50 million boost for international Geneva

The State Council is proposing a new aid measure for International Geneva, which is in crisis due to massive budget cuts imposed in particular by the United States. After an initial action plan of 10 million francs intended for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Executive unveiled another project on Wednesday: the creation of a "Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva (FAGI)," financed by the public and private sectors. The Grand Council will have to decide.

Chaired by former State Councilor Martine Brunschwig Graf, the structure would begin with an initial budget of 50 million francs, split equally between the Canton and the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, owner of Rolex. It would then be up to the new entity to find additional funds as needed.

Its objective? To support international organizations and NGOs in their internal reorganization projects and new cooperation models. The FAGI must also offer support to countries in the Global South that have fewer resources to participate in the activities of International Geneva, notes Le Temps .

The sector represents 36,000 jobs at the end of the lake. In addition to promoting Switzerland's reputation worldwide, it generates some 3.8 billion francs in economic benefits for the canton and the rest of the country, according to Nathalie Fontanet, President of the State Council.