Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

2019 celebrations: multilateralism, Geneva Conventions and the International Labour Organization

Multilateralism and the International Labour Organization are celebrating their centenary in 2019. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949.

the ‘Palais des Nations’ building in Geneva and its flag-lined route stand out in the night. — The ‘Palais des Nations’ in Geneva © Keystone

The end of the First World War marked the emergence of multilateralism. The world is currently experiencing major social and interstate tensions and a weakening of the world order. One hundred years of modern multilateralism and the International Labour Organization and 70 years of the Geneva Conventions are landmarks that remind us of the vital role of multilateral bodies and international law in protecting Switzerland’s interests. Insights, podcasts, videos and interviews: this dossier will provide content throughout 2019.

View from inside the Human Rights Council room, which symbolises multilateralism at the ‘Palais des Nations’ in Geneva.

Multilateralism, the Geneva Conventions and the ILO – what do they mean?

Brief summary of the three concepts being celebrated in

Aerial photograph of the city of Geneva and its water fountain.

List of act ivities and events

Activities and events taking place as part of the three celebrations.

Federal Councillor Cassis and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are standing next to a special stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ILO.

100th anniversary of the ILO

Ignazio Cassis marks centenary of International Labour Organization with António Guterres.

The Swiss priorities in a word cloud

Multilateral cooperation is a key foreign policy instrument for Switzerland. Blog.

UN flag flying above the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Six anecdotes about Switzerland and multilateralism

To mark 100 years of multilateralism, Switzerland’s UN missions in Geneva and New York told us some anecdotes.

The Jet d'eau in front of the Geneva skyline at sunrise

Geneva: Switzerland's gateway to the world

As with many other Swiss cities, there are a number of stereotypes about Geneva. In fact, International Geneva affords Switzerland – a small country – numerous advantages on the international stage.

The original document of the first Geneva Convention.

“Geneva Conventions: humanity against war atrocities”

Joint opinion from President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer – Available in DE, FR, IT.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis with the latest publication in the seris Quaderni di Dodis, «Switzerland and the Construction of Multilateralism», Vol. 2, with documents on the history of the League of Nations, together with the editors Sacha Zala and Marc Perrenoud.

Switzerland and the Construction of Multilateralism

The publication of the research centre Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland (Dodis) presents 50 key documents on Switzerland's role in the development of multilateralism in the context of the League of Nations between 1918 and 1946.

Last update 12.01.2023

What do they mean?

Switzerland is highly active in the international multilateral system. It is also a state party to the Geneva Conventions and a founder member and host country of the International Labour Organization.
Programme of 2019 celebrations

As part of the 2019 celebrations, a number of organisations are holding various events, exhibitions and conferences in 2019 and 2020.
“Geneva Conventions: humanity against war atrocities”