Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered with representatives from 25 countries and 11 humanitarian and international organizations for a dinner in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 15, 2026, to mark the release of the Church’s Caring for Those in Need 2025 Report and to reflect on a shared commitment to relieving human suffering around the world.
Hosted in the heart of the international humanitarian community, the evening brought together diplomats, United Nations officials and NGO leaders for an exchange marked by gratitude, faith, and a strong spirit of unity.
“We believe that all people on the earth are children of God,” said Elder Jack N. Gerard of the Presidency of the Europe Central Area of the Church. “Because of that belief, we should look upon all people as brothers and sisters. Caring for those in need is not optional for disciples of Jesus Christ — it is central to who we are.”
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Stefano Bosco, Director of Latter-day Saint Charities in Geneva, welcomed guests and thanked those present for their long-standing collaboration and dedication to helping vulnerable communities. “Being here in Geneva, where humanitarian diplomacy and action intersect every day, reminds us how much more we can accomplish together,” Bosco said. He also acknowledged the scope and impact of the organizations represented and their shared commitment to dignity, compassion and practical solutions.
Throughout the evening, representatives from major humanitarian organizations took the floor to express appreciation for the Church’s sustained engagement and partnerships. Speakers included colleagues from UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Francesca Bonelli, chief of the Partnerships and Coordination Section at UNHCR, expressed gratitude for the Church’s principled and reliable collaboration, noting that such partnerships strengthen the collective ability to respond to growing humanitarian needs worldwide.
Especially moving were the remarks of His Excellency Alier Deng, Ambassador of South Sudan to the United Nations in Geneva. Reflecting on decades of hardship in his country, Ambassador Deng spoke with emotion about projects supported by the Church — including access to clean water — and the hope that the Church continues to bring to communities in South Sudan.
A short video presentation drew connections between the ministry of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and the Church’s humanitarian service in today’s world. Featuring imagery of Christ feeding the multitudes, the presentation resonated deeply with many in attendance.
Serena Mithbaoker, Partnership Officer with the World Food Programme, said she was particularly touched by the portrayal of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and recognizing that same calling in our work today.” She thanked the Church for standing shoulder to shoulder with humanitarian partners across the globe.
Eric Rottermann, the Church’s Europe Central Area Humanitarian Services Manager, then shared highlights from the Caring for Those in Need 2025 Report. Guests were visibly moved by a world map displaying hundreds of red dots, each representing a humanitarian project supported by the Church over the past year.
According to the report, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided assistance in 196 countries and territories in 2025. Church members volunteered 7.4 million hours of service, and total humanitarian expenditures reached $1.58 billion.
“These numbers represent real people, real lives and real hope,” Rottermann said. “They reflect the faith and generosity of members of the Church and the power of collaboration with trusted partners.”
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect, gratitude and renewed commitment. Participants expressed a strong desire to continue building on the partnerships, united by a shared purpose to serve those most in need.
“We are grateful for the good we see happening,” Elder Gerard said. “When faith, expertise and compassion come together, even in a world facing many challenges, there is reason to hope.”