The Fondation pour l’attractivité du canton de Genève (‘Genève Attractive’) is a public-interest, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Geneva’s appeal and quality of life. It focuses on key areas such as sustainability, public finance, taxation, employment, education and infrastructure. Through inclusive and innovative initiatives, Genève Attractive informs and engages the public on the challenges facing Geneva, fostering dialogue with authorities and stakeholders to promote a vibrant and competitive region.
What motivated Genève Attractive to partner with the EMBA programme at the University of Geneva?
At Genève Attractive we work across several pillars to promote and support the Canton’s development. One of our key focus areas is education, particularly continuing education, which is essential for the long-term appeal and competitiveness of the region. Geneva has world-class academic institutions that can respond to the economic challenges of tomorrow. The EMBA programme at the University of Geneva stood out to us as a strategic tool to strengthen managerial skills, foster innovation, and support the development of local talent.
What aspects of the EMBA programme are most aligned with your company’s values?
We are committed to enhancing the competitiveness and quality of businesses in Geneva. The EMBA programme offers an integrated approach that combines academic excellence, an international outlook, and strong ties to practical, real-world challenges. It aligns with our belief that Geneva should not only attract and retain talent but also create the right conditions for their growth. The programme’s structure supports leadership development, transformation projects, and innovation—all of which are at the heart of our mission.
How do you think the EMBA curriculum helps develop talent that meets the evolving needs of the Geneva ecosystem?
What stood out to us is the programme’s ability to prepare professionals to navigate complexity in multicultural environments. Geneva is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of global and local challenges, and the EMBA equips leaders to deal with these realities, whether geopolitical, technological, or organisational. It also cultivates key competencies such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, which are vital for supporting the dynamism and resilience of our local economy.
What emerging trends or skills do you believe will be most critical for executive-level professionals in your industry over the next 5–10 years?
It is less about technology and more about nurturing the human aspect in the midst of change. To keep pace with fast-moving innovation, tomorrow’s leaders will need emotional intelligence both for themselves and their teams. Not everyone deals with change in the same way; some people may feel fearful, others overwhelmed. Geneva, too, must rise to this challenge to maintain its place in international rankings. The canton’s ability to train world-class leaders with both strategic vision and human-centred leadership will be key. It’s about activating the full potential of talent in the region and ensuring that well-trained professionals are ready to take the reins.
