The Federal Council is strengthening International Geneva's position by providing over a quarter of a billion francs
In light of the growing financial challenges facing international organisations and fiercer competition from locations abroad, the Federal Council is taking action to secure Geneva's status as a major centre of global governance. By agreeing a set of measures totalling CHF 269.1 million, Switzerland is sending out a clear signal: International Geneva will remain a major hub of global governance and a key element of Swiss foreign policy. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis made a statement to the media in Bern.
With a package of measures worth CHF 269 million, the Federal Council aims to secure Geneva's role as a hub for global governance. © Unsplash
The multilateral world order is in a state of upheaval. Outstanding payments from member states, budget cuts and political tensions are jeopardising international organisations' ability to function properly – including those based in Geneva. Geneva also faces growing competition from locations abroad to host such organisations. These developments threaten to make Geneva a less attractive location as a global centre for diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation.
Following the Federal Council meeting on 20 June 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis gave a statement to the media (PDF, 4 Pages, 242.7 kB, French) in Bern on the Federal Council's package of measures for International Geneva.
International Geneva in figures
- 183 representations of UN member states
- 43 international organisations (three more are in Bern and Basel)
- Several hundred NGOs
- A 32,000-strong international workforce
- 4,000 visits by heads of state and government, ministers and other dignitaries each year
- 6,500 conferences a year either held in the city, via video conference or in hybrid form, which are attended by over half a million delegates from all over the world
- Various prestigious academic and research institutions and a dynamic, innovation-led private sector
For Switzerland, Geneva represents influence, responsibility and economic benefits. International Geneva contributes around CHF 4 billion to Swiss GDP each year.
Overview of the Federal Council's measures
Taking decisive action to address these challenges, the Federal Council has signed off a set of short and medium-term measures in addition to long-term investment in International Geneva's infrastructure:
1. Urgent measures for 2025 and 2026
To provide urgently needed support, the repayment of existing loans will be suspended for international organisations based in Geneva in 2025 and 2026. These repayments amount to CHF 38.7 million in total. This step will provide the organisations concerned with greater financial room for manoeuvre in the short term and help them to continue their operational activities despite budget constraints.
The Federal Council will also request CHF 21.75 million for additional urgent measures in 2025. This funding is required for:
- Infrastructure
- The organisation of conferences
- Data management
The aim is to improve the working environment for international organisations in Geneva. Additional funds for urgent measures in 2026 amounting to CHF 21.5 million are part of the 2026–2029 host state dispatch.
2. Medium-term funding: host state dispatch
The Federal Council will provide CHF 130.4 million to significantly improve the working environment for international organisations in the period 2026–29 as part of its host state dispatch. This funding will be used to upgrade facilities, to strengthen Geneva's position as a location for dialogue and to foster innovation.
Interestingly, the Federal Council had originally intended to provide a slightly lower amount. However, it has now increased the funding available by 5% – displaying clear political commitment to International Geneva at a time when Switzerland is also under great pressure to cut spending.
3. Maintenance of buildings used by international organisations: interest-free loan
Another element of the measures adopted is the renovation and maintenance of four of International Geneva's buildings. The Building Foundation for International Organisations (FIPOI) will be granted an interest-free loan of CHF 78 million over a 50-year term. This will ensure key facilities are well maintained and upgraded over the long term.
Signal effect and significance in terms of foreign policy
The measures adopted by the Federal Council highlight International Geneva's strategic importance. It is not just home to 43 international organisations, hundreds of NGOs and 183 representations of UN member states – Geneva is also an international centre where global issues such as peacebuilding and humanitarian programmes, human rights, health, the environment, migration and governance of new technologies are discussed every day.
This is why the Federal Council believes Geneva has an essential role to play in implementing Swiss foreign policy and as a major hub where the international community, civil society, private sector and science/research can collaborate to produce solutions to global challenges.
At a time when the Confederation is forced to make cutbacks in other areas, the Federal Council decision sends out a clear signal. By approving funding of CHF 269 million, the Federal Council aims to ensure Geneva remains a leading centre of global governance in future, giving Switzerland a stronger voice in international affairs.
