International

Why Geneva ?

Genève

Situated at the edge of the Lac Léman, Geneva is considered as one of the most internationally-minded cities in the world. It is a key location in the development of world-building policies and home to 22 international organizations, including the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, the World Trade Organization, the International Labour Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the CERN, to name just some. In total, over 40’000 international representatives are currently employed in Geneva. More than 250 Non-Governmental Organizations are stationed here, and the city also houses more than 1000 multinational corporations.

The role of Geneva as a current hub for law making and international relations is in line with its rich history. In 1864, the city became the birthplace of humanitarian law, due to the well-known Geneva Conventions. In 1878, Geneva was the venue where the world’s first international arbitration took place, chosen by both the United States and Britain to solve a world-spanning dispute. And in 1985, the Cold War was ended by Mikhaïl Gorbatchev and Ronald Reagan in a meeting in Geneva. With 4’500 international conferences taking place in Geneva every year, the city is one of the most sought-after venues worldwide.

The attractiveness of Geneva is not limited to international organizations: Geneva has a medieval historic center and many museums and cultural sites (see Geneva city's official website and www.geneva.info ). The University offers its students numerous sporting activities in stunning settings and surroundings at reasonable prices, such as rowing or sailing on the lake and skiing in the nearby Alps (sports at the University of Geneva).