Diplomatic leaders from more than 40 nations, alongside U.N. ambassadors and representatives from other charitable organizations, gathered Tuesday, Dec. 2, for the first-ever Light the World dinner hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Geneva, Switzerland.
This dinner celebrated the Christmas spirit, but also sought to recognize the various humanitarian and diplomatic efforts carried out this year in Geneva, a city that has long been designated as the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Human Rights Council.
Dinners and other Light the World celebrations like these 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,” said Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, president of the church’s Europe Central Area, as he delivered the dinner’s keynote address.
“The church is a global organization,” he said. And “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 (nongovernmental organizations) help bring light into the world, and this is what we celebrate tonight.”
Accompanying Elder Alliaud was his wife, Sister Fabiana Alliaud, and other church leaders — including Area Seventies Elder Joep Boudewijn Boom and Elder Yves Weidmann.
During the dinner, Elder Alliaud and others shared messages centered on Jesus Christ, expressed appreciation for the church’s collaboration with the United Nations and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to serve others worldwide.
“Tonight is not just about us (the church), it’s about you,” said Stefano Bosco, director of the church’s office of public and international affairs in Geneva. “Thank you for your commitment, and thank you for making the world a better place.”
Also during the dinner, attendees were delighted to watch and share with others a variety of cultural dances and traditions from their respective countries — countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Hungary, Samoa and the Dominican Republic.
“Samoan culture is based on love, respect and humility,” said Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy, Samoa’s ambassador to the United Nations. “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.”
Throughout the evening, attendees noted the gathering’s warmth and spirit of fellowship. And according to a recent release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, many highlighted how “Geneva’s progress in humanitarian action, diplomacy and interfaith cooperation” have been made possible by the willingness of institutions and individuals to work together.
“We’re all children of God,” Elder Boom said at the event. And “it doesn’t matter which country you are 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.”
Other such Light the World celebrations have taken place in areas ranging from Kansas City, Missouri, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And with each celebration, both local and general leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ have encouraged all to join the church’s Light the World initiative, which invites people to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through service.
To see how Giving Machines, part of the church’s Light the World initiative, are creating service opportunities for thousands worldwide, click here.
