Published on 1 February 2026

Federal measures for International Geneva

In view of the financial constraints faced by international organisations and increased competition between locations, the Federal Council is strengthening Geneva's role as a central platform for global governance. With a package totalling CHF 269 million, Switzerland is sending out a clear signal: International Geneva remains an indispensable hub for international cooperation and a pillar of Swiss foreign policy.

Radical upheaval in the multilateral system, funding contribution cuts and outstanding payments by member states are having a major impact on international organisations based in Geneva.

This situation is putting growing pressure on International Geneva, which also faces fiercer competition from locations abroad.

The Federal Council is making a total of CHF 269 million available until 2029 to strengthen Geneva as a desirable location. This investment comes at a time when the federal government is making cutbacks and implementing efficiency measures in other areas. It highlights the importance the Federal Council attaches to International Geneva as a centre of global governance and is fully in line with Switzerland's longstanding commitment to its role as a host state. The National Council approved the package of measures on 15 September 2025. The Council of States is still to debate the matter.

The measures aim to achieve short, medium and long-term goals. In one respect, the measures seek to ease the financial pressure on international organisations, but also aim to create a secure, optimal working environment for multilateral actors in Geneva. This includes providing modern facilities and making effective use of new technology. A loan with a 50-year term will also enable several buildings used by international organisations to be renovated and maintained.

This level of investment clearly shows

• that International Geneva represents a key instrument in implementing Swiss foreign policy and that
• the Federal Council wishes Geneva to remain a major hub of global governance in the future. The measures will enable International Geneva to continue to provide and capitalise on its strengths and special attributes.

• Overview of the Federal Council's measures

  In response, the Federal Council approved a set of short, medium and long-term measures aimed at strengthening International Geneva's position on 20 June 2025. CHF 269 million has been earmarked for this purpose.

  • The Federal Council's urgent measures aim to improve the conditions for international organisations that are based or work in Geneva (facilities, conference organisation, data storage). The Federal Council will provide CHF 21.75 million for these measures in 2025. (CHF 21.5 million is planned for 2026. These funds are part of the 2026–29 host state dispatch).
  • It is also suspending the repayment of loans made to international organisations based in Geneva for 2025 (and 2026). These repayments amount to around CHF 19.5 million a year.
  • Over the medium term, the Federal Council wishes to ensure that Geneva continues to provide an optimal environment and modern facilities in the future. It will contribute CHF 130 million for these purposes over the period 2026–29 as part of the host state dispatch. The original budget was increased by 5%.
  • The Federal Council will also provide the Foundation for Buildings for International Organisations (FIPOI) with an interest-free loan of CHF 78 million over a 50-year term. These funds will go towards maintaining and renovating four buildings used by international organisations.

International Geneva is a hub where many actors from different spheres (states, international organisations, the private sector, science and civil society) are present in one location, creating a close-knit network. This environment facilitates debate on global challenges and the development of solutions by all parties concerned.

Switzerland is an advocate of efficient and effective multilateralism and supports reforms aimed at streamlining the UN, raising its efficiency and improving its capacity for action. However, these goals cannot be achieved through short-term savings alone. These urgent measures aim to avoid fragmentation of the multilateral system, while also giving the international organisations the room for manoeuvre needed for long-term, strategic decision-making.

Living and working in International Geneva

People living and working in International Geneva can find further information on the website of the Swiss permanent mission in Geneva.

International Geneva

Overview: International Geneva