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FES Geneva: about usThe Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) office in Geneva is part of the overall program “Dialogue on Globalization” since 2002. It observes and assists the work of the World Trade Organization (WTO), different UN-Organizations (International Labour Organization ILO, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD) and the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council UNHRC. It was established in 1994 as, at the time, a media project assisting countries of the Global South in developing their media. FES Geneva works closely together with partners of the Geneva based international organizations, representatives of governments and members of the diplomatic missions, parliaments, parties, NGOs, trade unions, journalists and academic institutions. The office offers conferences, seminars, workshops and dialog sessions, training and information programs with international participation (mainly from developing countries), studies, consultancy reports and publications. The current focus of our work lies in three main areas: we accompany the work of the newly established Human Rights Council – we publish information on its structural and operational setup and provide platforms for the multilateral debate, e.g. on the Right to Development. Secondly, we work closely with the ILO and the International Trade Union movement by supporting the application of the Core Labour Standards worldwide. Last not least, we analyze the Trade and Development aspects of the Doha Round at the WTO and we contribute to Capacity Building of Developing Countries with regard to trade negotiations. The FES office in Geneva is located in close proximity to the Palais des Nations and the WTO building. The office has six permanent staff members and provides internships for students specializing in international affairs, economic and human rights policy. For further information on the work of FES Geneva, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
News & Highlights from Geneva
EventWTO Public Forum 2010: FES / 3D Event Social standards and human rights in trade agreements: Window dressing, hidden protectionism or furthering the cause? This session will portray current trends regarding the use of social standards and human rights clauses in trade agreements and will argue, from a human rights perspective, that coherence in international law is not only desirable but an actual obligation of states. Panellists will also debate whether the trend to include social and human rights aspects in bilateral agreements is outrunning or forecasting global agreements. EventFES / ITC Seminar on Sustainability Standards and their Role in International Trade and Development
The seminar aims at discussing different elements of sustainable standards and their role in international trade and development. This includes aspects of structure, requirements and policy implications. Practical experiences with regard to their implementation will be given, and the ITC will present its tools to foster sustainability standards. NewsNewsletter April 2010The Geneva Office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung presents its newsletter, designed to inform you of, recent and upcoming events and developments at the Geneva-based international organizations and new publications. Subscribe the FES Newsletter Publication EXPOSED: The Human Rights of the Poor in a Changing Global Both climate change and extreme poverty are human rights matters. They seriously threaten the full realization of human rights for many. This Study identifies the particular effects of climate change on the human rights of people living in poverty and extreme poverty, as well as the ways in which internationally-recognized human rights standards may inform both domestic and international responses. On the up-side, the author also asserts that the international and domestic actions required to address climate change represent an unparalleled opportunity for overcoming poverty, generating new levels of development, furthering the realization of human rights and building a more stable, balanced and robust global economy. Published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Publication Reforming the World Trade Organization. Developing This book analyses the developments in the Doha Round negotiations of the last two years and addresses important issues to improve the functioning of the WTO. It is written from the perspective of developing countries, assessing the unprecedented role of developing country coalitions such as the G20, NAMA 11, G33, the African Group, ACP Group, LDCs, SVEs, and the Cotton 4. This book is also deeply concerned about identifying the substantive issues and procedures of the WTO and aims to trigger a broader dialogue on their reforms. Published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and CUTS International PublicationThe Geneva Scenarios on Global Economic Governance 2020 Supported by a team of 25 experts from 17 countries, the FES Geneva developed scenarios on how the world economic order could change in the future. Published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung |
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