International organisations and non-governmental organisations

Western Switzerland accommodates numerous international and non-governmental organisations whose mission resides in designing the future of humanity. In addition to the United Nations, the region has the biggest organisations related to:

• trade (WTO)
• humanitarian (UNHCR, ICRC)
• sports (IOC, UEFA, ITTF)
• environment and nature (WWF, IUCN)
• telecommunications (ITU)
• politics (UN)
• health (WHO)
• development (UNCTAD, UNDP)
• labour (ILO)
• research (CERN)
• intellectual property (WIPO)

The contributions of international organisations are important. Among the major advantages one can name:

• infrastructures
• international presence
• stability and security
• information (statistics, analysis, etc.)
• scientific and industrial return, technological gains (access to particular components, for example, training of researchers)
• cultural diversity

There are many non-governmental organisations in Western Switzerland, working in all areas of civil society.