John Calvin was one of the leading figures of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.  The ten commandments (known as the decalogue) provided a major framework for Calvin’s social teaching, which helped transform Geneva from a struggling, impoverished town into a prosperous and peaceful city.

The values forged by the Reformation have had an enduring influence on Western civilisation, through universal literacy, the rise of modern science, political and religious freedom, social responsibility and environmental concern. Subsequently, Geneva took a leading role in the 18th century Enlightenment and the humanitarian movement of the following century.  Today Geneva is known as a city of peace, compassion, international negotiation and human rights.