SWITZERLAND Host State SUISSE Etat hôte

Transcription

1 SWITZERLAND Host State SUISSE Etat hôte

2 Table of contents English 2 17 Introduction 3 Switzerland: a host by tradition 4 International presence in Switzerland at a glance 6 Switzerland today and tomorrow: 7 a host state policy The top-priority fields of Switzerland's host state policy and 7 some of the key international players based in the country Instruments of Swiss host state policy 10 Shortlist of conference centers in Switzerland 14 Facts and figures about Switzerland 16 List of international organizations based in 38 Switzerland Map of International Geneva 52 French

3 English Introduction Switzerland enjoys a long-standing tradition of commitment to the world s countries and of hosting international organizations and conferences. The expertise Switzerland has acquired in this field, its infrastructure as well as the living and working conditions it offers its international guests foster effective interaction between the various international players. An established world center for international cooperation, Switzerland takes pride in its contribution to meeting the challenges the world is facing today and those to come. This brochure offers a detailed introduction to Switzerland s host state policy, its legal instruments and practices, as well as a list of international organizations based in the country. The brochure also contains practical advice to help make the everyday life of our international guests easier. This brochure is also available on the internet in English, French, German and Italian at: 3

4 Switzerland: a host by tradition Located at the crossroads of the main historic communication routes in Europe, Switzerland enjoys a long-standing tradition as a welcoming country, which fosters humanism, cultural exchanges and commerce. Many fleeing religious persecution in Europe from the 16 th to the 18 th centuries found a safe haven in Geneva. A large number of political refugees also found shelter in Switzerland during 19 th and 20 th century upheavals. In addition to being a refuge for the oppressed, Switzerland has become a host to the world s countries and institutions. Indeed, the first international institutions established their headquarters in Switzerland during the 19 th century. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was founded in Geneva in International organizations of an intergovernmental nature set up their original head offices in the federal city of Berne: the International Telegraphic Union, now known as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in 1868, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874, and the Central Office for International organizations in Switzerland International Labour Organization (ILO) Foundation: 1919 In Switzerland: since 1920 Headquarters: Geneva Mission: ILO is dedicated to drawing-up and overseeing international labour standards. It ensures that they are respected in practice as well as in principle worldwide. It is promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights for men and women of both poor and rich countries. 4

5 English International Carriage by Rail, nowadays the Intergovernmental Organization for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), in World War I gave rise to a greater need for countries to work hand in hand. Switzerland s neutrality, which was recognized at the Vienna Congress in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic Wars and confirmed by the victorious powers of World War I, enabled Switzerland to play a growing part as a host to international institutions, which foster intergovernmental cooperation. Switzerland s commitment in this regard led to its hosting in Geneva of the League of Nations in 1919 and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in A period of closer and lasting cooperation between governments began at the end of World War II, followed by the establishment in 1945 of the quintessential international organization with a global scope, the United Nations (UN), with European headquarters in Geneva. Specialized UN agencies were also set up in Geneva, e.g. the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in At that time, Switzerland anchored its commitment to international cooperation by adopting a policy for hosting international organizations and conferences. Switzerland later confirmed its mission as a neutral country and as a trusted host particularly by receiving high-level conferences between Eastern and Western countries throughout the Cold War. The period from decolonization in the 1950s and 1960s to the present time has witnessed a growing involvement of developing countries in international institutions. New participants in international affairs have also appeared at this stage. In addition to international institutions and conferences, Switzerland hosts a large number of these new participants, particularly non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which have become significant partners for governments, international organizations and the private sector. Innovative forms of international collaboration between these various participants have also come to life, e.g. the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, established in Geneva in Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment to international institutions by hosting the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva in 1995 and by joining the United Nations in This is the first time any country became a member of the UN pursuant to its people s and constituent States (cantons) vote. 5

6 Having gained significant experience as a host to countries and international institutions, Switzerland, particularly International Geneva, has become the world center of international cooperation alongside New York. International presence in Switzerland at a glance: Over 160 foreign countries are represented in Switzerland through diplomatic and consular representations, as well as the permanent missions to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, the World Trade Organization and the Conference on Disarmament. 26 international organizations of an intergovernmental nature are based in Switzerland, i.e 23 in Geneva, two in Berne and one in Basle. Seven of these organizations are part of the United Nations system. 7 quasi-intergovernmental organizations are based in Switzerland, with 5 in Geneva and 2 in the neighboring canton of Vaud. About 250 non-governmental organizations which act as advisors to the United Nations are based in Switzerland. Several thousand international conferences take place in Switzerland each year and are attended by over a hundred thousand delegates from all countries. The international community in Switzerland is made up of some 40,000 people including diplomats, international civil servants and their families. 6

7 English Switzerland today and tomorrow: a host state policy Switzerland s host state policy has adapted to a fast-changing world. Today s challenges are increasingly complex and have an impact on multiple fields (e.g. the effects of HIV/AIDS on individuals health, public finances, development and the global economy). The phenomenon of globalization has added to the unpredictability, scope and acuteness of these challenges, which know no geographic or political boundaries. Solutions to these challenges must be anticipated and coordinated at an international level as countries seldom possess the resources and skills to face these challenges alone. In this new context, the Swiss host state policy aims to foster international cooperation in specific top-priority fields. It also seeks to provide the very best conditions for specialized international organizations and conferences to establish themselves in Switzerland and work effectively. The top-priority fields of Switzerland s host state policy and some of the key international players based in the country: Peace, security and disarmament: in the traditional disarmament field, e.g. the Conference on Disarmament, a multilateral forum established in 1979 by the UN General Assembly; the New START Treaty negotiations held in Geneva in 2009 between Russia and the United States; within the frame-work of meetings convened on specific issues, e.g. the Geneva Talks on the Iranian nuclear question (2008 and 2009) and the Geneva Talks between Russia and Georgia (since 2008); the presence of the following agencies: Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Center for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). 7

8 Humanitarian affairs and human rights: e.g. the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC); the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR); the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Health: e.g. the World Health Organization (WHO); the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunization (GAVI Alliance). Labour, economic affairs and science: e.g. the International Labour Organization (ILO); the World Trade Organization (WTO); the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); the Bank for International Settlements (BIS); the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Sustainable development and the conservation of natural resources: e.g. the United Nations Environment Program s Regional Office for Europe (UNEP); the World Meteorological Organization (WMO); the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); multiple permanent secretariats of major international conventions on the environment, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (PIC) and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP). The presence of numerous international players specialized in these top-priority fields has led to the establishment in Switzerland of a true synergy center between countries (through their permanent missions), international organizations, participants to international conferences, NGOs, the academic world and the private sector. A list of permanent missions to international organizations is available at: F8004CB68C?OpenDocument&expand=1&count=10000&cntxt=13396&cookielang =fr 8

9 English International NGOs contribute to the activities of numerous multilateral fora, evidencing the strong cooperation and interaction between governments, international organizations and NGOs. It is worth noting that the conditions Switzerland offers NGOs with regard to setting up office are among the world s freest. The canton of Geneva furthermore helps them get established. Lists of NGOs based in Geneva are available at: More detailed information about the International organizations established in Geneva and about International Geneva is available at: International organizations in Switzerland International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Foundation: 1948 In Switzerland: since 1960 Headquaters: Gland Mission: It is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. IUCN develops and supports conservation science, particularly on biodiversity and ecosystems. 9

10 Instruments of Swiss host state policy Any organization that decides to set up office in Switzerland will benefit from the country s excellent living and working conditions, a secure and safe environment, as well as first-rate real estate for office space and conference facilities. To offer the best support possible to such organizations, the federal government and host cantons work together closely. Below are the key instruments of Swiss host state policy. Updated legal provisions The new Host State Act (LEH; RS ) and the Host State Ordinance (OLEH; RS ), which came into force on 1 January 2008, bring together existing legal provisions regarding Swiss host state policy and codify the practices that Switzerland has adopted over the years in this regard. As a result, Switzerland now avails of a set of transparent and uniform rules governing its role as a host state. Host State Act on the FDFA website: Host State Act (unofficial translation): Par.0009.File.tmp/Host%20State%20Act.pdf Host State Ordinance (unofficial translation): Par.0010.File.tmp/Host%20State%20Ordinance.pdf Privileges and immunities Switzerland guarantees the privileges and immunities that international law confers upon international organizations and their civil servants as well as foreign representations (embassies, consulates and permanent missions) and their members. Beyond its obligations under international law, Switzerland grants them extensive facilities, particularly as regards exemption from value added tax (VAT) and access to the Swiss employment market for spouses and children. Building Foundation for International Organizations (FIPOI) The FIPOI, a private not-for-profit foundation which was set up by the Swiss Confederation and the canton of Geneva in 1964, assists international organizations with their property searches in Geneva. The FIPOI benefits from federal interest-free loans repayable over 50 years, which it uses to facilitate the purchase or construction of property by international organizations. 10

11 English The canton of Geneva also provides international organizations building land on a leasehold basis. Since the reform of its statutes in 2004, the FIPOI may, in isolated cases, now extend its services to the canton of Vaud. The Foundation can also purchase or construct property which it will itself rent and manage. Conference infrastructure Switzerland abounds in infrastructure suitable for hosting international conferences of any size or kind. Options include large venues such as the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG, with a capacity of up to 3,500 people), which was built by the Swiss Confederation and is available to international organizations at no cost. There are a number of publicly and privately owned international conference facilities in the country, such as the well-known Lucerne Culture and Convention Center (KKL). Several venues are located in the mountains, e.g. the Bürgenstock (with a view over Lake Lucerne) and Mount Pèlerin (overlooking Lake Geneva). The peaceful and discreet atmosphere of both places is particularly suited to diplomatic negotiations. (See chapter Shortlist of conference centers in Switzerland for more detailed information). Security measures The safety of international conferences, international organizations and their civil servants as well as the safety of foreign representations and their members is a toppriority of Switzerland s host state policy. The increasing worldwide terrorist activity witnessed over the past years, especially the attacks of September 11, 2001 (including the World Trade Center, New York) and of August 19, 2003 (United Nations, Baghdad), reminds us that no one government, institution or individual is immune to acts of violence and heavy human casualties. Effective cooperation between international participants in Switzerland can only take place in a safe environment, which is why federal, cantonal and local authorities aim to ensure the highest level of safety for their international guests. Duty-free shop The Swiss authorities approved the opening of a duty-free shop in December 1995 to enable persons with diplomatic status to purchase duty-free goods for their own personal use. Guidelines on the use of the duty-free shop are available online. 11

12 See also the website of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and the other international organizations in Geneva (practical manual of the regime of privileges and immunities and other facilities): Information and advice for new arrivals The International Geneva Welcome Center (CAGI) was founded in 1996 by the canton of Geneva and the federal government. Today, it also enjoys the backing of the City of Geneva, the canton of Vaud, the city of Nyon, the Geneva International Airport and a number of private institutions. Its aim is to help international civil servants and their families settle into their new environment. The CAGI provides practical assistance with respect to housing, schooling and insurance matters. Additional information on the CAGI is available on the following internet site: Geneva Press Club Inaugurated on October 22, 1997 on the premises of the Villa La Pastorale, the purpose of the Geneva Press Club is to receive and help journalists temporarily in Geneva, and to promote exchanges between the Swiss and international economic, political, culture and scientific sectors on the one hand, and Swiss and foreign media in French-speaking Switzerland and neighboring France on the other hand. Fondation pour Genève The goal of this foundation is to use all means at its disposal to contribute to the renown of Geneva, both in Switzerland and abroad. It encourages setting up and developing temporary or permanent institutions of a cultural, artistic, scientific or philanthropic nature, by stimulating exchanges between these institutions and similar foreign organizations, by taking appropriate steps to ensure that they are treated generously, by organizing events and meetings aimed at promoting the exchange of ideas, and by proactively supporting all initiatives that maintain and enhance the reputation of Geneva for humanism. The Foundation is also committed to providing various kinds of support in specific areas to the Geneva authorities in the context of the international development of Geneva. 12

13 English Diplomatic Club of Geneva The Diplomatic Club of Geneva is an important presence on the International Geneva scene. It hosts debates which encourage intellectual and thought-provoking exchanges between the resident community and invited guests of international renown. It also organizes informal social events for its members and their spouses, including receptions, day trips, conferences and cultural or sporting activities. Finally, Switzerland enjoys an exceptional standard of living. Located at the heart of Europe, it offers the advantages of a small country yet is close to the continent s major cities, thanks among others to reliable flight and rail connections. It provides guests from all over the world with a wide range of renowned tourist attractions including cultural, recreational and sporting activities. The country s fine hotels and restaurants have also earned high marks. Switzerland s multicultural and multilingual atmosphere is one of its essential components: its four national languages comprise German, French, Italian and Rumantsch. English is widely spoken, too. Switzerland is home to a significant foreign population making up approximately 22% of the country s over 7.7 million inhabitants. In the canton of Geneva this ratio even exceeds 35%. Further information on tourist attractions and facts and figures is available at: International organizations in Switzerland World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Foundation: 1967 In Switzerland: since 1967 Headquarters: Geneva Mission: WIPO is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest. 13

14 Shortlist of conference centers in Switzerland International Conference Center Geneva (CICG) Inaugurated in 1973, the CICG is located in the vicinity of the Place des Nations, the Office of the United Nations at Geneva and the headquarters of most international organizations. The Center is available free of charge to international organizations for their confererences. It embodies Switzerland s traditional policy to promote negotiations and the search for consensus in international relations. After substantial renovation in 2004 and 2005, the CICG accommodates up to 3,500 people in rooms of various sizes and layout, equipped with top-of-the-line technical facilities. The CICG complex houses 19 conference rooms from 20 to 300 seats, two conference rooms from 350 to 1,000 seats (adaptable to increase capacity to 2,200 seats), 60 offices, a 600 m 2 (6,458 sq ft) multifunctional area, a post office, a bar and a restaurant for up to 600 guests. Varembé Conference Centre Geneva (CCV) A stone s throw away from the CICG, the CCV can host meetings and conferences for groups of 15 to 200 delegates. It can be used both independently of or in conjunction with events taking place at the CICG. The CCV consists of 5 conference rooms, 3 of which are equipped for simultaneous translation (5 to 6 booths). These rooms, designed to offer optimal flexibility, are high-ceilinged and enjoy natural daylight. An attractive patio with awnings provides a relaxing venue for coffee breaks and drinks. Other conference centers and venues in Switzerland: Palais des Nations, Geneva (headquarters of the United Nations Office in Geneva): able to host up to 9,700 delegates. The 1,800-seater Assembly Hall, the 400-seater Council Chamber and 34 rooms are able to host up to 7,500 delegates in total. 14

15 English Palexpo, Geneva: able to host up to 11,000 delegates. 31 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 80 to 3, Culture and Convention Center, Lucerne: able to host up to 3,100 delegates. 12 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 60 to 1, Kongresshaus, Zurich: able to host up to 3,000 delegates. 9 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 10 to 1, Convention Centre, Basle: able to host up to 6,000 delegates. 12 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 20 to 2, Allegro Grand Casino Kursaal, Bern: able to host up to 3,200 delegates. 23 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 6 to 1, Palais de Beaulieu, Lausanne: able to host up to 8,100 delegates. 26 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 50 to 4, Convention Center, Lugano: able to host up to 1,700 delegates. 8 rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 20 to 1, Montreux Music & Convention Center: able to host up to 3,000 delegates. Several rooms with a seating capacity ranging from 100 to 3,

16 Facts and figures about Switzerland Population: 7,783 million, 22% of whom are foreign nationals Capital city: Berne Main cities and population: Zurich (365,000), Geneva (183,000), Basle (165,000), Berne (123,000), Lausanne (122,000) National languages: German (64%), French (20%), Italian (6%), Rumantsch (0.5%) Surface area: 41,285 km 2 / 15,940 sq miles Distances: 220 km/137 miles (North-South), 348 km/217 miles (East-West) Highest point: Monte Rosa (Valais): 4,634 m/15,000 feet Lowest point: Lake Maggiore (Ticino): 193 m/643 feet Main airports: Zurich Kloten, Geneva Cointrin, Basle-Mulhouse, Berne-Belp, Lugano Agno Swiss Travel System Zurich and Geneva airports each have their own railway station with half-hourly trains to all major destinations throughout Switzerland. Timetables, ticket offices, information, change and baggage registration are easily accessible. The Swiss Travel System is the best way to discover Switzerland by train, bus and boat. The Swiss Pass (unlimited travel in the country from four days to a month) or the Swiss Card (transportation to and from your destination in Switzerland and half-price for excursions) are ideal ways to discover Switzerland on the Swiss Travel System. This system includes transportation by train, bus, boat and mountain-cable railways. The Swiss Pass includes urban transportation in many Swiss cities. For more information check: Fly Rail Baggage The Swiss public transport offers a unique baggage service for air travelers in and out of Switzerland: check your baggage through to one of 76 Swiss railway stations from any airport in the world. The same applies vice versa. You can check in at many Swiss railway stations, where you will receive your boarding pass. This way you will secure your favorite seat and check in your luggage before heading for the airport 16

17 English with your carry-on baggage. For detailed information ask for the Check-in & Fly Rail Baggage brochure or check: Climate: Temperatures generally do not reach extremes of hot or cold. In cities, summer temperatures seldom rise above 30 C/86 F, and humidity is moderate. Winter temperatures often fall below 0 C/32 F. The southern part of Switzerland has subtropical vegetation and a mild climate all year-round. Banking/Business hours Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. They are generally closed Saturdays and Sundays and on public holidays. Most shops are open from 9 am to 6:30 pm weekdays, and from 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays. They are usually closed Sundays except at airports and some railway stations and motorway rest stops. Telephoning in and from Switzerland Any country in the world can be called from private or public telephones. Payment options are: Swiss and Euro coins, Taxcard and Credit Cards. For information phone the Swisscom information line A text messaging service is offered at approx. 4,000 new generation phone booths. The rates can also be consulted at: htm?languageid=en or at the freephone Switzerland: a favorite venue for major conferences e.g. Follow-up UNGASS (Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly) to the UN Social Summit in 2000; World Summit on the Information Society in 2003; First Session of the Human Rights Council in 2006; Durban Review Conference in 2009; ITU Telecom World in 2009 and 2011; 7 th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2009; 4 th World Congress against the Death Penalty in 2010; 13 th Sommet de la Francophonie, Montreux

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20 Table des matières Français 20 Introduction 21 La Suisse : une tradition d accueil 22 Présence internationale en Suisse en un coup d oeil 24 La Suisse aujourd hui et demain : 25 une politique d accueil Domaines prioritaires de la politique d accueil suisse et 25 certains acteurs principaux établis dans le pays Les instruments de la politique d Etat hôte de la Suisse 28 Quelques centres et salles de conférences 32 disponibles en Suisse Données sur la Suisse et informations touristiques 34 Liste d Organisations internationales sises en Suisse 38 Plan de la Genève internationale 52 20

21 Français Introduction La Suisse bénéficie d une tradition séculaire en matière de service aux pays du monde entier et d accueil d organisations et de conférences internationales. Le savoir-faire qu elle a acquis dans ce domaine, les infrastructures qu elle consacre à ses hôtes internationaux et le cadre de vie et de travail qu elle leur offre favorisent les synergies entre les divers acteurs de la scène internationale. La Suisse, centre mondial de la coopération internationale hier comme aujourd hui, est fière de contribuer ainsi à relever les défis de notre temps et ceux à venir. Cette brochure vous donnera de plus amples informations sur la politique d accueil de la Suisse, ses instruments et sa mise en pratique. Elle est complétée par une liste d adresses des organisations internationales présentes en Suisse ainsi que par des conseils pratiques qui devraient aider à faciliter la vie quotidienne de nos hôtes internationaux. Cette brochure est également disponible sur internet en français, anglais, allemand et italien : 21

22 La Suisse : une tradition d accueil Située au carrefour des grandes voies historiques de communication en Europe, la Suisse jouit d une longue tradition de terre d accueil, d humanisme ainsi que d échanges culturels et commerciaux. Nombreux ont été les rescapés des persécutions religieuses du XVI ème au XVIII ème siècles en Europe à trouver refuge à Genève. C est également en Suisse que maints réfugiés politiques, fuyant les bouleversements des XIX ème et XX ème siècles, ont trouvé un havre de paix. Au rôle d accueil de l opprimé caractérisant la Suisse s est ajouté celui d hôte au service des pays et institutions du monde. En effet, c est au XIX ème siècle déjà que les premières institutions internationales ont élu domicile en Suisse. Le Comité international de la Croix- Rouge (CICR) est ainsi né à Genève en Les organisations internationales à caractère intergouvernemental, elles, sont à leur origine venues s établir dans la ville fédérale de Berne : l Union télégraphique internationale en 1868, aujourd hui connue sous le nom Organisations internationales en Suisse Union postale universelle (UPU) Fondation : 1874 En Suisse : depuis la fondation Siège principal : Berne Mission : L'UPU constitue le principal forum de coopération entre les acteurs du secteur postal, permettant d'assurer un véritable réseau universel de produits et de services à la pointe du progrès. Elle fixe les règles des échanges de courrier international, joue un rôle de conseil et de médiation et fournit de l'assistance technique. 22