SWITZERLAND. Lagardère Travel Retail in partnership with Switzerland for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, has this week unveiled a pop-up store in the East Wing of Geneva Airport.
The store features a collection of handicrafts from ‘MADE51’, a mission-driven brand that connects refugee artisans with international markets.
MADE51 currently works with 35 local social enterprises in 23 refugee-hosting countries. By using their valuable skills, traditions and heritage to handcraft unique products, refugees are able to earn an income and achieve financial independence.
As well as getting the opportunity to learn more about UNHCR’s operations and missions for more than 103 million forcibly displaced people around the world, visitors to the Geneva Airport pop-up can also support refugee artisans by purchasing their products, which include items of home décor, dolls and fashion accessories.
Lagardère Travel Retail Switzerland CEO Pascal le Droff said of the partnership: “Our collaboration with UNHCR means a lot to us, especially in these troubled times. The war in Ukraine and the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria require a strong solidarity.
“We want to play our part to help refugees and highlight the urgent need to include them in the global value chain.”
Switzerland for UNHCR Executive Director Cristina Davies outlined what passengers can find at the pop-up: “For the next six months, passengers at Geneva Airport will have the opportunity to buy a variety of products made by artisans, including home décor, dolls, and fashion accessories.
“In addition, the booth also features brochures and an activity table for children. We also thank the wonderful volunteers that will provide information on-site about UNHCR’s mission and MADE51 products during the weekend.
“The pop-up store allows travellers to learn about the experiences of those who have also travelled, but against their will and with no guarantee of ever returning home,” she added.
The foundations of the partnership
Last year, Lagardère Travel Retail joined forces with Switzerland for UNHCR to support the DAFI programme, granting scholarships to refugees to access higher education.
With the option of top-up payments at checkouts, passengers were able to sponsor young refugees to pursue their education.
Lagardère Travel Retail gave an example of the impact education can have on young refugees through the story of UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Maya Ghazal. After fleeing the war in Syria, Maya came to the UK and stayed a few nights in a hotel by Heathrow Airport. It was there that she realised what she wanted to do later on: become an airline pilot. Today, Maya has completed her studies, and is the first female Syrian refugee pilot.
Supporting Ukraine
Lagardère Travel Retail also supported the relief efforts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries when the war broke out. In less than a year, over CHF 70,000 (US$74,500) has been raised for UNHCR programmes supporting Ukrainian refugees. 
