Les liaisons fructueuses - RUIG-GIAN

III – Le fonctionnement du RUIG
sions and a plethora of working groups discussing
the liquidation of the GIAN, the creation of a Pôle
d’excellence en relations internationales à Genève, and
ultimately the transfer of the GIAN’s mission to
its successor, the “Swiss Network for International
Studies in Geneva”. The selection of projects to be
funded, a central prerogative of the Foundation
Board, figured among the less debated decisions.
While discussion and interrogations took place, the
Foundation Board unfailingly held to its principle
of not trying to second-guess the Scientific Committee’s
assessment of project proposals.
Discussing the “Pôle d’excellence” at the Villa Rigot.
From left to right (around the table), Jean-Marie Dufour,
Beth Krasna (hidden), Edouard Dommen, Randall
Harbour, Oran McKenzie (GIAN), Eric Baier
and David Urbach (SER), 12 November 2004.
The GIAN’s modus operandi resembled that of numerous
organisations that strive for a participative
approach. The “vision” and orientation were provided
by a decision-making entity (ultimately the
Foundation Board, but frequently the President,
the Executive Secretary, the Scientific Committee
or another party) often based on input provided by
the Secretariat. The Secretariat or a small committee
involving the Secretariat implemented decisions.
Jean-Marie Dufour and I collaborated regularly
to prepare far-too-many documents, for the Swiss
Confederation, the Canton of Geneva and the
Foundation Board, among others. The President
of the Scientific Committee, Claude Raffestin and
subsequently Edouard Dommen, provided input
when a topic fell within his committee’s area of
competence and on external questions as well. We
shared the same vision and developed a harmonious
and effective relationship. Frequently a member
of the Foundation Board or a “coalition of the
willing” contributed to the GIAN’s efforts as appropriate.
Angeline Fankhauser provided a cogent
Swiss-German political perspective and took part in
events relating to the “Abuse and Neglect of Elders”
project. She also stepped in when Jean-Marie Dufour’s
health was failing and very ably served as President
of the Foundation Board during the GIAN’s
final days. Philippe Roch suggested the creation of
the “Small Grant” programme and provided much
lucid advice on environment-related projects. Beth
Krasna contributed her private sector expertise on
several occasions, including for the liquidation process.
Jérôme Koechlin periodically gave guidance on
communications- and public relations-related questions.
Alain Frank, Philippe Petit and many other
members of the Foundation Board participated
in various project-related events and contributed
sound input on numerous issues. Representatives
of the UN Office in Geneva (UNOG) were also
extremely helpful to the Secretariat ; their contribution
was not always known to the Foundation
Board members but it was consequential. The wide
breadth of backgrounds, expertise and perspectives
available among these collaborators represented an
important asset for the Foundation. Members of the
Foundation Board took their responsibilities seriously,
persevered through difficult times and maintained
a high level of integrity.
The role played by the Foundation Board in the
GIAN’s “Small Grant” procedure deserves special
mention. After screening by the Secretariat and subsequently
by the President of the Scientific Committee,
“Small Grant” proposals were communicated by
e-mail to all members of the Foundation Board and
the Scientific Committee. This invariably followed
a preparation process involving numerous contacts
between the Secretariat and the applicants. If there
were two negative responses by members of either of
the aforementioned GIAN organs the proposal was
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