General Policy
strategic plan 2024-2034

From rising inequalities to an ageing population, from remote working to renewed focus on the experiences of people with disabilities, the transformations of our societies are also reshaping the academic world and the AVƵ.
In this evolving environment, marked by unprecedented crises such as climate change, generative artificial intelligence, or the rise of extremism, our institution must continue to fulfil its core missions while steadfastly upholding its values. The Strategic Plan, developed for the 2024–2034 period by the Leuba Rectorate, provides the AVƵ with a clear direction and guides its actions. It has been reviewed by the AVƵ Assembly, the Strategic Orientation Council and the Rectorate-Deans’ Council—to ensure it aligns perfectly with the needs and aspirations of the community.
After reaffirming its missions and institutional values, the Strategic Plan outlines its vision through three major strategic priorities: shaping the world of tomorrow by leveraging the methodologies of the future; living in today’s world with a dynamic, egalitarian and inclusive approach; and fostering openness to the world by embodying academic and humanist values on the international stage.
Strategic Axes 2024-2035
Founded in 1559 by Jean Calvin, the AVƵ stands among the world’s premier universities. As a versatile institution with an international reputation, we embrace openness and foster the emergence of inter- and multi-disciplinary fields in both research and teaching. Fully integrated into “International Geneva”, our university significantly contributes to cultural, social, and economic development on regional, Swiss, and international levels through research and expertise across a wide range of disciplines.
MISSIONS
The missions of the AVƵ are defined by the Law on the AVƵ:
- The AVƵ serves as a public institution committed to providing basic and advanced higher education, conducting both fundamental and applied scientific research, and offering continuing education. Our university upholds principles of objectivity, open discussion, and refutability, which are the cornerstones of a rational intellectual approach.
- The AVƵ actively contributes to the cultural, social, and economic development of the community by promoting research and sharing our expertise. We engage in public outreach and foster reflection on the advancement of knowledge and its implications for society and the environment.
VALUES
- The values of UNIGE are deeply rooted in the long-standing humanistic traditions of our host city, Geneva. These include respect for human rights and appreciation for people in all their diversity, along with a strong belief in international dialogue and the open exchange of ideas. Consequently, UNIGE places a high priority on equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that promotes calm and productive interactions.
- Aiming to play a pioneering role in addressing future societal issues, UNIGE fulfills its mission of seeking truth and advancing knowledge by fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a critical spirit, all while respecting academic freedom. UNIGE upholds a tradition of innovation, remaining mindful of the impact of its research and the conditions under which that research is conducted.
While pursuing the development of advanced knowledge within its academic disciplines, UNIGE also fosters interdisciplinarity to address the major challenges facing our societies. Furthermore, our university is actively engaged in initiatives supporting Open Science and Open Education. - UNIGE aspires to serve as an exemplary institution in both social and environmental dimensions. This commitment entails a focused attention to the health and cohesion of our community, as well as, in a subsidiary role to public authorities, addressing the needs of individuals in precarious situations.
Regarding environmental stewardship, and in recognition of the magnitude of global challenges, UNIGE undertakes its activities within the constraints necessary to preserve and restore the planet’s critical ecological balances.
VISION
Renowned for its excellence, the AVƵ contributes to the development and dissemination of cutting- edge knowledge at the highest academic level in Switzerland and globally. Attuned to our community, we exemplarily address social and environmental expectations. As a visionary institution, our university proposes innovative solutions to major societal challenges, fostering a truly interdisciplinary approach.
strategic pillar 1
SHAPING THE WORLD OF TOMORROW
A UNIVERSITY THAT EXCELS IN RESEARCH AND TEACHING, BASED ON THE METHODOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE

REsearch
A visionary university for research and innovation
- To equip our researchers with the resources necessary for transformative research and innovation, which benefit humanity and the planet, while remaining aligned with our ethical values and foundational principles
- To achieve excellence in the humanities, economics, and social sciences, as well as in the natural, experimental, and medical sciences, by integrating both fundamental and applied research
- To leverage our expertise to elucidate our past, present, and future across all human, cultural, philosophical, social, economic, environmental, and technological dimensions, thereby addressing the major challenges of today and tomorrow
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYABILITY
A university that passes on knowledge and prepares the next generation for the challenges of tomorrow
- To provide a foundation of fundamental knowledge and methodologies that foster critical thinking, curiosity, integrity, and the capacity to analyze and synthesize
- To adapt the dissemination of our knowledge and enhance connections with socio-economic actors, thereby equipping current and future generations to address the challenges of today’s world and meet the evolving expectations of the job market
- To equip our students with advanced knowledge, expertise, and skills derived from cutting-edge research, preparing them to shape the careers of tomorrow
METHODOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE
A university that advances and harnesses artificial intelligence for the benefit of all
- To develop AI technologies that serve scientific advancement,integrating them across diverse research fields
- To incorporate generative AI into learning, teaching, research, and administrative functions
- To foster critical and ethical reflection on AI and its implications for our mission and society
strategic pillar 2
LIVING IN TODAY’S WORLD
A DYNAMIC, EGALITARIAN, AND INCLUSIVE UNIVERSITY IN HARMONY WITH OUR COMMUNITY

COMMITMENT
A model university in social and environmental matters
- To advance our exemplary goals in equality, focusing on parenthood, non-discrimination, diversity, and inclusion, as well as safeguarding personal rights
- To fully engage the AVƵ and its community in operations that are mindful of and adhere to environmental limits, aligning with sustainable development objectives and informed by our scientific expertise
- To address financial, medical, food, and housing insecurity among students, leveraging the Geneva ecosystem for support
LIVING TOGETHER
A university where life is enriching and engaging
- To revitalize the university’s urban, multi-site campus, making it vibrant, inspiring, and accessible for everyone, while strengthening our connection with the city
- To continuously strive to be welcoming and to provide quality working conditions and academic and professional development opportunities for our staff,, including support for continuing education
- To facilitate professional transitions and promote career mobility by harnessing the transformative potential of micro-credentials
GOVERNANCE
A university that aspires to excellence
- To enhance collaboration with participatory bodies to create a governance model that aligns with the expectations of our community
- To actively engage the university community in the development and implementation of new projects
- To cultivate a sense of belonging within the institution, fostering commitment and collaboration among its members
strategic pillar 3
PROMOTING A UNIVERSITY OPEN TO THE WORLD

INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
A AVƵ that embodies and promotes the highest academic and humanist values in Switzerland and beyond
- To leverage our academic expertise and values in addressing major political and societal debates
- To deepen our connections with “International Geneva” and enhance the impact of our research on diplomatic and decision-making processes, particularly concerning global challenges
- To foster greater exchanges with the political sphere and strengthen collaborations with the socio-economic and cultural sectors of Geneva and Switzerland
- To reinforce our academic partnerships and maintain a prominent position within major European and international university networks
Signatures
