On October 1st 2026, Geres celebrated its 50th anniversary at Les Grandes Tables, at the Friche de la Belle de Mai in Marseille. More than 200 participants — current and former staff members, partners, volunteers and supporters — came together for an evening of celebration, personal accounts and discussions about the future of international solidarity.

Despite disruptions caused by strikes and transport difficulties, guests turned out for the event. Archives, models and publications displayed throughout Les Grandes Tables traced fifty years of projects in France and internationally, giving those involved with Geres an opportunity to reconnect and discover its history.

This gathering was particularly meaningful at a time when funding for international solidarity is declining. Ahead of the event, Geres President Marie-Noëlle Reboulet summed up its ambition: “This anniversary is an opportunity to pay tribute to how far we have come, but above all to look towards the future together.”

1976–2026: fifty years of inclusive energy transition

Founded in Marseille in 1976 by a professor, an architect and a geographer, Geres initially set out to develop solar energy as an alternative to oil. It was then known as the Groupement pour l’Exploitation Rationnelle de l’Énergie Solaire.

Over the decades, the organisation expanded both its areas of work and its geographical reach. Improved cookstoves in Cambodia, bioclimatic greenhouses in Central Asia and Provence, access to energy in West Africa and action against energy poverty in France: all are solutions developed with local stakeholders to address climate challenges.

While projects and approaches have evolved, one conviction remains unchanged: energy is not an end in itself, but a means of advancing social justice, economic development and Climate Solidarity.

Personal stories tracing the history of Geres

Following speeches by President Marie-Noëlle Reboulet and Executive Director Laurence Tommasino, four people who have helped shape the history of Geres shared their experiences and the connections they have built with the organisation since its early days: Robert Celaire, Régine Teulade Ness, Alain Guinebault and Frédéric Boeuf.

Their accounts revisited decades of innovation and commitment. From bioclimatic architecture to energy access, they highlighted the importance of encounters, experimentation and sharing expertise in the organisation’s development. Their stories also resonated with the experiences of many people in the room.

The future of international solidarity at the heart of the discussion

The evening continued with a series of conversations moderated by Romain Cres on the future of international solidarity. Speakers included Véronique de Geoffroy, Executive Director of Groupe URD; Nicolas Heeren, President of Groupe Initiatives; Louise Fontaine of Mirova Foundation; and Alexis Coffi Aquereburu, Senator and Mayor of Aného, Togo.

The evening continued with a series of conversations moderated by Romain Cres on the future of international solidarity. Speakers included Véronique de Geoffroy, Executive Director of Groupe URD; Nicolas Heeren, President of Groupe Initiatives; Louise Fontaine of Mirova Foundation; and Alexis Coffi Aquereburu, Senator and Mayor of Aného, Togo.

Against a backdrop of budget cuts and changes across the sector, discussions focused on the role of local organisations, approaches to cooperation and the need to build more equitable partnerships. These are challenges that call on all those involved in international solidarity to reconsider their practices.

These reflections echo Geres’ priorities for 2030: strengthening its advisory and support role, sharing its expertise more widely and giving partners and national teams a greater role in leading projects.

Connections and moments of celebration

After the speeches, a networking workshop encouraged participants to meet, exchange ideas about Climate Solidarity and forge new connections. A cocktail reception then offered time for informal conversations, reunions with former colleagues and meetings with new partners.

Another highlight brought guests together for a birthday cake and video messages recorded by Geres teams in several countries, allowing colleagues who could not travel to Marseille to be part of the celebration.

The evening continued with a performance by Marseille-based collective S.W.A.G (Share What Art Gives), followed by music. A festive moment reflecting the spirit of an anniversary designed to bring together everyone who makes Geres what it is.

Writing the next fifty years together

Geres warmly thanks all participants, speakers, partners, volunteers, current and former teams, and everyone who helped organise the evening. Their presence and commitment are a reminder that Geres draws its strength from a network of people united by solidarity, built over fifty years of action. Together with this network, Geres will write its next chapter.