World Leaders Gather to Discuss Problem, Agree It Is Bad
Representatives from 47 nations convened in Geneva this week and reached historic consensus that the problem is, in fact, a problem.
In what diplomats are calling a landmark moment for international cooperation, leaders from 47 nations gathered in Geneva on Wednesday and formally agreed that the problem — whatever it is — is bad and should probably be addressed.
The summit, which cost an estimated $4.2 million to organize and required fourteen months of preparatory meetings, produced a joint communiqué running to six pages that used the word "concerned" eleven times and the phrase "calls upon relevant parties" four times.
"Today we send a clear message," said the summit's chair, speaking from a podium flanked by flags. "That message is: this is concerning."
Several nations pushed for stronger language but ultimately agreed to the phrase "deeply concerned" as a compromise.
A follow-up summit has been scheduled for March to discuss the communiqué's implementation framework. A third summit in September will review the framework. Observers are cautiously optimistic about the fourth summit, currently penciled in for 2027.
"Progress is being made," said one delegate, boarding a private jet. "Slowly, but it is being made."