Between Davos and Porto Alegre: Geneva at the crossroads of global economic paths
- Journal AGEFI (Switzerland) - 2001
The city of Geneva, often called the diplomatic heart of Europe, is positioning itself today as a central crossroads between two major global economic directions: Davos and Porto Alegre. Davos, famous for its World Economic Forum, symbolizes liberal globalization, where market economy, trade, and finance are highlighted. On the other hand, Porto Alegre is the site of the World Social Forum, an alternative that promotes a more inclusive economy respectful of the environment. Between these two poles, Geneva proposes an innovative model of sustainable economy, aiming to combine economic profit with respect for people and the planet.
Articles from AGEFI in 2001 and from 24heures and Tribune de Genève in 2003 emphasize this unique position adopted by Geneva, illustrated early on by the exchanges of the Geneva Forum, an event aimed at promoting an economic model centered on sustainability and equity long before these concepts became widely accepted, and for which this space was one of the pioneers. This dynamic highlights key themes such as the Rights of Nature, which go beyond environmental protection to meet Human Rights needs and Humanity’s survival on a planet with finite resources, new green technologies even considering low tech and cutting-edge intermediate technologies, or even the creation of alternative currencies (conference cycle on digital currencies in 2001 and 2003).
And all of this is aimed at enabling good or better economic development, in order to foster, through its interest, the development of an economy beneficial to the Planet.
Origins and partners of the Geneva Forum
- Journal 24 heures (Vaud) - 2003
The stance of a "Geneva Forum" is part of a broader history, one that promotes out-of-the-box initiatives, stimulates schematic innovation and breakthrough technologies, and operates in harmony with Life. At the origin of this event since 2001, Mr. Thomas EGLI, also Founder of Objectif Sciences International (OSI), an NGO recognized for its consultative status with the UN ECOSOC. OSI, partner and organizer of the Forum, advocates for active citizen participation in science, through initiatives such as impact financing, Fab Labs for Sustainable Business, or participatory research workshops. These innovative spaces allow researchers, entrepreneurs, and citizens to collaborate directly in achieving sustainable development goals.
Why such a forum? The main challenge is to enable stakeholders to actively engage in the implementation of sustainable solutions, whether they be economic, social, or environmental, through the innovation that interprofessional collaboration makes possible. In this way, Geneva plays a role as a platform for interaction among institutions, scientific organizations, companies, governments, and NGOs.
Major challenges and priorities
- Journal La Tribune de Genève - 2003
At the heart of the Geneva debates are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals, covering topics ranging from poverty eradication to fighting climate change, are the foundation on which the mission of the Geneva Forum is built. Among the most recurring topics discussed are renewable energies, citizen science, social inclusion, and the development of ethical financial vehicles.
The Forum thus places emphasis on sustainable finance, a key concept in the transition to a green economy. Indeed, it becomes crucial that financial flows, such as investments and public financing, align with global climate objectives. The development of ethical crowdfunding, blended finance, and new forms of participatory financing support projects with high ecological and social impact.
Furthermore, mediation is another cornerstone of the Forum. Thanks to its neutral and diplomatic setting, Geneva allows various stakeholders to engage in dialogue, build consensus, and find collective solutions to global challenges. Mediation is essential for achieving more effective and coordinated international cooperation, particularly on sensitive issues such as natural resource management or Mother Earth’s rights.
Sustainable tourism and education: key levers
Sustainable tourism is another key theme championed by the Geneva Forum. This type of tourism, as opposed to mass consumption practices, proposes models that respect ecosystems and local cultures. The goal is to minimize the ecological footprint of travel while maximizing economic benefits for local communities. Geneva thus encourages a new form of naturalist travel, where the discovery of nature and local lifestyles goes hand in hand with the protection of territories.
At the same time, education and awareness of these issues are paramount. Respectful and inclusive education plays a central role in the debates, with particular attention paid to differentiated pedagogy and learning through experimentation, particularly through Project-Based Learning and participatory workshops. The Geneva Forum promotes education focused on environmental responsibility and social innovation, shaping future leaders to adopt a sustainable and ethical vision.
Participants and types of meetings
The Geneva Forum brings together several hundred participants each year from the scientific, economic, and international institutional fields. Among them are researchers, entrepreneurs, members of major NGOs, government representatives, and financial institutions. All these actors gather during thematic workshops, high-level panels, barcamps, hackathons, or networking dinners to co-create innovative solutions to address major global challenges.
These meetings encourage exchanges, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, especially around solution entrepreneurship. Co-development practices and knowledge sharing are omnipresent, reflecting the diversity of approaches and disciplines brought together at the Forum.
Assessment and prospects for the coming years
Since its inception in 2001, the Geneva Forum has established itself as a unique space for dialogue and innovation in the service of sustainability. Geneva, drawing inspiration from both Davos and Porto Alegre but proposing a decidedly disruptive and constructive stance, offers an intermediate path based on exchange, participatory research, and the development of new forms of collaborative governance. The Geneva Forum embodies the quest for a balance between market forces and ecological and social imperatives.
In the future, the challenges will intensify around topics such as circular economy, new green technologies, and climate change adaptation. In this context, the Forum will continue to be a space for co-creation and reflection, to develop concrete solutions to contemporary challenges.
Geneva, with its neutral and international character, remains a key city in promoting a future where economy and environment move forward hand in hand, for the benefit of humanity and the planet.
In 2021, the Geneva Forum celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first edition.
In 2024, the Geneva Forum 3.0 is being launched, becoming a platform 100% dedicated to stimulating and advancing impactful projects at global, international, and local levels.