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INTERNATIONAL AND MULTICULTURAL ATMOSPHERE |
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Geneva is a fine, old city of newcomers. If that sounds like a paradox, consider that Geneva has been inhabited for over 3000 years, with successive waves of immigrants adding to its complexity and richness. Today, over 40% of Genevans come from somewhere else. Geneva has built its prosperity on the intellectual capital and fresh energy of its newcomers. This multicultural tradition is now helping global companies meet the challenges of international business.
The number and diversity of the organizations here are impressive. Over 125 multinational companies have chosen Geneva as a base, and 24 international organizations (including the main UN agencies), 200 diplomatic missions and consulates and over 300 international NGOs operate here. Although French is Geneva’s official language, English is the official language of most multinationals and international organizations. But a short tram ride through town can sound like a meeting at the UN: with English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Serbo-Croate, Arabic, Japanese and Russian overheard on any typical day.
Geneva's international character makes it an ideal place for cultures to mix in a tolerant cosmopolitan environment. Employees are used to working with people from different cultures and creeds. Children who grow up here celebrate local customs (such as, breaking the chocolate cauldron at the Escalade celebration in December) while taking each other’s national customs for granted as well. Geneva’s mosaic of nations has a stimulating affect on the cultural offering by generating a diverse range of cultural activities. Geneva’s cultural calendar is filled with music, cinema, dance, and theater from the world over. Not to mention, food - Geneva’s 1200 restaurants cater to its many communities by offering cuisine from all over the world. Extending an international welcome
Geneva’s population can be said to be made up of two groups: “local Genevans” and “Internationals”. Both are essential parts of this city’s rich and diverse atmosphere.
If taken together, “International Geneva” – that is, Geneva’s many multinationals, UN agencies, permanent missions, consulates, NGOs, press, etc. – is clearly the Canton’s largest employer, with some 40,000 people on its payroll.
Recognizing the importance of this sector, Geneva has set up a unique service to help newcomers settle in. The International Geneva Welcome Center or CAGI (from its French name, Centre d’Accueil - Genève International) is a clearing house for practical information about living in Geneva: housing, schools, clubs, etc. In addition, by hosting events and get-togethers open to all, it provides a bridge between “International Geneva” and the local community. The international dimension of the city is also sustained by 170'000 delegates coming every year to attend international conferences. They find support and information through the Welcome Center for Non-Governmental Organizations and Delegations run by Mandat International. In order to catch a glimpse of this international dimension of Geneva, you can have a look to the Geneva international portal and to the Calendar of international meetings.
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Quote from SGS: “All 10 of our business units have their headquarters here. We operate in a lot of places so SGS culture is ‘blind’ to nationality: I would say that reflects the Geneva community at large.” Dan Kerpelman, CEO Quote from the World Economic Forum: “Being in Geneva has allowed us to develop in an internationally open way; it has allowed the thinking we needed to become who we are.” André Schneider, COO
Quote from PriceWaterhouseCoopers:
“A European headquarters needs people who understand the different European cultures. Switzerland itself is a melting pot of Germans, French and Italians.” Daniel Gremaud, Partner, Tax and Legal Services
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