About us
Welcome to this website on international Geneva!
For the last 150 years, Geneva has been proud to host a unique range of international organisations which work towards building a safer, more prosperous and more just world.
This website presents an overview of International Geneva, providing details of its many actors and of upcoming events, and sharing the latest news in international cooperation.
Here, you can learn about the history of International Geneva and its main achievements, accessing facts and figures that bring to life its many dimensions.
Nathalie Fontanet, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Finance, Human Resources and External affairs, Republic and State of Geneva
This website is led by the Directorate of International Affairs within the Department of Finance, Human Resources and External affairs of the State of Geneva. It forms part of the State of Geneva's efforts to support and promote International Geneva.
With an annual budget of over 20 million Swiss francs, the Directorate of International Affairs works to enhance conditions for hosting international organizations, permanent missions, and NGOs in Geneva. It fosters exchanges, encourages innovative initiatives, and upholds the universality of International Geneva.
The Directorate actively supports the work of international organizations in humanitarian action, human rights, environment, peace, education, and global health. Each year, the Directorate funds nearly 100 projects, both in Geneva and in more than 45 countries.
These efforts are undertaken in close collaboration with the Swiss Confederation, the City of Geneva and relevant communes, and partners.
General terms and conditions
Beatrice Ferrari, Director International Affairs
Beatrice Ferrari is the Director of International Affairs for the State of Geneva, where she supports initiatives aimed at strengthening the international Geneva ecosystem and promoting global cooperation.
She holds a PhD in Urban Studies from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, with a focus on Asian cities and the impact of globalization. Previously, she directed the Bilateral Relations Office at the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, where she played an active role in advancing science diplomacy.
Laura Schmid, Project Manager & Communications
Laura Schmid has over twenty years of experience in the press industry and communications. She worked for almost ten years at the weekly magazine of the newspaper Le Monde, where she held the position of Deputy Chief Photo Editor.
Since 2012 in Geneva, she has been involved, as an independent, with several projects related to culture, notably, the organization of the international congress, MuseumNext, in Geneva. Laura Schmid has joined the International Geneva office since 2015 as Project Manager and Communications, developing activities to promote and highlight International Geneva.
Bénédicte Gilbert, Communication & Administration
Bénédicte Gilbert has been active in the world of International Geneva and digital communication since 2004. With a Master's degree in Marketing and Business Administration, she first worked at the United Nations Office in Geneva and then at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies as a program assistant and communication officer. She joined the International Geneva team in 2017 as a communication & administration officer, in charge of the website.
Alexis Bonvin, IT Coordinator
Alexis Bonvin studied international relations at the University of Geneva, and started his professional career at Collège du Léman as a database analyst. In 2014, he joined the International Solidarity Service of the Canton of Geneva and held the position of Administration Officer. Since 2019, he shares this position as the IT coordinator at the Service de la Genève internationale.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva
Office of the Amiable Compositeur
City of Geneva
International Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI)
Geneva Press Club (CSP)
Fondation pour Genève
Foundation for Buildings for International Organisations (FIPOI)
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
University of Geneva (UNIGE)
International Organizations
NGOs
Permanent Missions
Direction des affaires internationales (DAI)
Service de la Genève internationale
Rue de Varembé 9
1202 Genève
Suisse
info.geneve.internationale@etat.ge.ch
If you are living abroad, feel free to contact the official Swiss representation in your country for any question about visa, work permit, etc.
If you wish to obtain information on a person living in Geneva, please contact the cantonal population and migration office directly.