The effects of the pandemic and their implication on the activities of international organisations pose a serious challenge to Geneva as an international hub. The programme for the presidents of the National Council and the Council of States includes meetings with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Geneva Office; Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum; Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of the Geneva Internet Platform; and representatives of the World Trade Organization.
The discussions will mainly focus on the activities and perspectives of international organisations and multilateral diplomacy with regards to the pandemic, and on the measures taken by Switzerland as host state to ensure the best possible framework conditions for Geneva to continue operating as a centre for global governance. Humanitarian aid, trade, health care, digital governance and the role of the private sector will also be addressed. Ms Moret and Mr Stöckli will also meet Ambassador Jürg Lauber who took up his duties as Head of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva on 1 September 2020.
The measures planned by the Federal Council for the 2020 to 2023 period aim to consolidate and sustainably develop Switzerland’s role as a host state. The credit for these measures was approved by Parliament in 2019.
During their visit, the two Council presidents will also take stock of progress on the Strategic Heritage Plan for the Palais des Nations, a renovation and construction project to ensure the Palais des Nations continues to serve as an international platform.