New NGOs and staff boost International Geneva statistics
Geneva is home to well-known international organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN’s European headquarters (large white building in photo)
Keystone / Fabrice Coffrini
There are now almost 34,000 people working in so-called “International Geneva”. The increase is mainly due to new non-governmental organisations and staff, recent figures show.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Born in London, Simon is a multimedia journalist who has worked for www.swissinfo.ch since 2006. He speaks French, German and Spanish and focuses on science, technology and innovation issues.
Many Swiss ‘know little’ about International Geneva
This content was published on
Switzerland invests millions in its strategy towards “International Geneva”, yet many people in the German-speaking region are unfamiliar with it.
The statistics office said the number of international civil servants on non-permanent contracts continued to increase (+5%). They now represent 30% of all contracts, compared to less than a quarter in 2012.
An additional 4,203 people work for permanent diplomatic missions or consulates in Geneva accredited to the UN or to other international organisations. A total of 179 states are represented.
NGOS: a rise
The number of NGOs based in the city continues to rise steadily. According to the canton’s International Geneva welcome service (CAGIExternal link), 420 (+5%) were registered this year, employing 3,109 people (+6%). Of these, 200 NGOs employed at least one person, while two-thirds employed less than ten. Most are active in the humanitarian, human rights and migration fields. The status of 220 other NGOs in the canton was unclear.
The amount of money spent or invested by international agencies in Geneva continues to smash records. Last year it hit CHF6.3 billion ($6.3 billion), up 1.8% compared to 2017. Over half of this amount – mostly salaries and insurance and pension payments (91% of total) – was spent or invested in Switzerland, the office said.
After a steep rise from 2014 to 2017, the number of international conferences and meetings fell slightly to 3,236 last year, with a total of 207,147 people attending.
More
More
VIPs get red carpet welcome in Geneva
This content was published on
Geneva boasts more protocol receptions and international conferences than any other city in the world.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
WEF gives Crystal Award to Beckham, Yamamoto and von Fürstenberg
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum in Davos handed out awards to UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and women's rights activist Diane von Fürstenberg.
Swiss CEOs betting on a strong domestic market in 2025
This content was published on
Swiss business leaders are optimistic about 2025, despite a world in crisis, says a new survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Over 750 NGOs now active in International Geneva
This content was published on
New research has identified over 750 non-governmental organisations currently operating in so-called International Geneva.
This content was published on
The number of staff working for the United Nations, international organisations, NGOs and diplomatic missions in Geneva has topped 33,000.
Many Swiss ‘know little’ about International Geneva
This content was published on
Switzerland invests millions in its strategy towards “International Geneva”, yet many people in the German-speaking region are unfamiliar with it.
This content was published on
Have you been following recent developments in International Geneva? Take our multiple-choice quiz to test your knowledge.
This content was published on
The international district in Geneva is undergoing huge changes as part of the long-term “Jardin des Nations” cantonal development project. In all, over CHF2 billion ($2 billion) is being invested in new buildings and major renovations, as well as local transport. A considerable chunk of the finance consists of federal and cantonal loans. Here are…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.