Support for the renovation of buildings used by international organisations is part of the strategy set out in the joint report entitled International Geneva and its Future, adopted by the Federal Council on 26 June 2013. The aim is to adapt and to strengthen the existing host country policy by proposing innovative instruments to finance the increasing renovation needs of the buildings used by international organisations based in Geneva. The Foundation for the Property of International Organisations (FIPOI) estimates that these needs will amount to about CHF 1.2 billion in the next 10 years.
In August 2012, the FDFA received a mandate from the Federal Council to discuss in depth with interested partners the political, legal, financial and institutional aspects of the various options for financing renovation. It was decided that the most appropriate option would be to grant preferential loans through the FIPOI to the international organisations concerned. These loans will be financed either by the Confederation or by external sources with a guarantee by the Confederation, depending on the circumstances. The maximum repayment period would be 30 years.
Switzerland is convinced that the Strategic Heritage Plan - the project for the comprehensive renovation of the Palais des Nations - should be put into action as soon as possible. It believes that this project will bring considerable benefits for the UN Secretariat and for member states. In 2011, Switzerland made an extraordinary contribution of CHF 50 million to finance energy-saving measures in the Palais. Now, as host state, it is willing to make a new gesture by granting one or several FIPOI loans financed by Switzerland that would cover up to 50% of the total cost of the Strategic Heritage Plan. The Canton and the City of Geneva will also make a substantial contribution to this loan.
For further information:
Jean-Marc Crevoisier
Head of FDFA Information
Tel.: +41 (0)79 763 84 10
Further information:
International organizations in Switzerland
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
+41 (0)31 322 31 53
