplished throughout the year. The Church expressed appreciation for the partnerships that make such work possible and reaffirmed its commitment to serving with humility, compassion, and Christlike love.