The Centre William Rappard (CWR), one of Geneva’s most recognizable international landmarks, has reached a remarkable milestone—its 100th anniversary. Over the past century, the historic building has hosted presidents, prime ministers, royalty, Nobel laureates, renowned artists, celebrated athletes, and influential thinkers from every corner of the world. Today, as the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Centre continues to serve as a symbol of international cooperation, diplomacy, and economic dialogue.

Originally inaugurated in 1926, the Centre William Rappard was designed as a place where ideas could shape the future of global governance. Throughout its history, it has witnessed some of the world’s most significant diplomatic conversations, adapting to changing international realities while maintaining its role as a meeting point for nations.

The building first served the International Labour Organization before becoming home to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the institution that laid the foundation for today’s multilateral trading system. Since the establishment of the WTO in 1995, the Centre has become the nerve center for negotiations aimed at promoting fair, transparent, and rules-based international trade.

Over the decades, countless distinguished visitors have walked through its historic halls. Heads of state have gathered to discuss economic cooperation, ministers have negotiated trade agreements, and global experts have debated policies affecting billions of people. Beyond political leaders, the Centre has also welcomed artists, cultural ambassadors, athletes, academics, and innovators whose visits have reflected the broad influence of international cooperation beyond economics alone.

Its architecture and artistic heritage are equally significant. The Centre houses murals, sculptures, and decorative works donated by several countries, representing the shared values of peace, collaboration, and mutual respect. These artistic contributions reinforce the building’s role not merely as an office complex but as a living monument to international partnership.

The WTO’s stewardship of the Centre has ensured that the building remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. Modern challenges—including digital trade, climate-related commerce, supply chain resilience, food security, and inclusive economic development—are now central topics discussed within its conference rooms. While global trade has evolved dramatically over the past century, the Centre’s core mission of facilitating dialogue among nations has remained unchanged.

Reaching its centenary offers an opportunity to reflect on both history and the future. The Centre William Rappard has stood through world wars, economic crises, technological revolutions, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. Yet it continues to provide a neutral venue where countries with differing interests can engage in constructive negotiations.

As international trade becomes increasingly interconnected with sustainability, innovation, and global development, the Centre William Rappard is expected to remain at the heart of multilateral cooperation. Its century-long legacy demonstrates that meaningful dialogue is essential for resolving complex international challenges.

One hundred years after opening its doors, the Centre William Rappard remains more than a historic building. It is a living institution where diplomacy, cooperation, and global engagement continue to shape the future of international trade and economic relations.