Geneva is bracing for an economic blow as US President Donald Trump cuts off foreign aid funding. The move could also affect the city’s status as a centre for multilateral cooperation unless donors and governments step up to fill the gap. Barely sworn into office in January, the Trump administration announced an 83% cut to the US foreign aid budget of $71.9 billion (CHF63.4 billion). The cuts, many of which took effect immediately, have already had ramifications on Geneva, which is home to hundreds of NGOs, many of them dependent on the US for funding. The US is the largest public donor to Geneva-based organisations, accounting for over a quarter (26.3%) of all donations. To cope with the crisis, organisations in Geneva are firing staff and refraining from renewing short-term contracts. They have also downsized office space and shifted events online – changes that will significantly impact the city’s economy. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), for example, has said ...
