Considered the world’s diplomatic capital, Geneva reigns as the place for world leaders and international negotiators to gather for secret meetings or grand, public announcements regarding major health or trade issues.

But just 10 years ago, Geneva was at the cusp of losing its status as the global leader for international organizations. Many highly visible institutions, such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, occupied buildings that sorely needed restoration, and diplomats from some third-world countries were complaining about the city’s high living costs. In addition, real estate prices made office expansion impossible, and several other central European cities offered plenty of incentives to any non-governmental organization that would relocate.

Geneva’s city officials responded to the crisis, bringing in developers to build a “carbon positive” eco-quarter in the Jonction neighborhood. The new CEVA rail line will open up new residential and office districts, and a $50 million investment by the Swiss government will fund renovations of the United Nations offices in the historic Palais des Nations complex as well as other buildings.

Especially comforting was the WTO’s decision to remain in Geneva, which was certainly influenced by a new extension to its headquarters building a few years ago — including a new energy system using nearby lake water to heat and cool the building with greater efficiency, surely a relief to formerly disgruntled workers.

After much controversy, none of Geneva’s major organizations left the city. After all, where else can diplomats enjoy hundreds of gourmet restaurants, Alps skiing, lake swimming and sailing, and the world’s best chocolate shops, all within a few minutes’ drive from the office?