Switzerland grants international institution status to IFFEd under the Host State Act
On 18 December 2025, Switzerland has concluded a Seat Agreement on privileges and immunities with the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening International Geneva and consolidating its role as a global hub for peace, justice, and human rights.
IFFEd is an innovative public-private partnership, established in 2023 as a Swiss foundation based in Geneva. By leveraging contingent capital from donors, IFFEd enables multilateral development banks (MDBs) to extend education financing to lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) up to five times more efficiently than under conventional paid-in capital models.
The Seat Agreement was signed in Bern by Ambassador Franz Xaver Perrez, Head of the Directorate of International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Julian Smith, Chair of the IFFEd Foundation Board. The Federal Council approved the Seat Agreement on 12 December 2025, pursuant to the Host State Act.
Under the Seat Agreement, IFFEd is granted international institution status together with a comprehensive set of privileges and immunities. This recognition reflects Switzerland's support for IFFEd's mandate and its contribution to advancing lifelong education for all.
Lenz & Staehelin acted as Swiss legal counsel to IFFEd. The team was led by partner Benoît Merkt and notably included Benjamin Moret and Erica Russo.
For more information, please refer to the announcements made by the FDFA and IFFEd.