Added value of International Geneva for Switzerland

International Geneva is much more than just a hub for international organisations – it is also a driver of the Swiss economy. Every year, it generates around CHF 4 billion in added value – equivalent to around 1% of Switzerland's GDP. Thanks to the financial equalisation system, the whole of Switzerland benefits from this wealth – not just the Lake Geneva region. In addition, organisations based in Geneva invest directly in Swiss products and services. For example, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria purchased USD 1.7 million worth of medical products in Switzerland between 2010 and 2024. 

Geneva provides tens of thousands of jobs for highly qualified people in areas such as the environment, climate, law, public relations, logistics and finance. Specialists contribute their skills here, thereby strengthening the entire Swiss labour market. 

Swiss foreign policy priorities such as peace, human rights and the rule of law are put into practice in International Geneva. Under Article 54 of the Federal Constitution and in accordance with the UN Charter, Switzerland is required to promote these priorities. In Geneva, Switzerland not only advocates these principles, but also negotiates, realises and implements them on a daily basis alongside other states and stakeholders, and develops them further. 

Global challenges such as pandemics, the climate crisis, migration and digitalisation are debated in Geneva – and directly affect life in Switzerland. These crises cannot be tackled by any one country alone, which is why joint solutions are developed in Geneva. 

Thanks to International Geneva, Switzerland is more visible and influential internationally than its size would suggest. The country is regarded as a reliable mediator and partner, and in a polarised world Geneva offers a credible place for dialogue, bridge-building and consensus.