Foundation Prize
Laureate 2013
Charles Bonnet
2013 Prize awarded to Charles Bonnet, President of the Swiss Confederation, archaeologist
Wednesday 6th March 2013 at 6:00 pm, Victoria Hall, Geneva
On the 6th March 2013, the Fondation pour Genève, with which the Geneva authorities and the University of Geneva were associated, presented the 2013 Prize to Professor Charles Bonnet. This personality was rewarded for his commitment and action at the international and national levels in favor of archaeology. Charles Bonnet is one of the leading specialists in the field of medieval Christian archaeology. His brilliant research in Egypt and Sudan, in particular on the site of Kerma, has made him an indispensable reference in the archaeology of the Nile Valley.
In choosing Charles Bonnet for its 2013 award, the Board of the Fondation pour Genève decided to distinguish an exceptional man with the Fondation pour Genève Prize.
During the ceremony, the 2013 laureate gave a lecture on the theme “The Black Pharaohs of Nubia – Archaeological Research by a Swiss Mission in the Nile Valley”.
The laudatio was pronounced by the former president of the Confederation Pascal Couchepin.
The Foundation for Geneva, represented by its president Ivan Pictet, did not fail to explain, as an introduction to this exciting evening of March 6, the reasons that led the Council of the Foundation to honour Professor Charles Bonnet. A tribute to which the University of Geneva and the Geneva authorities did not hesitate to associate themselves.
The Rector of the University of Geneva, Jean-Dominique Vassalli, the Mayor of the City of Geneva, Rémy Pagani, and the President of the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, Charles Beer, gave speeches.
The musical interludes, chosen by Charles Bonnet to accompany him in this ceremony, were provided by a Jazz Quator directed by Michel Bastet.
