Launch of Adolf Ogi's Biography in English at United Nations HQ Geneva - a Great Success

GENEVA, February 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Joy ruled the day once more as over 300 Swiss and international officials, including Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, international students, respected colleagues and friends, joined Adolf Ogi, former Swiss Federal Councilor, former Under-Secretary General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, for the English-language book launch of Dölf Ogi: Statesman and Sportsman. (images and videos here)(http://www.presseportal.de/go2/images_and_videos )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140228/672265 )

The internationally-welcomed book, Dölf Ogi: Statesman and Sportsman, was originally published in 2012 in German (and a French translation). The English version was commissioned in early 2014. With a foreword by former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, the book was published by Weber Verlag AG ( http://www.presseportal.de/go2/Weber_Verlag_AG ) and written by authors George Wüthrich and André Häfliger. They, as well as Annette Weber, owner and founder of the publishing company, were all in attendance at the launch. The event was moderated by Sharon Valdettaro, Senior Communications Manager for Hoffmann-La Roche.

Acting Head of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Michael Møller; President of European University and co-organizer of the event, Dr. Dirk Craen; Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and to the international organizations in Geneva, Alexandre Fasel (who also sponsored the aperitif); as well as former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, all spoke of the various human, political, and social qualities that Adolf Ogi has. Through their words, they showed their deep admiration for this phenomenal Swiss leader.

Such admiration came out in particular during the speech from the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Mr. Annan talked about Mr. Ogi's leadership skills, his belief in peace, his ability to use sport and his uncanny way of getting his message through; anywhere.

The event was organized by European University, (http://euruni.edu/ ) the internationally-accredited business school. Students from all EU campuses (Geneva, Montreux, Barcelona and Munich) were in attendance and a few were called to participate in the event. The officially-recognized University is a pillar in international business education and promotes the practical learning for its students through a combination of theory, practical skills and exposure to and interaction with international leaders. Adolf Ogi holds a Doctor Honoris Causa from European University and is proud to share the institution's vision and philosophy of international cooperation and peace.

In addition to the musical accompaniment provided by Berner Örgeliplausch, guests enjoyed two performances from a lancer de drapeau, who tossed a Swiss flag up in the air, where it spun around and landed directly back in his hand. Captivated guests watched the Swiss flag fly under the colored stalactites hanging from the ceiling; the most famous art installation at the UN headquarters in Geneva and the work of Spanish artist Miquel Barceló. The most entertaining, insightful moment of the evening was the chat Adolf Ogi and Kofi Annan had with journalist Peter Rothenbühler.

Adolf Ogi took the podium next, and talked to the audience about his characteristic upbringing and the sacrifices his father, a mountain guide, had to make in order to pay for his education. His father had to lead 210 tours up the mountain just to pay for one year of Mr. Ogi's education. He also credited him for teaching him the passion that led a small boy from the humble mountain village of to dream big and one day not only become President of Switzerland but also help bring peace to the world through sport.

To close the ceremony, the Adolf Ogi foundation, «Freude herrscht» ( http://freude-herrscht.ch/ ), and the Kofi Annan Foundation received support from European University through a contribution presented by various representatives from the university's student boards and international alumni association. «Freude herrscht», also known as the Joy Foundation, is a sports-oriented organization for children created in memory of Adolf Ogi's late son Mathias, who had a bright future as a lawyer ahead of him when he passed away from cancer at 35. Established in 2010, the foundation promotes sports, outdoor activities and exercise among young people. The Kofi Annan Foundation works to promote better global governance and strengthen the capacities of people and countries to achieve a fairer, more secure world through three principles: Peace and Security; Sustainable Development; and Rule of Law and Human Rights.

Direct image link : http://www.euruni.edu/Htdocs/Images/IF_Content100/16957.jpg

SOURCE Werd & Weber Verlag AG