The new “H Building” took five years to build and is part of an CHF830 million ($905 million) renovation of the whole UN structure, half funded by a CHF400 million interest free loan from Switzerland.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Monday, Cassis reiterated the importance of the UN presence to International Geneva – the collection of NGOs and global organisations that have been present in the region for many years.
“When we laid the building’s cornerstone in 2016, our aim was to provide a suitable setting for sustainable and forward-looking multilateral diplomacy. And we have succeeded,” Cassis saidExternal link.
More
More
Renovations set to transform International Geneva
This content was published on
A dozen major renovation and new building projects are underway for Geneva-based international organisations.
Work on the historic section of the Palais des Nations is scheduled to continue until 2024.
The Director General of the UN at Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, Geneva’s President Serge Dal Busco and Nathalie Fontanet, representing International GenevaExternal link, were also present at the opening ceremony.
At the same event, Cassis opened the eighth edition of the Geneva Peace Week, which focuses on four themes: the transformation of conflicts caused by climate change; inclusion and the fight against inequalities as instruments of peace; responding better to security risks; and using new technologies to promote peace.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Addictions cause billions in damage in Switzerland
This content was published on
The alcohol, tobacco and gambling industries generate billions in revenue. At the same time, they cost the economy billions, according to Addiction Switzerland.
Swiss parliament moves closer to partial ban of tobacco ads
This content was published on
Tobacco advertising should be partially banned in the print media. On Monday the House of Representatives gave the go-ahead for restrictions on advertising, with some relaxations.
Online platforms and UBS in sights of Swiss price watchdog
This content was published on
With over 800 cases processed, including just under 400 recommendations, 2024 once again ended with a record number of cases for the Swiss price watchdog.
Swiss federal office sees no reason to end deportations of asylum-seekers to Croatia
This content was published on
Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to deport asylum-seekers to Croatia. It thus rejects a demand from the Swiss Refugee Council in mid-February, which called for a halt to the returns.
ChatGPT responds to negative emotions and therapy, research shows
This content was published on
Stressful information can also cause anxiety in artificial intelligence (AI). As scientists in Zurich have shown, it's even possible to calm the GPT-4 AI model with mindfulness exercises.
Mortgage benchmark fall paves way for potential rent cuts in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland’s national benchmark for mortgage costs dropped to the level it had before the global inflation surge, paving the way for potential rent reductions.
Switzerland ‘deeply concerned’ by Trump’s death penalty order
This content was published on
Switzerland has told the UN Human Rights Council that it is "deeply concerned" by US President Donald Trump's recent executive order to strengthen capital punishment at federal and state level.
Blatter, Platini return to court for new fraud trial over CHF2 million FIFA payment
This content was published on
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and former UEFA President Michel Platini appeared in court in Switzerland on Monday accused of fraud - 2.5 years after they were cleared.
Israel criticises Swiss decision to host Middle East conference in Geneva on Friday
This content was published on
Israel has condemned Switzerland for planning to host a meeting on international humanitarian law in the Middle East next Friday in Geneva.
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
Swiss landmarks turn blue to mark UN 75th birthday
This content was published on
The Palais des Nations and Jet d'eau are among European buildings and monuments illuminated blue to mark the anniversary.
This content was published on
United Nations officials have shared details of the renovation work due to begin next year on the sprawling and historic Palais des Nations complex in Geneva. Some staff are unhappy with the plans for a makeover into a modern operational UN hub.
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.