Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó

20.04.2021 — Press release EDA
On Tuesday 20 April 2021, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, for an official working meeting in Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, Hungary's upcoming chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and the socio-political and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pierre von Arx appointed head of the OSCE mission in Uzbekistan

20.04.2021 — Press release EDA
The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde, has appointed Swiss diplomat Pierre von Arx as head of the OSCE mission in Uzbekistan.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Belarusian Foreign Minister in Bern

20.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received the Foreign Minister of Belarus, Uladzimir Makei, on a courtesy visit to Bern on 20 April 2021. Their talks focused on the current situation in Belarus and the case of Natallia Hersche, a Swiss-Belarusian dual citizen who is currently serving a prison term.

Science diplomacy and cross-border cooperation focus of German-speaking foreign ministers' meeting in Lugano

16.04.2021 — Press release EDA
At the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the five German-speaking countries took place today in Lugano. The talks focused on cross-border cooperation, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, science diplomacy in digital foreign policy and other topics of European and international interest.

Switzerland presents report on implementation of UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

15.04.2021 — Press release EDA
From 13 to 15 April 2021, Switzerland presented its report on its implementation of the International Convention to the UN Committee. The report underlines Switzerland's commitment to worldwide efforts fighting the crime of enforced disappearance.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives new Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein Dominique Hasler

15.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Today, for the first time, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received Dominique Hasler, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of the Principality of Liechtenstein. This is the first official working visit of Liechtenstein's new foreign minister in Switzerland. It focused on cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues.

Swiss official development assistance at 0.48% of gross national income in 2020

13.04.2021 — Press release EDA
In 2020, Swiss official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 3.343 billion, CHF 263 million more than in 2019. As a share of gross national income (GNI), Swiss ODA totalled 0.48%.

Humanitarian aid and Syria crisis at centre of Ignazio Cassis's visit to Lebanon

08.04.2021 — Press release EDA
During his visit to Lebanon, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited the port of Beirut and a hospital destroyed by the explosion of 4 August 2020, which was rebuilt with Switzerland's help. He also visited a settlement of Syrian refugees. Together with Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe and President Michel Aoun he discussed the economic and political problems in Lebanon. This marked the final stage of Mr Cassis's trip to the Middle East, which also encompassed Iraq and Oman.

Switzerland at IMF and World Bank virtual Spring Meetings and virtual G20 Finance Ministers Meeting

08.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, are attending the virtual Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) on 8 and 9 April 2021. The focus of the Annual Meetings, as well as the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, is on tackling the COVID-19 crisis globally and supporting poorer countries.

Working together for stability and peace in the Middle East

06.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Today in Muscat, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with the Omani Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Royal Office. Discussions focused on the joint efforts by Switzerland and Oman to promote peace and regional stability in the Middle East. Oman was the second stop on the head of the FDFA's tour of the Middle East.

Discussions focus on regional security during official visit by Ignazio Cassis to Iraq

04.04.2021 — Press release EDA
As part of his official visit to Iraq, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his counterpart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi and the Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohamed al-Halbousi. Discussions focused on the MENA Strategy 2021–24, in particular Switzerland's commitment to promoting dialogue and regional stability. Iraq is the first stop on Mr Cassis's tour of the region, which will also take in Oman and Lebanon.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Iraq, Oman and Lebanon

01.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will visit Iraq, Oman and Lebanon from 3 to 8 April 2021. The trip’s main purpose is to hold talks on the priorities of the MENA Strategy 2021–24, with a particular focus on promoting dialogue, reducing regional tensions, sustainable development and humanitarian activities.

Official visit to the Middle East: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for the resumption of dialogue

29.11.2020 — Press release EDA
During his official visit to the Middle East, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met with his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts Gabi Ashkenazi and Riyad al-Maliki. Discussions centred on the latest regional developments and Switzerland's peace policy, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in the area of innovation and the creation of jobs for young Palestinians. These subjects are among Switzerland's priorities in the region following the adoption of the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy 2021–2024.

Switzerland and ICRC sign protocol amending headquarters agreement

27.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and ICRC President Peter Maurer have signed a protocol amending the agreement which has governed the ICRC's status in Switzerland since 1993. The ICRC is the federal government's main partner in the field of humanitarian aid and plays a key role in the protection of victims of armed conflict and implementation of the Geneva Conventions. The new provisions are designed to increase the ICRC's independence and capacity for action.

Violence in Ethiopia: The FDFA allocates CHF 2 million for humanitarian aid and calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law

27.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Since early November, clashes in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. The need for humanitarian aid has increased, which has spread to neighbouring countries, particularly Sudan. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to support humanitarian operations in the region with CHF 2 million. It calls for strict compliance with international humanitarian law, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, a desescalation of violence and a return to dialogue.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Middle East and United Arab Emirates

26.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 28 November to 1 December 2020. His official talks with government representatives will focus on the priorities of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy 2021–24, in particular facilitating dialogue in the region and cooperation on innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.

Federal Council adopts anti-corruption strategy

25.11.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 25 November 2020, the Federal Council approved its first anti-corruption strategy for the 2021–2024 period. Although the strategy is mainly directed at the Federal Administration, it is also intended to have a wider reach.

Parliament Building to be lit orange as protest against violence against women

24.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Parliament Building will be lit up in orange, the colour chosen to symbolise the day. Combating violence against women is a priority for Switzerland, both at national and international level. A further aim of this initiative is to highlight the authorities’ practice of zero tolerance towards violence against women, particularly during the pandemic.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens Afghanistan Conference in Geneva

24.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomed the international community to the Afghanistan Conference in Geneva on 24 November. Most of the major donor countries took part virtually in the pledging conference, which sets the development priorities and financial support for Afghanistan every four years. Switzerland has pledged CHF 104 million for the upcoming period. The donors' conference comes at a critical juncture with the Afghan government and Taliban having started peace talks in September. In his capacity as head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Mr Cassis also held bilateral talks with his Afghan and Finnish counterparts on the margins of the conference.

Hurricane Iota in Central America: another demonstration of solidarity by Switzerland

23.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Central America, already ravaged by Hurricane Eta, has again been hit by an extreme weather event. The latest, Hurricane Iota, has already wreaked havoc in several countries across the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is responding to the emergency by sending specialists and released CHF 2 million to help the survivors.

Switzerland funds reconstruction of houses in Albania: Federal Councillor Cassis gets an update on the status of the projects

23.11.2020 — Press release EDA
During his official visit to Tirana on 23 November 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj and President Ilir Meta. The talks focused on Switzerland's commitment in Albania, Albania's chairmanship of the OSCE and the candidacy of both countries for the UN Security Council. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) also visited an SDC project to restore destroyed houses.

50 years of diplomatic relations: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Albania

20.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 23 November 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Tirana for an official visit to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania. The meeting with Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama and the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj will focus on bilateral relations, Switzerland's international cooperation in the region and Albania's current chairmanship of the OSCE.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Spanish Foreign Minister in Bern

20.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 20 November 2020, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, met with Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha González Laya. The talks focused on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, relations with the European Union and bilateral relations between Switzerland and Spain. The Spanish minister's visit was also an opportunity to discuss multilateral commitments and International Geneva.

Poverty reduction and sustainable development: Switzerland renews its support to the UNDP

18.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Despite progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, some 600 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number is rising sharply for the first time in decades. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a key role in poverty reduction. The Federal Council has therefore decided on 18 November to allocate a contribution of 52.7 million francs to the UNDP.

Securing land rights – a step toward eradicating hunger and poverty

13.09.2012 — Article DEZA

SDC supports the utilization of Voluntary Guidelines on Land Governance

Weak governance of land tenure threatens food security, the environment as well as social development in many developing countries. The Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Forests and Fisheries, adopted by the Committee on World Food Security in 2012, secure the rights of the rural poor to use, manage and control these natural resources. The SDC supports the application of these Guidelines with a contribution of CHF 3 million.

Message on Switzerland’s International Cooperation in 2013–2016

11.09.2012 — Article DEZA

After the National Council, the Council of States adopted the Message on Switzerland’s International Cooperation in 2013–2016 on Tuesday, 11 September 2012. For the first time, the Message describes in one document the tasks of humanitarian aid, development cooperation, economic and trade policy measures within the framework of development cooperation, and cooperation with the countries of Eastern Europe.

Flooding in North Korea: Switzerland makes funds available for reconstruction and restoration of water supply

22.08.2012 — Article DEZA

The flooding in North Korea caused by torrential rainfall in July and August has claimed more than 160 lives and caused extensive damage. Around 210,000 people are homeless and tens of thousands are in need of clean drinking water. In response, Switzerland has made CHF 200,000 available for emergency relief measures. Swiss Humanitarian Aid will use these funds to reconstruct houses and to restore the supply of drinking water in the affected areas.

One year since the approval of the special credit for the Horn of Africa

20.08.2012 — Article DEZA

Emergency relief and food security are focal points of Swiss aid

A year ago, the Federal Council approved a special credit of CHF 20 million to help relieve the situation in the Horn of Africa where more than 13 million people were suffering from hunger. Extreme drought caused one of the most severe humanitarian crises in 30 years in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Swiss Humanitarian Aid allocated the funds mainly for life-saving measures and food security.

Iran accepts Switzerland’s offer of assistance

16.08.2012 — Article DEZA

On Thursday, Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched a four-man team of experts to the earthquake region in north-western Iran to carry out a fact-finding mission and, together with the Iranian authorities and the Iranian Red Crescent, to prepare for the distribution of emergency relief materials.

At the same times, measures were being undertaken to prepare for the air transport of winter-proof relief supplies for 1000 persons to the earthquake region as rapidly as possible.

The relief items primarily concern tents, tent insulation and heating apparatus, blankets, and field kitchens.

Crisis in Syria: Interview with Martin Zirn, Swiss expert on mission for the UNHCR

10.08.2012 — Article DEZA

Thousands of Syrians fleeing to northern Iraq

Martin Zirn is a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit with many years’ experience including several postings to Iraq as an expert in shelter construction, water and sanitation projects. Since the outbreak of the crisis in neighbouring Syria, tens of thousands of people have fled the country including several thousand to northern Iraq. Zurich-based Martin Zirn has been seconded to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) by the Humanitarian Aid of the Swiss Confederation as a senior technical co-ordinator and project head.

More responsibility for the recipients

03.08.2012 — Article DEZA

Interview about the effectiveness of development cooperation

Brian Atwood, director of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) development committee DAC, talks about how the effectiveness of development cooperation can be improved by establishing clear criteria for monitoring and by more effective coordination among donor countries.

Afghanistan: Cooperation Office opened 10 years ago

09.07.2012 — Article DEZA

The Swiss Cooperation Office in Afghanistan celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012. Subject to fundamental changes, Afghanistan is one of the so-called «fragile» states. Given this complex and volatile context, the SDC is stepping up its commitment in an effort to prevent the achievements so far from being undone. Elisabeth von Capeller, head of the Division South Asia, visited the country from 6–11 June 2012 and shares her impressions. Furthermore, the exhibition “New Afghanistan through Afghan Eyes” proposes to discover the many facets of this country through the photographs of young Afghan artists.

Mali: aid targeted to local needs

04.07.2012 — Article DEZA

Interview with Geneviève Federspiel, resident director of Swiss cooperation in Mali from 2008-June 2012

«Whenever a door opens, we enter it»

Rede Burkhalter - GV Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation - Die Schweizer Entwicklungszusammenarbeit: Mit Herz und gemeinsamer Verantwortung mehr erreichen

23.06.2012 — Article DEZA

Winterthur - Rede von Bundesrat Didier Burkhalter - Es gilt das gesprochene Wort

A quick transition to a green economy could rescue millions from poverty

14.06.2012 — Article DEZA

The shift to a green and inclusive economy could free millions from poverty and improve the lives of the 1.3 billion people who today have to get by on only 1.25$ a day. For this to happen, political commitment as well as the commitment of public and private investors is required. The steps needed include reform of governance in the area of land rights and access to water, expansion of social security systems and a guarantee of social services for the poor.

Fragile states: Adapting and enhancing commitment

25.05.2012 — Article DEZA

Approximately 1.5 billion human beings live in states which are fragile or affected by conflict. They number among the most disadvantaged populations on our planet. The complexity of the situation in which these people find themselves makes it necessary for development cooperation to modify and adapt its mode of action. If the Swiss Parliament approves the Federal Council’s Message on Switzerland’s International Cooperation 2013-2016, the SDC will be able to substantially increase the aid it provides to fragile states.