The Federal Council is seeking to consolidate Geneva's position – and in turn Switzerland's too – as a centre of multilateralism. In one respect, it wishes to continue fostering Geneva's humanitarian tradition, especially respect for international law. However, it also intends to position Geneva as an innovation hub for finding solutions to the challenges of governing new technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, quantum computing).
Challenges facing the multilateral system
Funding contribution cuts or the suspension of payments by some member states in recent months have presented key international organisations with significant challenges. A number of institutions based in Geneva are being forced to make budget cuts, reduce their headcount or even consider relocation abroad. Global competition between states to host multilateral organisations has also become much fiercer.
Rapid and decisive action is needed to secure Geneva's long-term position before relocation plans under consideration are irreversibly implemented. The Federal Council's measures aim to ease acute funding shortfalls and support structural reforms over the medium term. Switzerland is thus fulfilling its responsibility as a dependable host state and confirming its commitment to an effective and sustainable international system.
Urgent measures and additional funding to bolster Switzerland as a host state
To support these objectives, the Federal Council is allocating CHF 269 million to International Geneva. It has agreed a supplementary credit of CHF 21.5 million for the current year to enable urgent measures to support international organisations based in Geneva. It is requesting a credit of CHF 130.4 million from Parliament for the period 2026–29 as part of its new host state dispatch – including CHF 21.5 million for the continuation of the urgent measures in 2026. The new dispatch is in line with Switzerland's host state policy,and also addresses current uncertainties. It defines priority fields of action, namely host state functions, infrastructure (particularly real estate), partnerships and the governance of new technologies.
As a stabilisation measure, the repayment of loans to the Building Foundation for International Organisations (FIPOI) will be suspended for some international organisations in 2025 and 2026, up to an amount of CHF 19.3 million and 19.4 million, respectively. The Federal Council's proposals also include providing FIPOI with an interest-free loan of CHF 78 million over a 50-year term to carry out the urgently needed renovation of one third of its property portfolio.
Geneva – a key pillar of multilateralism and an innovation hub
Geneva has secured its position as a global centre for multilateral diplomacy over decades. Today, Switzerland is home to around 46 international organisations, 43 of them in Geneva (with a further three in Bern and Basel), as well as several hundred NGOs, leading university and research institutions and a dynamic private sector. Some 183 UN member states are also represented in Geneva.
This unique ecosystem provides a highly conducive environment for international regulatory activities as well as for producing innovative solutions to global challenges, such as humanitarian issues and human rights, global health, trade, the environment, disarmament, and science diplomacy. In cooperation with the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva, the Confederation has made a major contribution towards positioning Geneva as the ‘capital of multilateralism’.
The expenditure on International Geneva of the FDFA alone, as a host state and donor state, has totalled around CHF 2 billion over the past four years. In return, International Geneva contributes an estimated CHF 4 billion to Switzerland's GDP.
The federal government, canton and city bear shared responsibility
The Federal Council's initiative is part of a broad-based approach coordinated with the Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva and private stakeholders. The Canton of Geneva and the Wilsdorf Foundation have jointly set up a new foundation, endowed with a core budget of CHF 50 million over a five-year term, to augment the federal measures in a targeted way.
The Canton of Geneva has also earmarked CHF 10 million for NGOs, while the City of Geneva is contributing CHF 2 million to the efforts of the Confederation and Canton. This trilateral cooperation illustrates the shared commitment of all stakeholders to maintaining and strengthening Geneva's international role.
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
