Yesterday, (1st August 2001 at Swiss National Day celebrations), Manuel Tornare, Mayor of the City of Geneva, gave a speech dedicated to the spirit of openness and generosity that characterises Geneva’s history. ‘This warm, lively and international city is a platform for international exchanges, always attentive to problems of global significance and always ready to commit to noble causes.’

‘These qualities need to be maintained, encouraged and developed’, continued the Mayor. ‘I am proud to live in a city which is home to 185 nationalities and in a country which strenuously defends human rights and the causes of peace.’

Geneva – centre of humanitarian activities

Geneva has been home to the European headquarters of the United Nations for over 50 years and a noted international city since the 19th century. Today, many non-governmental organisations have established their centre of decision-making in the city and, especially, the presence of an increasing number of NGOs in the city is re-centring the power forum to offer a counter-balance to traditional international Geneva.

Geneva is synonymous with humanitarian and charitable organisations. Today, the city has become the principal forum of world negotiation, and a natural home to intense diplomatic and networking activity, due to the numerous International Organizations and NGOs located in the Lake Geneva area, whose activities are central to human life (in matters of health, labour, humanitarian assistance, trade and development, telecommunications, environment, scientific research, intellectual property, sports, etc.). Geneva is a centre of excellence and decision-making in multiple domains: The undertakings of these international organisations regularly place Geneva and its vicinity at the heart of world affairs.

Visit:

Governmental and non-governmental organisations in Geneva: Link

Humanitarian Organizations Link

Culture and Society Link

Economic and Development Organizations Link

Environmental Organizations Link

Health and Education Organizations Link

Labour Organizations Link

Peace and Disarmament Organizations Link

Political and Legal Organizations Link

Religious Organizations Link

Scientific and Technical Organizations Link

Sports, Youth and Leisure Link

Telecommunication and Postal Organizations Link

Transport Organizations Link