The international space community has chosen Geneva to host the International Astronautical Congress in 2029. Held annually, the IAC brings together key players from the global space sector: space agencies, companies, research institutions, start-ups, governments, scientists and astronauts. The Geneva edition will take on special significance as it marks the 80th edition of the congress and the 60th anniversary of the first steps on the Moon, Apollo 11 (21 July 1969), while opening up prospects for the future with the legacy project: the ‘Geneva Initiative for Space Diplomacy’.
The Swiss bid was led at national level by Swissmem, the Swiss Space Industries Group (SSIG) and the Swiss Space Office, which is attached to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) of the Swiss Confederation, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In Geneva, the preparation of the bid was underpinned by strong support from local and regional stakeholders, including the Geneva Convention Bureau, GESDA, the Canton of Geneva through the DEE, K.I.T. Group Switzerland, as well as the Canton of Vaud (Department of Economy, Innovation, Employment and Cultural Heritage (DEIEP)) and Space eXchange Switzerland (EPFL).
The Geneva Convention Bureau, and in particular its Senior Manager David Cougoule, initially defended the first phase of the national selection process to position Geneva as Switzerland’s destination for this major conference. He then supported the development of the Geneva element of the bid and showcased the destination’s strengths to international bodies. Throughout the process, this approach was carried out in close collaboration with the various partner institutions.
A decisive Swiss mobilisation
The State of Geneva has also shown strong commitment to the project, notably through the involvement and support of Delphine Bachmann, Geneva Minister of Economy, Employment and Energy (DEE). “Hosting the IAC 2029 represents a tremendous opportunity for Geneva. It is a chance to strengthen its international reputation, create lasting benefits for our economy and demonstrate, once again, our region’s ability to host world-class events,” comments Delphine Bachmann. “We have worked actively towards this. We can all celebrate this achievement together.”
This collective effort illustrates the ability of Switzerland and Geneva to bring together stakeholders from the private and public sectors around major international projects. It also draws on an ecosystem that is particularly conducive to excha nges between science, innovation, the economy and international governance. For Geneva, hosting the IAC is therefore much more than just a major event in the conference calendar. It represents an opportunity to strengthen ties between the international space ecosystem and ‘International Geneva’, as well as to showcase Swiss expertise in technology, research and innovation, whilst reinforcing Geneva’s status as a city of multilateralism.
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) has also played a key role in positioning International Geneva at the crossroads of space and diplomacy, highlighting not only the space sector stakeholders already based in Geneva, but also the need to involve the diplomatic community more closely in shaping solutions for its future.
Over 10,000 participants expected at Palexpo
From 8 to 12 October 2029, over 10,000 specialists and decision-makers from the space sector are expected in Geneva to discuss the major developments that will shape the future of space exploration and activities The congress will take place at Palexpo, whose facilities, extensive exhibition and conference spaces, and immediate proximity to Geneva Airport provide conditions particularly well-suited to hosting an event of this scale.
On the final day of the congress, the broader public will also have the opportunity to explore the IAC exhibition and engage with the international space sector.
Under the theme ‘Celebrating Space, Building Trust’, Geneva will, for one week, become one of the main meeting places for the global space community. The destination choice highlights the city’s strengths in terms of international cooperation, dialogue and innovation, as well as its capacity to host major international congresses.
Learn more about events in Geneva here.
