Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Geneva

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Flags on the Avenue of the United Nations in Geneva. 9 April 2015 — Creator: Jean-Marc Ferré Licence: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The FES office in Geneva

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) office in Geneva serves as a liaison between the UN (United Nations in Geneva), other Geneva-based international organisations, FES country offices, and partners in developing countries to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

Focus of our work

News & Events

USP2030

2026
Employment and Social Policy
Event

Wednesday, 04.11.2026

Universal Social Protection in a Changing World: Advancing Social Development and Decent Work

How can universal social protection advance in an era of crises and tight financing? Join us at the USP2030 Conference on Universal Social Protection taking place on 4 November 2026 at the ILO, Geneva, and online. The event is open to the public.

2026
Trade and Development
Event

Thursday, 08.10.2026

TUTT 5: Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy – Critical Minerals, Industrialisation and Decent Work

Join us for the 5th edition of the Trade Union Trade Talks (TUTT).

Installation of a bomb casing releasing bomblets above the Third Review Conference stage in Vientiane. — Creator: FES Geneva

2026
Peace and Security Policy
Event

Monday, 05.10.2026

The Negative Impacts of Cluster Munitions and Findings from the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

Cluster munitions scatter unexploded bomblets, maim civilians and block farmland long after conflicts end. The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions assessed progress and reaffirmed commitment to this life-saving norm.

A row of international flags on flagpoles symbolizing multilateralism and diplomacy. — Creator: Dom Free on Pexels

2026
Peace and Security Policy
Event

Tuesday, 29.09.2026

As the world rearms, Geneva keeps diplomacy alive

National defense budgets are climbing amid rising geopolitical tensions, but multilateral diplomacy on arms trade control and new military and defense technology has not gone quiet in Geneva.

Toy cars among copper coins — Creator: birdys / photocase.de

Trade and Development

Trade is a central pillar of the architecture of our global economy and societies. But this pillar is under growing strain. At a time of profound global transformation, we work to build stronger foundations for a fairer and more inclusive future.

A person is holding a bucket from which they are sowing — Creator: mickmorley / photocase.de

Decent Work, Just Economy and Just Transition

Decent work for all is not a slogan for us. It is our mission. We work together with a vast variety of stakeholders to achieve decent work for all; for the informal and formal sector, for women and men, for more and less advantaged.

Handprint on a coloured pattern — Creator: jock+scott / photocase.de

Human Rights and Development

Human rights and a rules-based international order are central for peace, security, and sustainable development. We envision a world where human rights are a lived reality – understood, trusted, protected, and upheld by resilient institutions.

"The Broken Chair", a monument to landmine victims and symbolic appeal for respect for human rights in front of Place des Nations in Geneva — Creator: Handicap-International

Arms Control, Peace and Security

Arms control isn’t a relic – it’s a practical tool for making the world safer. By connecting governments, experts and civil society, we strengthen diplomacy, address emerging technologies, protect civilians and build fair international rules.

2026
Human Rights and Development
Migration
Media Center

Positive Signs, Persistent Shortfalls: Reflections on the Second International Migration Review Forum

Publication examining the progress, challenges and human rights implications of the 2026 International Migration Review Forum.

Cover of the publication "Positive Signs, Persistent Shortfalls: Reflections and Brief Human Rights Analysis of the Second International Migration Review Forum" — Creator: QUNO

2026
Trade and Development
Media Center

WTO Public Forum 2026: The Trading System at a ‘Critical Juncture’

From 15 to 17 September, the WTO Public Forum brought together trade experts from around the world in Geneva to discuss the future of the multilateral trading system amid growing geopolitical and economic pressures.

Group Picture with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — Creator: WTO

Visit our Media Center

Publications

The UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights

Terán, Daniel Uribe | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, March 2026

regulating corporate power in the era of deregulation

Download publication

Safeguarding civil society space at the United Nations

Scannella, Patrizia | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, March 2026

a crucial element in human rights promotion and protection

Download publication

Assessing human rights impacts of trade agreements

Dommen, Caroline ; Browne, Martin | 2nd revised edition, Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, February 2026

why it matters - and how to do it

Download publication

Competitive international partnerships

Koch, Cédric M. ; Korn, Franziska ; Rohde, Nora ; Horn, Miriam-Lena | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, May 2025

instruments, partner demands, and reforms for the socio-ecological transformation

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All Publications

Contact

Director

Christopher Forst

Director FES Geneva Office

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

United Nations and Global Dialogue Liaison Office | Geneva

Chemin du Pommier 42 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland

+41 22 733 34 50

info.geneva(at)fes.de

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