In 2023, Nobel Peace Prize recipient International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW*) created the Swiss independent association, IPPNW-Geneva Liaison Office, a separate entity of not-for-profit public utility whose purpose is to support and advance the common goal of IPPNW of creating a more peaceful and secure world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation and armed violence.
The Swiss association strengthens IPPNW’s global network of 56 national organizations and our partners in the health community worldwide. By establishing a permanent presence in Geneva, the “World Capital of Peace,” IPPNW is better able to use its NGO status with the United Nations and its formal relationship with the World Health Organization to advance its work. IPPNW leverages its international credibility by engaging the Geneva-based diplomatic community, NGOs, and our health partners in advancing understanding of the Humanitarian Impacts of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
*IPPNW was established in 1980 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.
Staff
Chuck Johnson
Director
Chuck Johnson directs the Geneva Liaison office. His life’s work has been to protect our world from the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. Chuck has been on staff with IPPNW since 2018.
Jennifer Cole
Special Projects Manager
Jennifer Cole assists with event coordination and helps with outreach to German-speaking folks. She is originally from Australia and has worked in several countries, including establishing Brink’s Global Services start-up in China.
Cynthia Hurst
Senior Advisor
Cynthia oversees operations and fundraising for IPPNW-GLO, ensuring the organization remains on track and focusing on mission. She has more than three decades of experience as a nonprofit executive, consultant, and board member and has raised over $30 million for nonprofits worldwide.
Alexandra Reidon
Administrative & Financial Manager
Alexandra Reidon is the Administrative and Financial Manager for the Geneva office. She focuses on administrative, financial and fundraising activities, working closely with the Geneva director and IPPNW-GLO’s Senior Advisor. Alex brings with her the experience of helping to establish ICAN in Switzerland.
Board
Ruth Mitchell
President
Dr. Ruth Mitchell is a neurosurgeon and cancer researcher based in Sydney, Australia. She joined IPPNW in her first year of medical school in 2004, and has previously served as International Student Representative, Regional Vice President for South East Asia Pacific, and as Deputy Chair of the Board of IPPNW. As a medical student she participated in the Nuclear Weapons Inheritance Project, including dialogues in China, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Ira Helfand
Secretary
Dr. Ira Helfand is a member of the International Steering Group of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapon (ICAN) and is a co-Founder and Past President of Physicians for Social Responsibility, IPPNW’s US affiliate.
Urs Rüegg
Treasurer
Urs Rüegg is IPPNW Geneva’s treasurer and also serves on IPPNW’s International Council. His assistance with navigating financial and legal matters in Switzerland and his willingness to connect staff with key Swiss allies are invaluable. He lives in Basel with his wife, Ursina.
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IPPNW is a non-partisan federation of national medical groups in 56 countries, representing tens of thousands of doctors, medical students, other health workers, and concerned citizens who share the common goal of creating a more peaceful and secure world freed from the threat of nuclear annihilation and armed violence. Our Central office website can be found here: IPPNW.org