On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the Staff Association (SA) had the pleasure of organizing its traditional Ambassadors’ Cocktail.

This event, held twice a year in March and September following the Finance Committee, is a unique opportunity to bring together, in a convivial setting, the delegates of the Member States, the Associate Member States, and some of our colleagues designated by the SA to represent it, the “SA Ambassadors.”

These gatherings are more than just an exchange; they offer the chance to:

• Engage in discussions on matters important to the Staff Association;
• Hold broader conversations about the future of CERN and its personnel;
• Listen to and understand the views and concerns of the delegations.

At this edition, the topics discussed mainly revolved around the “Conscious Hiring” process, the return in terms of personnel for each Member State, and of course the link with CERN’s attractiveness and the upcoming five-yearly review.

24 delegations were present, demonstrating the interest and importance for our Member States to engage in dialogue with CERN members of personnel and their representatives. A wide range of opinions, expectations, and ideas were expressed, enabling a respectful and clearer understanding of each party’s issues and positions, while also highlighting the importance of the upcoming five-yearly review. For the Association, the challenge is clear: to correct the effects of the 2015 review in order to restore the Organization’s attractiveness—not only in recruitment but also in retaining colleagues through an appealing career development path.

The Association warmly thanks all participants, delegates from the Member and Associate Member States as well as our SA Ambassadors. Their commitment is the key to the success of these gatherings.

Our thanks also go to the logistics and catering teams, the Secretariat of the Association for organizing the event, and the Council Secretariat for sending the invitations to the delegations.

We look forward to welcoming the delegations and ambassadors again next March for another cocktail!