Press release

Switzerland to continue support for UNRWA in 2021–2022

18.11.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting of 18 November 2020, the Federal Council decided to continue to provide the same level of support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for the next two years. Switzerland intends to continue to support and closely monitor the management reforms initiated by UNRWA. Switzerland's 40 million francs contribution will help to alleviate the precarious humanitarian situation, create prospects, reduce the risk of young people becoming radicalised, and strengthen stability in the region.

Ignazio Cassis receives French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in Bern

16.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today in Bern with France's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. The talks centred on French-Swiss cooperation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral relations and European policy. Current international affairs were also discussed.

Central America: Switzerland aids Hurricane Eta survivors

12.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Central American countries have been hit hard by Hurricane Eta. High winds and torrential rains have caused severe damage. Switzerland is providing CHF 700,000 to help those affected in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.

Rules on private security services abroad harmonised

11.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Common terminology, a new consultation mechanism, and clear areas of responsibility: at its meeting of 11 November 2020, the Federal Council amended the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad.

Switzerland–China: political dialogue to strengthen sustainable relations

09.11.2020 — Press release EDA
State Secretary Krystyna Marty met with China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang for political dialogue on Monday 9 November 2020. The meeting took place by videoconference, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the current epidemiological situation, the talks focused on economic relations between the two countries and the human rights situation in China. The discussions illustrate the continuity of the good relations between Switzerland and China.

Switzerland is demanding more protection of medical activities in armed conflicts

05.11.2020 — Press release EDA
The current COVID 19 pandemic underlines the importance of medical assistance – even during armed conflicts. Protecting medical activities is hereby essential. International humanitarian law (IHL) is the backbone of this protection. More must be done to improve its implementation. From 2 to 5 November 2020, Switzerland organised a virtual meeting of government experts on the protection of medical activities in armed conflicts. With more than 280 participants from around 100 countries, the meeting enabled the States represented to identify and exchange good practices. States can now draw on them to advance the implementation of IHL at national level.

Federal Council opens consultation process on 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
With its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, the Federal Council is setting out how it intends to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development over the next ten years. At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council approved the strategy for consultation.

Promotion of International Geneva and digital self-determination – Federal Council sets out Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–2024

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 4 November 2020, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–2024. The strategy outlines how the Federal Council intends to safeguard and promote Swiss interests and values in the digital space over the next four years. Focus areas include the strengthening of international governance and cooperation forums, digital self-determination for individual users, international law and the use of digitalisation to improve international cooperation. International Geneva has an important role to play in this respect, and the Federal Council aims to strengthen that role still further.

Ministerial session of the Council of Europe: Ignazio Cassis stresses the importance of close cooperation between states

04.11.2020 — Press release EDA
"In these unusual times, close cooperation between our states is the only adequate response to the difficulties we are currently facing," stated Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 130th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE). Under Greece's chairmanship, the foreign ministers at the session adopted the 'Athens Declaration', reaffirming their existing commitments to respond effectively to public health crises while respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the CoE's founding values. Key representatives also met to celebrate 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Switzerland’s candidacy for the UN Security Council enters final phase

30.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Elections for the 2023–24 period will be held in June 2022. The candidacy entered its final phase with a virtual event in New York attended by the president of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

COVID-19 and multilateralism: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis talks to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay

28.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 28 October 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis spoke by telephone with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Paris. The respective heads of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization discussed the impact of the pandemic crisis on multilateralism and UNESCO's strategic preparations in response to global challenges.

2030 Agenda - World Data Forum: strong international cooperation for quality data

22.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The United Nations World Data Forum took place from 19 to 21 October 2020 in digital format due to COVID-19. The event brought together several thousand experts to find innovative solutions in order to meet the need for better quality data to implement the 2030 Agenda and to control the pandemic.

Switzerland provides CHF 1 million to help flood-stricken Sudan

09.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The state secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Krystyna Marty, received the foreign minister of Sudan, Omer Gamareldin Ismail, in Bern on Friday. Various topics were discussed at the meeting, which was also attended by the director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, and other federal administration officials. Swiss Humanitarian Aid announced at the meeting that it was allocating CHF 1 million to assist Sudan, which has recently been hit by devastating floods.

Swiss hostage in Mali killed by terrorists

09.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Friday afternoon the French authorities informed the Swiss authorities that the Swiss hostage in Mali is dead. She was apparently killed by kidnappers of the Islamist terrorist organization Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslim (JNIM) about a month ago.

Bern: Ignazio Cassis meets director general of International Atomic Energy Agency

08.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Bern today. Their discussions focused on Switzerland's cooperation with the IAEA and current issues pertaining to nuclear non-proliferation. During his visit, Mr Grossi also met with representatives of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI), the Spiez Laboratory and the Beznau nuclear power plant.

Human Rights Council adopts two Swiss-led resolutions

07.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva closed its 45th regular session on 7 October 2020 after almost four weeks of work. It adopted two resolutions presented by Switzerland and partner States. The first seeks to strengthen the HRC's role in the prevention of human rights violations. The second resolution extends the mandate of the Special Rapporteur in the field of transitional justice.

Ignazio Cassis receives Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček in Bern: bilateral and European relations on the agenda

05.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 6 October Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček at the Lohn Manor. The meeting focused on the strength of Swiss-Czech bilateral relations and included discussions on possible areas for further collaboration. Mr Cassis and Mr Petříček also addressed a number of European and international issues. Switzerland and the Czech Republic maintain excellent economic relations and enjoy close cultural and social ties.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to San Marino, where tradition meets innovation

01.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 1 October Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participated as official speaker at the investiture of the captains regent of San Marino, a traditional ceremony that has been handed down unaltered since 1243. In his speech, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) restated the importance of multilateralism and international Geneva as a platform for discussion on digitalisation. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding committing them to work together more closely in the multilateral arena.

Switzerland completes emergency aid operation on Lesbos

30.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland responded immediately with emergency aid following a fire which devastated the refugee transit camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. Over several weeks, Swiss Humanitarian Aid focused on access to safe drinking water, medical support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster risk reduction. It also dispatched five tonnes of relief supplies to the facility. Switzerland is ending its emergency aid activities on Wednesday 30 September, having restored access to clean drinking water for 10,000 people. It will continue its support in the form of medium and long-term assistance.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to San Marino

29.09.2020 — Press release EDA
On 1 October, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in the investiture of the two captains regent, the joint heads of state of the Republic of San Marino. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs was invited as official speaker at the ceremony. The official visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral and international issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with Ticino and Graubünden government representatives

28.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs – an Italian speaker from the canton of Ticino – met today with government representatives of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Mr Cassis and members of the Council of State of the canton of Ticino and representatives of the government of Graubünden discussed, among other matters, the current coronavirus situation, cross-border relations, relations with the EU, and the promotion of multilingualism and the language and culture of Switzerland's Italian-speaking population.

Violent confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan – Switzerland’s position

28.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is concerned about the ongoing violent confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan that have been intensifying since 27 September. In the light of recent events, Switzerland calls on all parties to preserve regional stability and therefore end the use of force.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis holds official working meeting with Foreign Minister Katrin Eggenberger in Vaduz

25.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met on 25 September 2020 with Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger during an official visit to the Principality of Liechtenstein. The two foreign ministers discussed cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues. That evening, Mr Ignazio Cassis will give a speech on Swiss foreign policy to a group of business leaders. Mr Ignazio Cassis also met with H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein.

President Sommaruga at the virtual 75th session of the UN General Assembly

24.09.2020 — Press release EDA
On 23 September, during the ministerial week of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, outlined Switzerland’s priorities. This year’s event, which marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, is taking place via video link, owing to the ongoing pandemic.

Repatriation and reintegration of Afghan refugees

10.05.2012 — Article DEZA

The aim of the International Conference on Afghan Displacement, held in Geneva on 2-3 May 2012, was to find sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees. The new strategy endorsed by the conference primarily supports voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries. The conference can be regarded as a success for Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan in view of the support pledged by the international community, and for Switzerland as the host country and facilitator for implementation of the new strategy.

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.