Mandat International, also known as the International Cooperation Foundation, is an international non‑governmental organization (NGO) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 1995, the organization operates as an independent foundation with the aim of promoting international cooperation through research, multistakeholder dialogue, and initiatives in international law and sustainable development.
Legal status and affiliations
Mandat International holds special consultative status with several United Nations bodies, including the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It is a member of the Internet of Things International Forum (IoT‑IF) and participates in various UN‑affiliated networks such as the Internet Society, the Geneva Environment Network, and the Network of Swiss Documentation Centres.
Activities and programs
The organization coordinates and supports a range of conferences and events, notably:
- IoT Week – an annual week‑long conference that gathers international stakeholders to discuss developments, challenges, and policy implications of the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Digital Around the World – a series of forums focusing on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data protection.
- Privacy Symposium – an event dedicated to privacy rights, personal data governance, and related regulatory frameworks.
Mandat International also collaborates on European Union research projects under the Horizon 2020 programme, contributing expertise in smart cities, cybersecurity, personal data protection, and end‑user engagement.
Mission and focus areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to enhance global cooperation by:
- Conducting interdisciplinary research on emerging technologies and their societal impact.
- Facilitating dialogue among governments, industry, academia, and civil society.
- Advancing the development of international norms and legal frameworks for sustainable development and digital governance.
Location
The organization’s main office is located at 3 Chemin Champ‑Baron, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
References
- Wikipedia, “Mandat International.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandat_International
- GIPLATFORM, “Mandat International.” https://www.giplatform.org/actors/mandat-international
- Digital Watch Observatory, “Mandat International.” https://dig.watch/actor/mandat-international
Note: The information presented reflects publicly available sources as of the knowledge cutoff date and does not include unpublished or proprietary details.
