International organisations
For over 150 years, Switzerland has hosted numerous international organisations and is a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Today, around forty organisations with more than 25,000 employees are based in the country, most in the Lake Geneva region. Geneva is known worldwide as “International Geneva.”
Every year, some 4,000 heads of state and government, ministers and high-ranking officials travel to Geneva to attend more than 3,500 meetings held there.
More than 175 UN member states are represented in Geneva, with approximately 4,000 staff.
In addition, nearly 400 non-governmental organisations are based in Geneva and more than 30 international sports federations are based in the canton of Vaud.
Facts and figures about International Geneva
International Geneva
Switzerland is strengthening International Geneva – a hub of multilateralism where humanitarian values, innovation and global solutions come together.
Switzerland's presence in international organisations
The FDFA promotes Switzerland's representation and interests in international organisations.
UN
The UN offers Switzerland a universal platform for defending its national interests.
Council of Europe
Since 1963, Switzerland has actively contributed to the work of the Council of Europe, which promotes human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is the world's largest regional security organisation. Switzerland will hold the chairpersonship in 2026.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA)
The intergovernmental organisation EFTA promotes free trade and economic integration between Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
NATO: Partnership for Peace
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a military and political alliance with which Switzerland cooperates within the framework of the Partnership for Peace.
International financial institutions
Through the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Switzerland supports a stable economic system and helps to fight poverty in developing countries and emerging economies.
International Organisation of the Francophonie
The OIF is a forum where states work together to promote linguistic diversity, democracy, human rights, and sustainability.
The Asia-Europe Meeting
The Asia-Europe Meeting is an intergovernmental forum for dialogue and cooperation aimed at deepening relations between Asia and Europe.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
In 2016, Switzerland became a Sectorial Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in order to strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asia.
The Geneva Centres
The Geneva Centres for security policy, humanitarian mine clearance and security sector governance are important for foreign, security and peace policy.
Contact
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Bundesgasse 28
3003 Bern
Phone: +41 58 462 30 50