FDFA news

Strengthening international humanitarian law: Switzerland participates in the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

27.11.2019 — Press release EDA
Following a decision by the Federal Council on 27 November, Switzerland will participate in the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva from 9 to 12 December. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will lead the Swiss delegation. Switzerland is committed to strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, one of the key issues to be addressed at the conference. Switzerland also supports the use of new technologies to ensure faster and more efficient humanitarian responses.

SDC Assistant Director General Christian Frutiger to represent Switzerland on the Board of Governors of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

27.11.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 27 November 2019, the Federal Council appointed Christian Frutiger, Head of Global Cooperation at the SDC, as the new IFAD Governor for Switzerland. IFAD enables the rural poor to improve their food security and nutrition, raise their incomes and strengthen their resilience, a mandate which aligns with Switzerland's development policy priorities.

Earthquake in Albania: Switzerland sends team of humanitarian experts

26.11.2019 — Press release EDA
In response to an official request from the Albanian government, Swiss Humanitarian Aid is dispatching a team of experts from its Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to the affected area of Albania.

Internet Governance Forum: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for all stakeholders to be included in debate on use of digital technologies

26.11.2019 — Press release EDA
At this year's Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Berlin, Switzerland is advocating judicious rules on digital governance, covering economic issues as well as security and human rights. Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Ignazio Cassis has called for a "Swiss approach" in which all actors and stakeholders join forces to address the issues raised by digital technologies. He said that Geneva already provided the perfect conditions for such a multi-stakeholder approach, which would bring together all relevant decision-makers.

Switzerland concerned about the situation in Xinjiang, China )

26.11.2019 — Press release EDA
The FDFA is greatly concerned about the revelations in the documents published in the last few days about the internment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. It calls on the Chinese government to address the concerns raised by many states and to allow the UN unhindered access to the region.

Internet Governance Forum: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for cooperation between all actors at the UN conference on digital cooperation in Berlin

25.11.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is to take part in the Internet Governance Forum in Berlin on 26 November 2019 at the invitation of the German government. The Forum, the world’s foremost and largest UN multi-stakeholder conference on digital cooperation, is concerned with all aspects of digital policy, including economic, regulatory, security and human rights issues. The participation of Federal Councillor Cassis underscores Switzerland’s active and constructive role in digital diplomacy and digital governance issues.

Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis receive heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference

21.11.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis held talks with the heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference in Bern on 21 November. Talks focused on cross-border cooperation in the Lake Constance area, the New Regional Policy of the Federal Government and Switzerland's European policy.

30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets two school classes on the occasion

20.11.2019 — EDA
The right to education, protection, play and leisure – children have certain rights that, alongside their general welfare, states are obliged to guarantee. These obligations are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted 30 years ago today. To mark the occasion, Mr Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, opened the doors of the Federal Palace in Bern to two school classes from the canton of Ticino.

Switzerland elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

20.11.2019 — EDA
UNESCO strives to promote peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, science, culture and media development. UNESCO's General Conference has now elected Switzerland to the organisation's Executive Board for 2019–23. The new Executive Board's mandate will include drafting UNESCO's next medium-term strategy for 2022–29.

Federal Council expands cooperation with the UN on military peace support training

20.11.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 November 2019, the Federal Council approved an agreement between Switzerland and the UN on training cooperation in the context of international peace support. The agreement will provide a legal framework for closer longer-term cooperation between Switzerland and the UN in the training sector.

US statements on Israeli settlements: Switzerland’s statement

19.11.2019 — EDA
Following yesterday's American statements on Israeli settlements, Switzerland confirms its position.

The Federal Council concludes an agreement on privileges and immunities with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association

18.11.2019 — EDA
On 18 November 2019 Switzerland and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICoCA) signed an agreement on the privileges and immunities accorded to the association in Switzerland. ICoCA plays a major role in ensuring compliance with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers and in promoting the responsible provision of security services.

FDFA State Secretary on official visit to South Korea for political talks and inauguration of new Swiss embassy building

17.05.2019 — Press release EDA
FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl met her South Korean counterpart Mr Cho Hyun, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, for political talks today in Seoul. Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the multilateral system. Ms Baeriswyl also took part in the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy building in Seoul and along with her South Korean counterpart signed the protocol revising the double taxation agreement between the two countries.

#SwissTech: Switzerland showcases smart technologies in Paris

16.05.2019 — Press release EDA
From 16 to 18 May 2019, Switzerland will take part in Viva Technology (VivaTech) in Paris, one of Europe's foremost technology fairs. The Swiss pavilion, part of Presence Switzerland's current #SwissTech campaign, will feature an interactive show of innovative technologies that help people lead more networked, informed and sustainable lives.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis discusses multilateral cooperation and security in Europe with Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák

16.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Mr Cassis, who is the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), has met Mr Lajčák in Bratislava during a working visit to Slovakia. Both foreign ministers highlighted the positive development of their countries bilateral ties and discussed the institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). Talks concerning multilateral cooperation focused on security in Europe and the work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Mr Lajčák is the current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. Slovakia also currently holds the presidency of the Visegrad Group (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) and will soon assume the chairmanship of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Federal Council approves revised foreign policy on health

15.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to take action in six key areas of international health policy, including sustainable healthcare, global health governance and protection against global health risks. At its meeting on 15 May, the Federal Council adopted the revised Health Foreign Policy for 2019–2024, which addresses current global challenges and is aligned with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Swiss representation in Belarus to be upgraded to full embassy

15.05.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2019, the Federal Council decided to upgrade the Swiss representation in Minsk to a full embassy. The decision was based on the steadily growing relations between Switzerland and Belarus. The embassy in Minsk is planned to be opened officially this year by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

Joining forces against natural disasters: international conference on disaster risk reduction opens in Geneva tomorrow

14.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) will be opened by SDC Director General Manuel Sager on 15 May. The international conference, which runs until 17 May, will see over 4,000 experts from some 150 countries discuss global policies on natural disaster prevention. The results are expected to guide UN policy in this area.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Slovakia for working visit and Finland for Council of Europe ministers' meeting

14.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Bratislava on 16 May 2019 for bilateral talks with the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák. He will then attend the Council of Europe ministerial session in Helsinki on 17 May.

Ignazio Cassis marks centenary of International Labour Organization with António Guterres and meets UN executive heads

08.05.2019 — Press release EDA
On 8 May 2019, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Geneva to commemorate with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The creation of the ILO and – in the same year – the League of Nations, marked the beginning of multilateralism in Geneva. The head of the FDFA took the opportunity to meet the 31 heads of the UN specialised agencies, which are holding a meeting from 8 to 10 May 2019 in Geneva.

Escalation of hostilities in north-western Syria – FDFA statement

08.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The FDFA is deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities in the Syrian province of Idlib and calls on the parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table. Furthermore, it calls on the states guaranteeing the 'de-escalation zone' and the signatory states of the Sochi Agreement to do everything in their power to comply with international law, especially humanitarian law, and to work towards an end to hostilities.

Meeting in Bern between Ignazio Cassis and Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji

07.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has met the Bhutanese foreign minister, Tandi Dorji, for official talks in Bern. Switzerland and the Himalayan state can look back on many years of friendly relations, which for a long time were based primarily on development cooperation. The two countries' economic and political relations meanwhile are steadily expanding.

Escalation of violence between the Gaza Strip and Israel – statement by the FDFA

06.05.2019 — Press release EDA
While welcoming the ceasefire reached by the parties, Switzerland expresses its deep concern at the escalating violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It condemns in the strongest terms the hundreds of indiscriminate rocket attacks launched on inhabited areas of Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is received by Pope Francis and will attend the swearing in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican

04.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was received by Pope Francis in a private audience. He also met other representatives of the Holy See, with which Switzerland has maintained close ties for centuries, and he will attend the swearing-in of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican on Monday.

Pro Humanitate prize for the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit and Toni Frisch

08.05.2012 — Article DEZA

The Pro Europa Foundation honours the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) and its longstanding director, Toni Frisch, with the Pro Humanitate prize.

Annual Report 2011 SECO/SDC on Switzerland's contribution to EU enlargement

25.04.2012 — Article DEZA

The approval process for projects within the frame of the Switzerland’s Enlargement Contribution unfolded in a satisfactory manner. The number of definitively approved projects virtually doubled in comparison with last year. Numerous projects that had been approved in the previous years were able to be further implemented according to plan.

Breakthrough in the fight against poverty and in gaining access to safe drinking water

25.04.2012 — Article DEZA

The World Bank and the United Nations have good news: The number of people living in extreme poverty has halved since 1990 and, in the same period, an additional two billion people now have access to safe drinking water. With this, two Millennium Development Goals have been met before the 2015 deadline.

From the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne to the Irrawaddy delta in the south of Myanmar

23.04.2012 — Article DEZA

After completing his architectural studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and getting his first professional experience abroad, Mikhail Broger, 35, joined the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit in 2011. In October of the same year, he was sent to the south of Myanmar on his first mission.

New film about the SDC

10.04.2012 — Article DEZA

Behind the scenes: insight into the structure and activities of the SDC

What contribution does Switzerland actually make to alleviating poverty, to sustainable development and to solving environmental problems? How is the SDC organised? These are some of the questions that are answered in a series of short films. SDC personnel talk about their day-to-day work both in Switzerland and abroad, while SDC Director-General, Martin Dahinden, explains the role that development cooperation plays. The SDC offers a behind-the-scenes look at its activities.

Switzerland sends search and rescue specialists to Pakistan

09.04.2012 — Article DEZA

Last Saturday, an avalanche buried a Pakistani military camp situated at an altitude of above 4570 metres near the Siachen glacier in the north of the country. According to Pakistani army sources, 124 soldiers and 11 civilians have been trapped under the avalanche. At the request of the Government of Pakistan, Switzerland sent three rescue experts to the scene of the accident on Monday. Switzerland has an international reputation for its search and rescue expertise in high mountains. The Humanitarian Aid of the Swiss Confederation is co-ordinating the mission.

Sahel: a humanitarian disaster can still be averted

03.04.2012 — Article DEZA

Food crisis in West Africa

In the Sahel region of West Africa more than 10 million people are facing serious food shortages due to the 2011 drought and the after-effects of the 2010 food crisis. Drawing from the experiences made in the Horn of Africa, Switzerland and other donors have reacted quickly in order to avert famine.

The challenge of chronic diseases

28.03.2012 — Article DEZA

18-20 April 2012, Geneva Health Forum

Chronic diseases are a major challenge for our health systems: they are the principal cause of death in the world and account for 75% of health-care costs in the world. The Geneva Health Forum examines innovative solutions to confront this problem. This international conference has been organised by the University Hospitals of Geneva and the Medical Faculty of the University of Geneva with the support of the SDC.

Switzerland’s water footprint is measured for the first time

12.03.2012 — Article DEZA

The SDC, WWF together with the interdepartemental goup IDANE Wasser, have published the first ever report on Switzerland’s water footprint. Finding: 82% of the water required to produce all the goods and services consumed in our country comes from abroad. The report emphasises that Switzerland has a shared responsibility in respect of sustainable water management on a planetary level, and proposes a set of recommendations.

Projet de rapport sur la diversité culturelle en Suisse

29.02.2012 — Article DEZA

En ratifiant la Convention de l'UNESCO sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles, la Suisse acceptait d'établir tous les quatre ans un rapport sur la situation nationale en matière de diversité culturelle. Le premier d'entre eux sera livré en avril 2012.

Swiss Cooperation with Mali: Definition of the common perspectives for 2012-2015

09.02.2012 — Article DEZA

On 2 and 3 February 2012 in Bamako, Switzerland and its cooperation partner Mali met to take stock of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries and to launch their new strategy for the years 2012 to 2015. This new strategy formulates Swiss cooperation’s major points of thrust in this west African country over the next four years. The Memorandum of Understanding signed on this occasion paves the way to a new period of cooperation between Mali and Switzerland and defines their common perspectives for the coming years.

ADEA’s 2012 Triennale: Stepping up education and training for Africa’s sustainable development

08.02.2012 — Article DEZA

The ADEA Triennale on education and training in Africa brings together a range of people working for education on the continent: government ministers, representatives of bilateral and multilateral agencies, members of research networks, NGOs, the private sector and socio-professional organisations. Adapting education systems to the challenges of sustainable development is the focus of the broad dialogue. The event takes place from 12-17 February 2012 in Ouagadougou and is organised by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), a longstanding partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.