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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVANTS
Founded in 1949
LIVING IN FEATURED / À LA UNE
Interview with Ambassador
Salman Bal, Director of CAGI – p.8
GENEVA WHO / OMS
Coaching. How to create cultures
that value connection and staff
engagement – p. 34
UNITED NATIONS /
NATIONS UNIES
ICSC global staff survey. Please read
this before you answer – p. 36
791 – JUL-AUG 2019
Think safer, BETTER,
longer living.
lem en tal health insurance for
Supp
a nd W H O sta ff members
UN, ILO
New attractive
conditions 2019
www.gpafi.org
Werbung
www.uniqa.ch
© atelier-schnegg.ch
ALEXANDER MEJIA
Editor-in-chief / Rédacteur en chef
EDITOR’S NOTE / ÉDITORIAL 3 When we decided to focus on living in Lorsque nous avons décidé de consacrer
Geneva for the summer issue, we did it with le numéro d'été à la vie à Genève, nous
FEATURED / À LA UNE our readers interests in mind. Geneva offers l'avons fait dans l'intérêt de nos lecteurs.
The world’s smallest metropolis 5 unique opportunities, but is one of the most Genève offre des opportunités uniques mais
Interview with Ambassador Salman Bal, expensive cities in the world and living here c’est l'une des villes les plus chères du
Director of CAGI 8 can be challenging. In this edition, we have monde, et vivre ici peut vite devenir un
provided selected information about the défi. Nous avons voulu apporter des infor-
Public Transportation in Geneva.
Interview with Ms. Anne Hornung- most pressing questions for any newcomer. mations substantielles sur les questions les
Soukup, Chair of the Board of TPG 10 plus pressantes pour tout nouvel arrivant.
You will read an interview with Ambassa-
Relocating to Geneva?
dor Salman Bal, Director of the Interna- Vous lirez un entretien avec l'Ambassadeur
A Guide to a Stress-Free Move 14
tional Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI), who Salman Bal, Directeur du Centre d'Accueil
CAGI’s Housing Service 16 shared with us the main services provided de la Genève Internationale (CAGI), qui
From the diary of a UN consultant 17 to facilitate the installation of newcomers nous a fait part des principaux services
to Geneva. You will also read an interview fournis pour faciliter l'installation des nou-
Living in Geneva:
The Intern’s Perspective 18 with Ms. Anne Hornung-Soukup, Chair of veaux arrivants. Vous lirez également une
the Board of TPG (Geneva Public Trans- interview de Mme Anne Hornung-Soukup,
À Genève, le pari gagné
port) who told us about their projects for Présidente du Conseil d'administration des
de l’électricité renouvelable 20
the near future that will change Geneva. TPG qui nous parle de leurs projets qui
Continuing Education at the Heart We also covered the housing aspect with vont changer le Grand Genève.
of the Future of Work 22 different contributions: from a relocation Nous avons aussi couvert l'aspect logement
Offre de soins du service publique company, from CAGI’s Housing Service avec différentes contributions: d'une société
dans le canton de Genève 26 and from two interns’ associations; “Fair de relogement, du Service Logement du CAGI
What to do in Geneva in summer 2019 28 Internship Initiative” and “Geneva Interns et de deux associations de stagiaires : "Fair
Association”. Additionally, you will find Internship Initiative" et "Geneva Interns
UNITED NATIONS / NATIONS UNIES articles on Continuing Education at the Association". Vous trouverez également des
University of Geneva and public health ser- articles sur la formation continue à l'Uni-
Please read this before you answer
the ICSC global staff survey 36 vices. For those of you who have decided versité de Genève et les services des HUG.
to stay in beautiful Switzerland, we have Pour ceux d'entre vous qui vont rester cet été
WHO / OMS compiled a selection of incredible summer en Suisse, nous avons sélectionné une série
activities to enjoy. d'activités estivales pour bien en profiter.
Coaching. How to create cultures that
value connection and staff engagement 34
En outre, vous lirez un entretien avec le
Furthermore, you will read an interview nouveau Représentant permanent de la
GLOBAL AFFAIRS / AFFAIRES GLOBALES with the new Permanent Representative République populaire de Chine auprès de
of the People’s Republic of China to UNOG, l'ONUG, l'Ambassadeur Chen Xu, qui a dis-
Interview with Ambassador Xu Chen,
Ambassador Chen Xu who discussed with cuté avec nous de l'Initiative Ceinture et route.
Permanent Representative of
the People’s Republic of China 32 us the Belt and Road Initiative among other
topics. D'autres articles comprennent un texte
The case for learning etiquette 38
important sur la façon de remplir l'en-
Designing the Education of the Future 40 Other articles include an important piece quête de la CFPI auprès du personnel,
on how to fill the ICSC global staff survey qui pourrait avoir une incidence sur votre
ART & CULTURE that might affect your pay and allowances. rémunération et vos indemnités.
Lectures Estivales / Summer Reading 41
La Suisse inconnue, à la découverte We wish you a happy summer. n Nous vous souhaitons un bel été ! n
des 26 cantons. Vaud: Perroy 42
The official magazine of the international La revue officielle des fonctionnaires
Parrains et Marraines pour le Népal 44
civil servants of the United Nations at internationaux des Nations Unies à Genève
Ten years of musical talent in Tannay 46 Geneva and of the World Health Organization et de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
UN Special – July-August 2019 | 3
OSER L’ESPOIR
SAISON
SAI SON 19—20
OPÉR A
Einstein on the Beach
Philip Glass
Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
Orfeo
Claudio Monteverdi
Les Indes galantes
Jean-Philippe Rameau
Die Entführung aus dem
Serail
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Les Huguenots
Giacomo Meyerbeer
Voyage vers l’espoir
Christian Jost
La Cenerentola
Gioachino Rossini
Saint François d’Assise
Olivier Messiaen
BALLET
Minimal Maximal
Cherkaoui - Foniadakis - Mandafounis
The Six Brandenburg Concertos
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker
Ce qu’il nous reste
Jérémy Tran
OSEZ L’ABONNEMENT !
GTG.CH
Billetterie : +41 22 322 50 50
FEATURED / À LA UNE
© Will Truettner@unsplash.com
The world’s smallest metropolis
Living in Geneva offers unique amount of money. If you add difficult to find a decent lunch
to this the fact that last year for less than 15 fr., and if you
opportunities and teaches you how to salaries were cut, and non-staff dare to think of leisure, you
cope with absurdly high prices and conditions of work are not fun- should be ready to pay more
damentally improving, finding than 50 fr. for a basic dinner,
how to say goodbye. accessible housing, education, or 20 fr. for a movie ticket.
transportation, health care and
other services that you and your Now, what exactly is “Geneva”
family need, is paramount. and who is it for? As a reader
of this magazine, you are likely
According to a recent study most familiar with what we call
SEBASTIAN HOFBAUER, UNITAR by UBS, published on 29 May “International Geneva”, which
Hundreds of new profession- 2018, Geneva is the second is an amalgamation of Inter-
als and diplomats move to most expensive city in the national Organizations, NGOs,
Geneva every year, to join the world, second only to Zurich. and Member States Perma-
other 9,500 staff members Although salaries are higher nent Missions. However, oth-
of the United Nations and its and taxes lower than the Euro- ers might have a very different
agencies or to become part of pean average, a large portion impression, when they come to
the 179 Permanent Missions in of gross income goes towards Geneva to make it their new
this city. Everyone agrees that obligatory health insurance, home. Think about Geneva’s
Geneva offers a high quality housing and to other unavoida- importance in the banking
of life and many opportunities ble expenses. Most people rent sector or its long heritage as
for personal and professional accommodation because prop- a center for watch-making.
development, but everyone erty prices are high, and large Of course, I cannot forget to
also knows this beautiful city down payments are required. mention chocolate, a Geneva
is one of the most expensive of Meanwhile, depending on attraction enjoyed by tourists
the world. How to manage the whom you ask, the cost of rent- and inhabitants alike. Around
relocation and the best way to ing an apartment in Geneva can all that, the city is also home
establish yourself here remain be higher than in New York or to thousands of students and
critical. Suffice to say that some Paris and twice as much as in adventure seekers, who use it
of us have been living in Geneva Amsterdam or Brussels. Living as a gateway to the nearby alps.
for many years, and continue in Geneva entails paying for
to learn how to make the most necessities, like food, at prices Indeed, no matter how long you
of it with the least possible that make visitors faint. It is stay in the city and why you
UN Special – July-August 2019 | 5
Under our feet, construction
is currently underway on the
16-kilometer railway line,
which runs mainly under-
ground; two tunnels, two new
bridges and five new under-
ground stations are being built.
There is no one better to tell
you how the CEVA will “change
everything” than the TPG’s
Chair of the Board of Directors,
Ms. Anne Hornung-Soukup. You
will read her interview in this
edition.
Going back to Grand Genève,
its official creation is also the
© Devon Rogers@unsplash.com
admission of a reality that is
often suppressed: the engine for
Geneva’s economy is interna-
tional. Without the inhabitants
of non-swiss origin, this beau-
Clear blue sea under clear sky.
tiful city would hardly be what
it is today: the world’s smallest
came, chances are that you will gone. Dealing with that can be the majority of newcomers metropolis. For those of you
appreciate Geneva for its wide an emotional strain. You quickly do not settle in the canton of trying to make a living here,
range of outdoor activities. Sur- recognize this fact after hav- Geneva, but in the French bor- you are part of the unique envi-
rounded by the Alps and the ing spent some time in Geneva. der region or in the canton of ronment that Geneva offers. In
Jura, the city has plenty of ski- Who do I let get close to me? Vaud and commute to Geneva addition, if you work at the UN
ing resorts within close reach, How far do I want to go when every day. However, it is only or at a diplomatic mission, you
to accommodate any winter in two weeks’ time it can be recently that these areas have could even call yourself lucky,
sports enthusiasts. The region the end? In Geneva, you usu- started planning the future as normally your salary will be
has even more in store during ally only see each other once. together. higher than the perceived min-
the upcoming summer months. The first questions are usually: imum wage. However, as most
The mountains are perfect Where do you come from? How “Grand Genève” has been the of us can attest, you might still
to explore on foot, and Lake long have you been here, how official name of the Geneva be hard pressed to make ends
Geneva provides great opportu- long will you stay? And above metropolitan area since 3 May meet or at least could easily get
nities for other activities, such all: Which contract do you 2012. It covers an area of 2000 frustrated if you want to save
as swimming, sailing, or just have? square kilometres, consists of money.
enjoying the sunshine on one of 215 communes (120 of which
its many beaches. If you want The question of “where is are on French soil) and extends Still, it’s quite a privilege to live
some concrete ideas on how Geneva?” is almost as difficult from the Nyon district in the here. After all, you are at the
to seize the upcoming sunny to answer. This is particularly canton of Vaud via the canton center of Europe and in one of
period, this edition has plenty apparent when looking at and city of Geneva to the foot the world’s most global cities.
of inspiration to offer you. what is commonly called the of the Jura mountains and the You can enjoy nature at its full-
“Grand Genève”. For centuries, city of Thonon on the French est and the cultural scenery and
Geneva certainly is diverse, Geneva and French bordering shore of Lake Geneva. And it cosmopolitan environment are
and so is its workforce. Half areas have shared a common contains the promise to think worth the price. In that light,
the city is coming, going, or economic and settlement area. beyond borders in the future. I invite you to stop thinking
just in between. If there’s one This Geneva metropolitan area about how pricy things are
thing Geneva teaches you, it’s is booming. The number of jobs The best example of what this and focus on what you get in
how to say goodbye. “I have rose considerably during the means is the new CEVA train, return. I guarantee you, your
10 colleagues and they come last decades, and the popula- which will link Geneva Central life will be easier the moment
from 8 different nations”, is tion has all but exploded over Station with the French city of you relax and accept these
a remark you will hear fre- the same period. Around one Annemasse from December of prices as a fact of life. We need
quently in Geneva. In such an million people now share this this year. Everywhere in our you motivated and happy to do
international environment, living space and around half city, you currently find con- your critical work at the United
farewell is common. Almost of them are of non-Swiss ori- struction sites as outwardly vis- Nations. n
suddenly someone with whom gin. What is special about this ible messengers of the largest
you spend the whole day is just development, however, is that construction site in its history.
6 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019
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UN Special – July-August 2019 | 7
FEATURED / À LA UNE
INTERVIEW
Ambassador Salman Bal
Director of the International Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI)
The CAGI (Centre d’Accueil de la Genève
Internationale) is a structure that plays a
key role in the life of International Geneva.
Ambassador Bal explains the main services
provided to facilitate the installation and
promote the integration of newcomers to Geneva
© CAGI
SARAH BENCHERIF, UNITAR and Partnerships Section and held this offers, but we are not reaching the employ-
position until April 2019. ees of all international organizations based
You were appointed Director of the CAGI in Geneva. Without my working experience
in May 2019. Please tell us more about How can your experience at the head of at UNOG, I might not have realized this.
yourself. Political Affairs at UNOG help you in your This is why we are trying to find a way to
First of all, thank you for this opportunity mission at this important welcome centre enable us to reach out to all employees of
to talk about CAGI, because I think CAGI is for International Geneva? And what are the International Geneva so that everyone can
really an important actor in International main challenges? benefit from the services we offer at the
Geneva. When I was at the Swiss Permanent Mis- Cultural Kiosk at the Palais des Nations.
sion and at the UN, I was in contact with
I am Kurdish from Turkey by origin. I came many diplomats and international civil For us it’s very important that not only
to Switzerland, to Basel, when I was nine servants who spoke to me about their chal- the big players are on board, but also the
years old and went to school there. I stud- lenges when moving from one duty station small ones. Everyone contributes in differ-
ied International Relations at the Gradu- to another and about life in Geneva at large. ent manners to International Geneva and
ate Institute in Geneva, concluding with a This of course gave me an idea about the its functioning. This is why CAGI works a
Master’s in international Human Rights in needs and expectations of the employees lot with many local actors and helps them
England. I started my international career, of International Geneva and their family to link up with International Geneva.
as a Human Rights observer for the OSCE members. Besides that, I can count on a
in Kosovo, then as a Human Rights officer wide-ranging network I have built in the We are helping internationals to integrate
at OHCHR in Geneva. In 2001, I joined the last eight years, which enabled me to be and install themselves in Geneva. Our main
Foreign Affairs of Switzerland as a diplo- operational from day one at CAGI. goal is that, at the end of the day, they feel
mat with postings at the Swiss Embassies at home, welcomed and can interact with
in Mexico City (Mexico) and Oslo (Norway) Personal contacts and networks are very their neighbours and become ambassa-
and two postings in Bern. While in Bern, useful for my work. For instance, I am dors of International Geneva. Interaction
I first worked on economic and financial soon going to meet the Head of Human among locals and internationals is a major
issues and later on the various peace pro- Resources at UNOG to identify and discuss concern for CAGI. That’s why we organize
cesses in the Sudan. the areas where we can cooperate and events and different activities on both sides
help each other. of the lake.
When I came back to Geneva in 2011, I
headed the Section for Global Affairs at Knowing the international system in In your opinion, what are the challenges for
the Swiss Permanent Mission to the UN. Geneva is fundamental: people tend to newcomers to Geneva?
I had intensive encounters with the UN, think that there is “one UN” in Geneva, Every newcomer, whether in an interna-
specialised organizations and International but in fact, there are different entities. The tional organization or as an employee of
Geneva as a whole. Finally, in May 2015 I CAGI, for example, runs the Cultural Kiosk a multinational company, has the same
joined the Office of the Director General at at Door C6 in the Palais des Nations and challenges, the major ones being education
UNOG as the Head of the Political Affairs regularly sends out information about its and housing, I believe.
8 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019
The housing issue will remain a challenge to collaborate more and more together Would you like to add anything or make any
for a while I am afraid. Recently, I had an and join forces. This density of actors comment?
interesting meeting with the association of facilitates synergies, improves efficiency CAGI provides great help. International civil
the régies (Real estate agencies) and put and, in the end, is a relevant factor of servants can use our services more than
forward one or two ideas. They are going cost-effectiveness. they do now. I invite them to participate in
to look at them and hopefully come back and enjoy our events, discover Geneva and
with some good news. The local govern- If you look at the challenges today, take advantage of local networks.
ment has launched several new construc- everything is interconnected: you can-
tion projects to increase housing facilities not work on health without considering I would like to make sure that employees of
– you see constructions all over Geneva, the environment, which is also linked to International Geneva are aware of CAGI’s
but of course it will take time before we labour conditions, and so on. This is why services before their arrival. It’s important
fix this issue. Geneva houses and welcomes so many that new arrivals are as well prepared as
actors on different topics and issues. The possible for their new duty station. n
There are also other challenges in the fol- importance of Geneva will increase. I am
lowing areas: the health system, public rather optimistic. CAGI language exchange programme: https://www.cagi.ch/
transport, mobility, employment possibil- en/newcomers-network/conversation-exchange-program.php
ities for partners/spouses, etc.
In Geneva, it can also be challenging
to enter a network, and that’s why we
organize many activities to bring people
together, like the excursions we organize
once a month in order to help the inter-
nationals to discover new places and meet
new people.
Save 7.5 cts. / l on
One of the favourite activities CAGI organ-
izes is the “language exchange programme”
fuel with TAMOIL
(link at the end of the article). We currently
have around 1,300 subscribers – many
of them locals – for 65 languages. It is
very simple, there is an online form where
people indicate the language they speak
and the language they’d like to improve, With the TAMOIL – UNOG Staff Council
we make the match and we put them in loyalty card, obtain a discount of CHF 30
contact. And twice a year, we organize a for every 400 l of fuel purchased
gathering for language exchange.
How do you see the future of International
Geneva in a context where many jobs are
being relocated (UNHCR, for example, is
relocating around 200 jobs out of Geneva)?
If you look at the statistics of people
working in International Geneva over
the years, there is a steady increase.
Yes, some organizations might relocate
their activities out of Geneva, but there
are others coming. As an example, in the
last two to three years we had around
30 NGOs coming to Geneva every year How it works :
and the number of staff working for 1. Pick up a UNOG Staff Council loyalty card at Office C527
them increased by around five percent at the Palais des Nations
every year. This is remarkable if you 2. Refuel at a TAMOIL service station with shop in the
cantons of Geneva or Vaud *
consider the context of budget cuts in a
3. Show your UN badge and collect a stamp for every
city considered expensive. The reason for OG
Sta
Coordinat
ing
10 liters of fuel
Co
UN
unc
this trend is linked to the eco-system of 4. Exchange the completed loyalty card for a CHF 30 credit
il
C o n s e il d
NUG
Geneva: in 10 km2, you find all the actors valid on fuel on your next purchase
e l‘O
eC
or
ld
e
o
din nn
ati o
n d u Pe r s o
of global governance, from international * except for TAMOIL Vessy, TAMOIL Aubonne and TAMOIL Perly Route de St. Julien 286
organizations to civil society, academia
and the private sector. These actors want
UN Special – July-August 2019 | 9
FEATURED / À LA UNE
© TPG
Station of the Léman Express in Genthod-Bellevue connected to TPG network.
INTERVIEW
Public Transportation in Geneva
Transport means Life
The TPG (Transports publics ALEX MEJIA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF,
SARAH BENCHERIF, UNITAR
genevois / Geneva Public Transport)
operates most of the public You were appointed Chair of
the Board of TPG (Transports
transportation system in Geneva publics genevois) by the Conseil
d’État of the canton of Geneva
Canton and is an essential aspect of
in 2016. Please tell us more
life in Geneva. UN Special magazine about the past and the current
mission of this important
met Ms. Anne Hornung-Soukup, company in the Genevan urban
Chair of the Board of TPG to share environment. What were the
© TPG
main challenges on your arrival?
with us about their services and Ms. Anne Hornung-Soukup, Chair of the In the distant past of the TPG,
Board of TPG.
the tram 12 is the oldest tram
projects for the near future.
still operating in Europe: It
started in 1862. There were
other trams that started before
that date, but they all have
disappeared, so this tram is a
historic vestige of times past.
The TPG is so important for
Geneva for many different rea-
sons: for economic, social and
environmental reasons. The
city is absolutely choking on
10 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019car traffic daily, so the TPG has TPG is faced with challenges buses and 40 trams for main- Léman Express stations. This
an important role in reducing every single day at two levels: tenance and overnight parking. new line is largely underground
traffic jams. And when I say the Firstly, the level of operating Having buses near the airport with no other traffic of any kind.
Geneva area, for us, it includes this very dense infrastructure. instead of at the Jonction is The Léman Express train sys-
neighbouring France. It’s now This density means a lot of traf- more practical for us and it will tem will provide fast transport
vital to get people out of cars. fic around the vehicles. Keeping help all lines on the right bank, for Evian, Thonon, Annemasse
vehicles moving, getting people including the UN area. This has and Annecy as well as the pop-
Some people say the cities on to them, keeping them on been under construction for five ulation of the Arve valley up to
which are well arranged for time, and avoiding accidents: years and it has been the sec- Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
public transportation and bicy- this is all very challenging. ond largest construction project
cles – I put those two together in the Canton of Geneva after Thank you for this excellent
– are very well known: Copen- Secondly, at board level, the Léman Express. overview on what is happening
hagen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, challenges were many. At the at the TPG. Now about the
etc. mostly northern cities that end of 2019, we have three The second project is rein- future, the TPG is implementing
are already transport friendly. huge projects, all of which stating the tram to Annemasse, some innovative projects and
Many say that it’s a question implicate TPG and require a starting on December 15th. It is expanding its transport
of mentality; we can’t do that tremendous amount of work. was removed in 1958, which infrastructure to meet the
in Geneva because people here Each one of these projects by was a mistake, but now we increasing mobility needs in
like their cars. Well, in the itself would be major one for are making up for that. Over Geneva just as you mentioned.
1970s, people liked their cars the TPG and we have three of 100,000 French residents come Could you please share with our
in Amsterdam and Copenhagen them at the same time. into Geneva every day to work readers some details on those
too. It’s not a question of men- and 85% come by car because initiatives and what the major
tality, it’s a question of politics: The first project is “Dépôt En they have no other choice. expected changes are?
there has to be a political will Chardon”, a new garage and Autonomous vehicles are being
to change the infrastructure maintenance centre which The third huge project is the introduced everywhere. Every
that has in the past favoured we desperately need, situated Léman Express, the new ring public transport company
cars over every other means near the airport. It will open train; TPG will have to change and some private transpor-
of transportation. on December and will hold 130 40% of our lines to link to tation companies are putting
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UN Special – July-August 2019 | 11The TOSA electric bus is a Swiss
and world first. It is the first 100%
electric large-capacity bus system,
© TPG
developed by TPG.
autonomous vehicles into ser- fact the operator is there to passes for different transport on the economy; public trans-
vice. The goal is not to replace get it going because it stops operators: one pass combines, portation is necessary for
drivers; it is to provide service all the time: if a bird flies in for the moment, public trans- people who work because we
where needed and fill the gaps front of it or if tall grass waves port, taxis, rental cars and car have traffic jams in the morn-
in existing lines. in the wind, the vehicle stops sharing. ing and at the end of the day,
and the operator has to start but transportation is also for
The autonomous vehicle, it again. It’s programmed to The third project is a virtual family life, cultural life, social
which for the moment is small be cautious, even overly cau- training centre: we are devel- life, for getting out of the city
(capacity of 12 people), can tious, for security reasons. Lindegger_Ruswiss-59x84_Prod:Mise en page
It oping virtual reality training and coming 1 16.
in. For me, public
serve an area like Hermance is important to mention this for our newly hired drivers. transportation is absolutely
for example, and you could here, because people tend to We hire 15 to 20 new drivers essential for life.
BOOSTER communication SA - photo: Shutterstock
someday have a dedicated think the other way around. every month and we need to
vehicle that goes every day TPG has two more autonomous train them quickly and safely. When I look at the SDGs, the
from Hermance to a Léman vehicle projects, and three ones that pertain directly to
Express station. We already new vehicles, financed by the From the perspective of the the TPG are goal 9 (Sustaina-
have one autonomous vehicle European Union, are already United Nations, Sustainable ble infrastructure and indus-
on the road in Meyrin, which in the garage waiting for fed- Public Transportation is critical try) and goal 11 (Sustainable
goes from the tram stop to the eral authorization. for the future of humanity cities and communities), but in
nearby CFF train station. It’s and the achievement of the reality, almost all of the other
a real line and it’s also a test A second new project that we Sustainable Development Goals. goals have something to do
in the sense that we are still just introduced at the beginning What does it mean to you? with TPG. Gender parity for
analysing the data and mak- of the year is “ZenGo”, which is Sustainable Public Transpor- example; we are working on
ing improvements. Everybody a form of Mobility as a Service. tation is the essence of life. It getting more women into the
thinks that autonomous vehi- It is an app that allows users is about moving people, not company. Environment and
cles require the intervention to combine different transport vehicles. Future transportation health of course, education,
of an operator in order to modes. With ZenGo, you no needs to be clean, efficient and job creation. When you give
prevent any accident, but in longer have to own separate people oriented. We get fixated one Swiss franc to TPG, the
optometry
contact lenses
optometryeyewear - instruments
- contact lenses - eyewear - instruments
Cours deCours
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Rive 15, - 735
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11 29 11
12 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019women who have experience at the beginning of removing
on boards. I cannot imagine a cars from the center, we’re cre-
better gift than having this posi- ating true bicycle paths like “la
tion right now, because 2019 is voie verte”, and we’re about to
so important for the TPG and open a ring-train, the Léman
for Geneva. Express. Big changes are com-
ing and that’s very exciting.
The city of Geneva is a small
city with a huge international To conclude, you are a
reputation. Everyone in the successful woman actively
world has heard of Geneva invested in gender equality.
because of the United Nations What would you say to young
and all the international confer- women starting a career in
ences that it hosts. Many people public service or governmental
© TPG
TOSA electric bus uses flash-charging technology.
think Geneva is the size of Paris organizations?
or London, but in fact, it’s the I would say: Go for it! There is
multiplier is significant in the What were you doing before same population as Tucson, Ari- so much room today for women,
economy and in social life. If taking the helm of the TPG? zona. For a city this small, the for people of colour, for diver-
we can get car emissions out of How has Geneva changed cultural life, the sports life and sity. We’ve had homogenous
the air, this means a reduction during recent decades from the nature life around Geneva voices in the past and we need
in health costs too. So, for me your perspective? is absolutely wonderful. more diversity of opinions. I
sustainable public transpor- I was in finance my whole life, was born and bred to be a fem-
tation barely has to do with and I’ve always been inter- Personally, I think Geneva inist. My mother was a feminist
transportation, it is necessary ested in urban planning, how hasn’t changed enough and the and so was my grandmother,
for life. TPG moves people so people move and get together, necessary change is just start- and I went to a women’s college
they can live their lives. and about what the economic ing now. It could have been an in the USA, so I had no choice
and social factors are. In fact, I “Amsterdam” or a “Copenha- than to be a feminist. And being
Tell us a little about yourself never applied for this position; I gen” and I mean city planning, a “feminist” just means being
and about this beautiful city. was identified on a database for not just transportation: we’re in favour of Human Rights. n
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UN Special – July-August 2019 | 13FEATURED / À LA UNE
Relocating to Geneva?
A Guide to a Stress-Free Move
Relocating to Geneva for a new job
and need to get settled quickly?
Partnering with a relocation company
might be the best option.
© Getty Images, Inc.
KIM WARK, STERLING LEXICON being required to relocate for touchpoints to ensure things • Household goods transporta-
Oftentimes, when being trans- a career there are numerous are running smoothly. The relo- tion via sea, air or truck and
ferred for a job to a new city, things on one’s mind such as cation consultant also acts as an storage
people overlook the planning, cost, moving companies, real advocate to book services and • Home search, rental assis-
research and costs involved in estate, schools, temporary appointments, provides status tance and temporary living
a relocation. When the need to accommodation and fam- updates and ensures the part- • Cultural acclimation and set-
get settled quickly in a destina- ily. Having someone at hand ners are delivering high-quality tling in
tion and focused on a new role who is always available to and consistent service. • School finding
immediately is essential, relo- guide you through the process
cation companies are experts eliminates unnecessary stress Planning Tips for a Successful Relocation
at guiding individuals and fam- which ultimately allows you to Successful arrival in Geneva to Geneva
ilies through the services and focus on and enjoy your new starts with planning and pre- The first thing you are going to
paperwork required to lighten destination and position. paring well before the departure want to know is all requirements
the load and ease them into and requires scheduling services for living in Geneva. A pre-plan-
new environments. Relocation providers will help providers well in advance of a ning guide specific to the des-
source the services necessary move. Ensuring your family or tination is a critical component
This article is intended to pro- for your move so you do not partner is involved in the pro- to a successful relocation. While
vide insight into the relocation have to go through the vetting cess is critical to success. While every relocation and family cir-
process and the benefits of part- process. They will assist with this is an exciting opportunity, cumstance are different, there
nering with relocation experts hiring movers, finding a home relocating can be difficult for all are some common areas to
for your move to Geneva. or temporary accommodations, of those involved in the transi- consider as relocation dates
settling-in services, area tours tion. Just as you must acclimate approach. Details such as select-
Benefits to Partnering with and much more. to your new work environment, ing a mover that isn't appropri-
a Relocation Company families also must learn to make ately certified or qualified can
Relocation companies spe- The Process a new city their home. lead to costly mistakes if not
cialize in and manage all Generally, a relocation consult- adequately prepared. There are
aspects of a relocation. The ant is assigned to every indi- Service Offerings hundreds of online resources to
biggest benefit to working vidual or family moving. The The primary services that will guide expats, however, relying
with an expert is the experi- consultant maintains frequent have the greatest impact on a upon your single point of contact
ence and resources they can communication with the trans- relocation experience include to provide accurate, up-to-date
provide when questions or feree throughout their transi- one, or a combination, of the resources is often the best place
assistance is needed. When tion, particularly during critical following services: to go for information.
14 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019Transportation of your belongings the agreeable countryside in While some organizations do • German (63.7%)
Selecting the right mover, with Vaud can be attractive to those provide relocation support for • French (20.4 %)
the expertise with international wishing to live out of the city, their relocating employees; it is • Italian (6.5%)
door-to-door moves and the UN with rents slightly lower than not unusual for some employ- • Romansch (0.5%)
specific customs formalities is Geneva. Before selecting which ees to have to arrange their
key to a successful and stress- country you will be living in, you home search on their own. Each region has its own language
free arrival in Geneva. It is also will need to assess the options For that reason, some reloca- and while English is often spo-
important to advise your moving offered to you by your organ- tion companies may be able to ken or at least understood, this
partner of your place of resi- ization (Carte de Légitimation, offer home search programmes is only true of major cities like
dence (Switzerland or France) as which is the Swiss residence specifically tailored to private Geneva or Zürich. If you wish to
customs formalities and import permit for UN employees, or demand. This could allow you learn French whilst in Geneva,
rules will differ from one country cross-border permits, if living to benefit from the relocation there are many language courses
to the next. Planning your move in neighboring France), and the company’s expertise of the local that can be taken, for any ages
as far in advance as possible will respective consequences it may housing market, while remain- and for any length of time.
also ensure that you can choose have for yourself and your family, ing within reasonable reach.
the packing dates as per your including tax implications should Closing
requirements, particularly dur- you choose to live in France. Schooling As you can see there is a lot
ing the last week of a month or In Switzerland your children involved when moving to a
during the summer (mid-June to It is hard to know where to look can attend state schools (écoles new city and understanding
early September and the second for housing, from suburban publiques) or private/interna- the ins-and-outs of Geneva can
half of December are typically neighborhoods to bustling cities, tional schools (écoles privées). take time and effort. Relocation
considered as the peak season each expat may have a differ- As children begin compulsory companies will help you navi-
in the moving industry). ent idea of a great place to live. schooling around the age of 4, gate these issues so that you can
Common regional challenges they usually attend kindergar- focus on a smooth transition.
Housing such as the property shortages ten two years before starting There are many things to con-
The first thing you are going in Geneva, drive a change in liv- school. Childcare options for sider and it is a process which
to want to do is research the ing such as a transition to rent- young children include crèches, favors a lot of patience, flexibil-
long-term housing options in ing. The Geneva housing market playgroups and day nurseries. ity and having the expertise to
Geneva. If you want to wait has improved slightly over the properly navigate it on your side.
until you are there in person, past year but the vacancy rate While state school will take
make sure you have research remains significantly low at on children according to their If you are interested in learning
for interim housing (Temporary 0.53% versus 1.62% as the area of residence, it is rec- more about the benefits and ser-
accommodation). average in Switzerland which ommended to start enquiring vices a relocation provider can
is relatively low when com- about international schools as offer or if you wish to order our
Geneva is a small canton, boxed pared with the 5% vacancy early as possible as availability Relocation Guide for Geneva,
in by the lake, France and rate which is considered typical is limited. It is recommended to please contact Kim Wark, Relo-
Canton Vaud. As a result, high for a healthy housing market. apply between January-March cation Manager at Sterling Lex-
demand for housing in Geneva This means the competition for for the next school year starting icon (kim.wark@sterlinglexicon.
has made the neighboring areas properties is high and having in September. com, or call 022 750 6062). n
in Vaud and France an attractive a relocation company manage
alternative to living in Geneva. your applications could make a Cultural or language barriers Kim.wark@sterlinglexicon.com
The longer commute can be significant difference in finding Fitting into a new culture can Tel +41 22 750 6062
worth the lower rents and the right home within a reason- be intimidating. Switzerland Sterling Lexicon
5A Route des Jeunes, 1227 Geneva
cost of living in France, and able timeframe. has four official languages: www.sterlinglexicon.com
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UN Special – July-August 2019 | 15FEATURED / À LA UNE
CAGI’s Housing Service
Searching for accommodation can be
a challenge and almost like a full time
occupation. Our small team at the CAGI
aims to facilitate this task for those who
are not yet familiar with the housing
market in the Lemanic region.
© CAGI
Housing & Information Service, Mr, François Schaller, Head of Service (left) and
Mr. Gregory Bozzetti, Deputy
FRANÇOIS SCHALLER1 ▶ https://www.cagi.ch/en/ of tenancy agreements, hous- search for the residencies of
The International Geneva Wel- delegates-welcome.php ing insurance requirements, the Permanent Representatives,
come Centre (CAGI – Centre • Delegates Information Desk: deposit and/or bank guarantee, UN Heads and their deputies,
d’Accueil de la Genève Interna- Supporting delegates with entry/exit inspections, as well as well as finding offices for
tionale) mission is to facilitate practical and cultural activ- as the conditions needed to ter- permanent missions, interna-
the settling in and integration, ities information and during minate a tenancy agreement. tional and non-governmental
to Geneva and the Lemanic the main conferences held in organizations.
region, of the actors of Inter- Geneva at the UNOG as well A key service, offered at no cost,
national Geneva; international as other International Organ- as with all the CAGI’s services, is For the past three years, the
civil servants, members of per- isations ▶ https://www.cagi. the possibility of having a lease CAGI’s Housing Service has
manent missions, consulates, ch/en/delegates-welcome/ agreement proofread before been organizing lunchtime
NGOs, international sporting delegate-information-desk.php signing it. This will avoid any conferences, on the first or
associations, as well as their • Events Service and the unwelcome surprises at the end second Thursdays of each
families. To accomplish this Cultural Kiosk at UNOG: of the stay. The Housing Ser- month, providing information
mandate given by our founding to exchange between the vice possesses over ten years’ regarding various housing
members, the Swiss Confeder- local community and Inter- experience of tenancy law and topics, including insurance.
ation and the State of Geneva, nationals; also discover cul- can act as a mediator between The aim of these sessions is
the CAGI offers several services: tural activities in Geneva and the tenant and the owner at the to inform and instruct new-
• Newcomers Network Ser- Switzerland ▶ https://www. request of either party. comers from the very start of
vice: lunchtime conferences, cagi.ch/en/events.php their stay in Geneva. The next
conversation exchange The Housing Service also man- sessions will take place on the
programme and “Discover Last but not least, there is the ages a software programme following dates: Thursdays
Geneva and the Lemanic Housing and Information Ser- called “Bourse du logement du 12th September, 3rd Octo-
region” programme ▶ https:// vice. Its mission is of primor- CAGI” ▶ https://www.cagi.ch/en/ ber and 7th November, from
www.cagi.ch/en/newcomers- dial importance, as one of the housing/bourse-du-logement- 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. The
network.php first priorities for newcomers is du-cagi-en.php. This tool ena- sessions will be followed by a
• NGO Service: advising and finding a place to live. ▶ https:// bles diplomats and international brunch during which individual
facilitating the setup of NGOs www.cagi.ch/en/housing.php civil servants to register for questions can be asked. n
in Geneva and the region ▶ accommodation offers tailored
https://www.cagi.ch/en/ The Housing Service is run by to their search criteria. By regis- 1 Housing advice & tenancy law, VIP
Service, Head of the Housing &
ngo.php Mr. François Schaller, and his tering, applicants automatically Information Service
• Delegates Welcome Service: deputy, Mr. Gregory Bozzetti. receive accommodation offers Conferences are free of charge;
facilitating the stay of dele- Their main tasks are explain- posted directly from régies, mandatory registration on: immo.cagi@
gates, mainly from develop- ing to internationals newly owners or tenants seeking to etat.ge.ch
ing countries, participating in arrived in Geneva where and find a replacement tenant. Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale
La Pastorale, “Maison de Maître”
conferences, work meetings how to search for accommoda- Route de Ferney 106, 1202 Genève
and training in the frame- tion, how to submit a tenancy The Housing Service also offers T: + 41 22 546 14 17
www.cagi.ch
work of International Geneva application, the different types a VIP service for a personalised
16 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019FEATURED / À LA UNE
© Viktar Palstsiuk@flickr
From the diary of a UN consultant
Once again, I find myself UN CONSULTANT When applying for an apartment, only
On my way, I wonder how many apart- very few times have I had a reply from the
preparing the dossier to ments I have visited so far. I have lost count Régie telling me that they have given the
apply for an apartment in already. Why is it so difficult for me to find apartment to someone else. Most of the
a home? Well, I imagine that my consultant time, I do not hear back from them and I
Geneva. I have the last three contract for the next few months is not a have to call to find out that I was not lucky
pay slips, the deposit, the good way of proving that I hope it will be this time. I am flexible, you know… I am
renewed for six more months… So here young, I am a strong and independent
certificate of “no pursuits”, I am, after already four years of living in woman. I am passionate about my job
my letter of motivation, a Geneva, always subletting from someone and I feel I can make a difference work-
who is a friend of a friend with a good ing for the United Nations, that’s why I
letter of recommendation heart and financial needs. This has been keep trying and have stayed in Geneva.
and the Régie’s form duly convenient for me as I get the apartment When I knock at the door, I really hope
furnished, I just bring my five, well six bags that this time, I will get the apartment
filled out. Done! Ready for now, and get settled wondering for how long and will at last have something I can call
the new appointment. I will be able to keep the place. “my own”. n
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UN Special – July-August 2019 | 17FEATURED / À LA UNE
Living in Geneva: The Intern’s Perspective
If all else fails, pitch your own tent!
“My parents spent
all their savings to
make this internship
possible. Living in
Geneva is much
more expensive than
in Cairo.”
— Unpaid UN intern
© Fair Internship Initiative
Camping for equality (and access to housing) at Place des Nations, 2016.
JOINTLY BY FAIR INTERNSHIP INITIATIVE & GENEVA Never wire money at the request of any only or have curfews. Also keep in mind
INTERNS ASSOCIATION prospective “landlord-lady” via Western the location of the foyers; some are close
Indeed, according to Numbeo, the biggest Union, MoneyGram, or any other transfer to town, while others are not close to the
crowd-sourced global database of con- service. Be wary of giving out your per- centre of Geneva.
sumer prices, the rent prices in the Peace sonal information, as they may be used
Capital are a thousand percent higher than for identity scams. Only do so if you have The Foyers George Williams and La Ciguë
in the City of a Thousand Minarets. More- a good degree of confidence in the identity are your best bet for living if you are on a
over, according to the Worldwide Cost of of your prospective landlord. tight budget as they only charge between
Living Survey 2019, Geneva is one of the 300 fr. and 600 fr.
dearest in the world for two categories – We recommend contacting your respective
household and personal care, as well as IB (intern board) for assistance in finding Shared Apartments
recreation and entertainment. accommodation. Alternatively, prospec- Living in shared apartments is one of the
tive interns can capitalise on the wealth more popular ways to find accommodation
The housing situation here is very tight, of intern knowledge through intern groups for interns in Geneva. It is also one of the
and vacancy rates are low. There are, how- on social media by requesting existing best ways to find housing at an affordable
ever, many options for finding accommo- interns to help in verifying the accommo- price. There are a couple of ways to search
dation in Geneva. The main options are dation offer. for shared apartments in Geneva. You can
apartments or shared apartments (flats) or start your flat hunting by checking out the
foyers (like dorms). The process for finding Foyers and Residences following options:
apartments or shared apartments can be This type of accommodation houses a lot • Easy Roommate: www.easyroommate.
difficult and time consuming. of interns and students from the University com
of Geneva. They are relatively inexpensive • Webster University Geneva: They have a
There has been a recent spike in scams and offer the chance to meet and interact special summer housing offer if you need
surrounding false accommodation offers. If with young people from all over the world. accommodation in Geneva between May
the place looks too good to be true, it just Some foyers provide different services, such 2019 and mid-August 2019. If you are
might be. It is NOT normal or safe to give as bedding, laundry and internet connec- interested, feel free to contact them at:
deposits before seeing a place. Remem- tions, sometimes even meals – be sure to housing@webster.ch.
ber to be careful! Do NOT make advance check this out with each location. Some • Geneva Home Information: This is a good
payments or provide guarantee sums in foyers also have rules, which you should resource for apartment hunting as all the
advance of your arrival, unless you are also check out when researching where to real estate agents post their ads here. It is
using a trusted website such as Airbnb. live. For example, some foyers are for girls only available in French. When searching,
18 | UN Special – Juillet-Août 2019some key words are “VOIR LES PETITES deposit (caution in French). In exchange If all else fails we can help you to pitch a
ANNONCES” (look for advertisements), for 231 fr. (150 fr. if you are younger than tent at the Place des Nations, drop a line to
“IMMOBILIER À LOUER” (to rent), and 26) the website www.swisscaution.ch will gisa.fiigeneva@graduateinstitute.ch or join
“SOUS-LOUER” (sublet). You will also find provide you with a yearlong deposit. You us every Tuesday from 6.30 to 8.00 p.m.
the classified section where people are will require a document stating you are at Maison de la Paix (room 1, petal 2). n
looking for someone to share an apart- not a criminal, which you can get from the
ment with, or to sublet at Tribune de Offices des poursuites, located at 46 rue
Genève, the GHI or Le Temps, among du Stand, tel. 022 388 90 90.
others. Check the website for more infor-
mation: www.ghi.ch. Here are several websites to help you with
• Geneva University Housing Website (Stu- your search:
dent Advertisements): This is one of the • Tout l’Immobilier: www.toutimmo.ch
best places to look for reasonably priced • Immostreet: www.immostreet.ch
apartments, studios and rooms. You can • Geneva Immobilier:
also find ads for sublets at Uni Mail (the www.geneveimmobilier.ch
large university building in Plainpalais). • Home Sweet Home:
To get there, take the tram 15 from Gare www.homesweethome.ch
Cornavin and get off at Uni Mail. Visit the
website to see housing advertisements:
UNIGE Housing.
Design: Saentys - Illustration: © Carll Cneut
• CAGI (Please see article “CAGI’s Housing
Service” on page 16)
• Glocals: Glocals is a social networking
website intended for expatriates moving
to Geneva. They have a great housing
and classified section. Many interns and
other newcomers to Geneva find apart-
ments via Glocals, though the prices tend Il y a une belle jeune fille, courtoise et charmante, qui rêve. Quand
to be a little on the expensive side. Visit elle ne rêve pas, elle vit avec appétit. Parfois, quand la lumière fait
the Glocals website for more information. envie, elle réclame une promenade dans les collines ; à l’ombre des
chênes noirs et des châtaigniers, elle s’assoit et trouve la vie pleine.
• World Radio Geneva: This is an English Ce matin, elle ne tient plus en place. Le soleil est si haut
language radio station in Geneva (101.7 dans le ciel qu’il faut qu’elle sorte, il faut qu’elle coure.
FM) that has classifieds on its website. Pourquoi pas, disent ses servantes. Et elles l’accompagnent.
Quelle belle journée, vraiment. Du grand air !
You need to register to view them. Check Ensemble, elles partent vers les collines. Elles se sentent légères.
the link for more information: www. Elles plaisantent sous des vêtements trop lourds pour la saison.
worldradio.ch. -C’est pas possible ! Enlevez-moi ces frusques ! Voilà. Comme ça,
gilet sur le coude. En avant, Mesdames !
Finding apartments/flats via agencies Offre
Elles marchent dans un silence habité de mille voix. Les servantes
voudraient s’arrêter là, mais la belle jeune fille demande à monter
spéciale
Many apartments are controlled by real encore. Elles atteignent, haletantes, une clairière. Quelle folie, quelle
ivresse, quelle merveille ! se dit la belle jeune fille. Et là, là, dans les
estate agencies called Régies. A studio fleurs, aïe ! Elle tombe sur un ours. Un ours gigantesque, qui surgit de
usually means everything is in one room. nulle part. Bon sang, quel ours prodigieux ! Elles vont toutes mourir,
c’est certain. Au kiosque culturel
Be sure to look at the number of pièces. A (porte C6)sur la
Mais l’ours a sa préférence. Il pose son œil avec insistance
pièce is a room, and in Geneva, the kitchen belle jeune fille, qui n’en mène pas large. L’ours la fixe, s’approche
counts as one. Therefore, a 3-pièces = 1 billet
et saisit la belle dans ses grosses pattes. Il la soulève acheté
du sol pour la
kitchen + living room + bedroom (note: presser contre sa fourrure, il veut la renifler de plus près, = il veut
in Vaud, the kitchen is not counted as a
1 billet
l’emmener, il veut l’enlever ... Dressé sur ses pattes gratuit
arrière, il la
LA FABRIQUE
dérobe et disparaît, dans la forêt épaisse.
pièce). Half pièces are rooms of combined Dans sa grotte, avec précaution, l’ours dépose la belle jeune fille
functions, i.e. a living/dining room combo dans la pénombre. C’est modeste, mais bien tenu. Quelqu’un parle,
pourtant personne ne parle. La parole prend l’apparence du silence.
counts as a 1.5 pièces. If you find an apart-
DES CONTES
Ou l’inverse. Ils sont bien. Il la déchausse. Elle se laisse faire. Elle est
ment you like, you will normally need to heureuse. Sur ses pieds fins et blancs, il pose sa langue muette d’ours
go through the application process where amoureux.
On dit qu’au matin, le sortilège perdura et le réveil fut doux dans
you will need to apply to the Régie for that les bras de l’ours. On dit qu’elle vécut heureuse dans la grotte, des
apartment, and the agency will decide to
whom they want to rent it.
Exposition temporaire mois durant. On dit qu’après neuf mois, elle donna naissance à un
garçon extraordinaire qui devint un homme grand et fort. Il parlait
Du 17 mai 2019 au 5 janvier 2020
peu et vivait dans les bois, sous les étoiles qui chantent l’amour de ses
parents.
To apply, normally you will need a docu-
ment stating your salary and your position.
In addition, you normally must prove you
are not heavily in debt and may be asked
to pay three months’ rent in advance as a
MEGCH_CONTE_Annon_CAGI_130x180_Mise1.indd 1 13.05.19 14:45
UN Special – July-August 2019 | 19You can also read
