Geneva: A Global City Where Everyone Wants to Live

Throughout its history, Geneva has been a symbol of humanitarian values and a haven for those seeking sanctuary. Renowned for its commitment to peace and diplomacy, Geneva has shaped global humanitarian efforts since the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863 and creation of the first international humanitarian treaty, the Geneva Convention of 1864. The city became a hub for international cooperation with the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization after World War II. Today, Geneva continues to uphold these values, hosting key organisations like United Nations, the World Health Organization, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The city still stands as a neutral and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.

HQ’s Managing Director, Vivian Xu, recently visited the city to meet with the Geneva Convention Bureau and delve deeper into its strategy to maintain its global status as a premier destination for business events.

Looking beyond a destination’s infrastructure and connectivity, one of the most important decision-making points is its key industry and academic pillars. Geneva serves as a major hub across multiple industries and sectors. The city boasts a robust medical and life sciences ecosystem anchored by the prestigious Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and its specialised fields. In addition, Geneva plays a significant role in physics and particle accelerator research, notably through the renowned CERN laboratory. “We are working proactively to identify the key conferences that could fit and interest the destination and different scientific institutions such as CERN, University of Geneva (UNIGE), and HUG”, said Mégane Simeon, Bid & Communication Manager of Geneva Convention Bureau.

Beyond science and medicine, Geneva is also a leader in sustainable finance, banking, international law, arbitration, and luxury sectors such as perfumery. Geneva is home to numerous international organisations that embody universalism, humanism, and international solidarity (see the list below). “The convention bureau is organised by clusters – medical or non-medical. Our strategy is based on the know-how hubs in Geneva, the Swiss precision, the central location in Europe, the high safety standards, and the multicultural environment created by all the international societies in which DEI (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion) is practised every day”, mentioned Mégane.

Moreover, the presence of innovation centres such as the Campus Biotech complex exemplifies Geneva's all-round approach to nurturing its key industrial sectors. Overall, the city leverages its world-class research facilities, international connections, and specialised expertise to maintain a dynamic and diverse economy.

The recent win of the 48th World Hospital Congress in November 2025, which will be organised by the International Hospital Federation (IHF), is a great example of how the collaboration opportunities in Geneva played an important role in the decision-making process.

HUG is Switzerland’s leading university hospital group, globally renowned for their expertise in cutting-edge medical fields. These include cardiovascular disease, complex childhood and adolescent disorders, liver and pancreatic diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal and sports medicine, genetic medicine, neurosciences, and oncology. The support of Mr. Bertrand Levrat, former Director of HUG and member of the IHF Governing Council since April 2021, was crucial in securing Geneva as the host city for this congress. (Check out our conversation with IHF on HQ #116)

DEI Policies & Strategies

Since the 16th century, Geneva has developed its unique character as the centre of the Calvinist Reformation, becoming the ‘Protestant Rome’. Today, Geneva is home to more than 190 nationalities, with more than 40% of the population of non-Swiss nationality. This multicultural diversity is reflected in Geneva’s cuisine. The recently published Geneva Food Guide by Sebastien Ripari, a project supported by the Geneva Tourism & Convention Foundation, lists 60 premium restaurants, representing the city’s international culinary landscape.

The city and its people have long prioritised diversity and inclusion through proactive policies that promote social cohesion and sustainability. Their focus includes cultural diversity, gender equality, accessible services and tackling discrimination in all its forms. They also support minority communities and encourage the civic participation of all residents, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

At the local level, Geneva implements these priorities across municipal departments and services by raising public awareness, training staff, adapting programmes to be inclusive, collaborating with community associations, researching minority needs, and addressing discrimination complaints. Regionally and internationally, Geneva collaborates with organisations to share best practices and advocate for DEI. “Overall, we aim to cultivate a just, sustainable, and vibrant community where everyone feels welcome, respected, and able to participate fully in civic life. It strives to set an example by proactively championing DEI”, added Mégane.

Geneva is also a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, providing funding and support to numerous advocacy organisations. The city runs awareness-raising campaigns, ensures municipal services are inclusive of all families, trains staff, and promotes LGBTQIA+ representation. Noteworthy initiatives include annual campaigns for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, preserving local LGBTQIA+ history, and the launch of programmes focused on transgender, intersex, and non-binary people. By creating an inclusive environment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, Geneva aims to lead in the fight against discrimination.

HQ'S TOP PICKS

Guests staying in any Geneva hotel can enjoy a complimentary digital Transport Card, offering free access to the city’s public transport network throughout their stay.

• Hotel Royal

Just a 5-minute walk from the train station, Hotel Royal welcomes you to indulge in a unique atmosphere blending marble and gilt with serene silver-grey tones, offering the ultimate luxury experience.
 

• Hilton Geneva Hotel and Conference Centre

Across from Geneva Airport and Palexpo Exhibition Center, the Hilton is located 15 minutes from Lake Geneva and the city centre. Equipped with 496 bright and spacious guestrooms, and over 3,000m2 of event space. A complimentary airport shuttle and a transportation card are available.
 

• Palexpo Exhibition Centre

From the two Geneva Convention Centres: CICG and Palexpo, the latter is at a 10-minute walk or a 2-minute direct bus ride from Geneva International Airport. With 29 meeting rooms, 9 offices, and 7 exhibition halls spanning over 106,000m 2 of pillar-free exhibit space, Palexpo offers a highly flexible structure ideal for accommodating largescale events under one roof. Additionally, Palexpo has Switzerland’s second-largest photovoltaic solar power station on its roof, with 15,000 solar panels. Equivalent to the consumption of 1,350 Geneva households per year. 2/3 of Palexpo’s electrical needs are produced by its solar panels.
 

• Tuk Tuk tour in Geneva countryside & Wine Tasting

Explore Geneva’s picturesque countryside, a 20-minute e-TukTuk (from Welo.swiss) ride from the city centre. Wander through lush vineyards and savour the exquisite wines that Geneva is renowned for!