Following the screening of a video with messages from the GAAMAC community, Judge Silvia Fernandez emphasized the need for ongoing and consistent efforts in atrocity prevention.  

 In her opening remarks, Judge Fernandez reminded the community that prevention efforts require remembering and honoring past victims; investing in education to enhance the resilience of populations against messages of intolerance and hatred; implementing effective policies and laws to respond promptly to signs of violence; and finally, ensuring accountability for crimes committed.  

 The event welcomed, as panelists, notable actors in the atrocity prevention field across those complementary areas and members of the GAAMAC network: USG Alice Wairimu Nderitu, United Nations Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Dr. Kathrin Meyer, Secretary General of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania and Patron of GAAMAC Africa Working Group, and Ms. Cecilia Barbieri, UNESCO Chief of Section, Section of Global Citizenship and Peace Education.  

 In his final remarks, Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández, the new Chair, concluded the session by underlining the value of GAAMAC’s efforts, and calling on the community to continue supporting the mission of helping States increase their support and involvement towards an upstream and permanent atrocity prevention. 

 To conclude the event, Ms. Mô Bleeker reiterated her gratitude to Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi for her leadership and commitment and welcomed Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández wishing him much success as GAAMAC Chair.  

Read the profile of GAAMAC’s Chair, Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández 

Watch the recordings of the event