Switzerland to host 11th EuroSkills Competition in 2029
The city of Geneva will host the 11th edition of EuroSkills in 2029. WorldSkills Europe Members approved Switzerland’s bid in a unanimous vote at the General Assembly 2024.
Switzerland presented its application to host EuroSkills in the city of Geneva in 2029 to the WorldSkills Europe 2024 General Assembly in Luxembourg on 6 June, after which WorldSkills Europe Member Countries unanimously approved the bid. The result sparked scenes of jubilation among the Swiss delegation and WorldSkills Europe Members applauded and cheered.
The EuroSkills Geneva 2029 bid was presented by SwissSkills in partnership with the Swiss Association Cité des métiers et de la formation (ACdMF) by mutual agreement with the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and in association with The Greater Geneva Region.
Switzerland has not hosted a EuroSkills Competition before, but has extensive experience in staging skills competitions. The country has hosted the WorldSkills International Competition three times – in the city of Bern in 1968, and twice in the city of St. Gallen, in 1997 and 2003. Switzerland also hosted 14 skill competitions in nine locations across the country as part of WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition.
Christian Schäli, President of SwissSkills, said: “As a member of WorldSkills Europe, SwissSkills is delighted to have earned the trust of its members and to have won the bid to host EuroSkills 2029, with the Geneva as a strong partner.”
Rémy Hübschi, Deputy Director of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), said: “Switzerland has long been at the forefront of vocational education and training, and we take pride in sharing our exemplary practices and programs with the global community,
“Moreover, Geneva, as the proposed host city, radiates international charm and the corresponding hotel and event infrastructure,
“We firmly believe that EuroSkills 2029 in Switzerland will not only serve as a source of inspiration for participants but will also leave a lasting positive impression that will reach far beyond the borders of our country,” added Mr Hübschi.
Guillaume Suteau, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, said: “Congratulations to Switzerland on their successful bid to host EuroSkills in 2029 in Geneva. Switzerland is a strong member of WorldSkills Europe, and we are thankful for their commitment and investment to drive the WorldSkills movement forward in Europe. We wish Switzerland well with their work in the coming years and I know they will do a great job.”
About the City of Geneva
Geneva is the second-most populous city in Switzerland after Zurich and the most populous of the French-speaking Romandy region. It is a global financial centre, and a worldwide centre for diplomacy due to the presence of numerous international organisations, including the headquarters of many agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross. Geneva’s thriving economy attracts top talent and cutting-edge technology in industries such as chemistry, watchmaking, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, and precision engineering.
EuroSkills Geneva 2029 is expected to take place in September of 2029 at the Palexpo Geneva and the Geneva Arena.
Photography of Geneva provided courtesy of the CIty of Geneva.