State visit to Switzerland by the President of Turkey, Abdullah Gül

25.11.2010 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council is hosting the President of the Republic of Turkey, Abdullah Gül, who is paying a two-day state visit to Switzerland on 25 and 26 November. He is accompanied by his wife, Hayrünnisa Gül. President Gül arrived at Zurich airport this morning where he was received with military honours. Official discussions between the delegations of the two states later took place in Bern. On Friday, Turkish and Swiss business representatives will exchange views at a forum on renewable energies.

Switzerland to participate at Expo 2015 in Milan (last modification, the 24.11.2010)

24.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, Expo 2015 Milan has been officially registered at the Annual General Meeting of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris. The Federal Council has already announced Switzerland’s participation in the World Expo in Italy. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will be responsible for the organisation of the Swiss pavilion at the expo.

Financing health systems for a more equitable access of the poor to health services – Swiss commitment

22.11.2010 — Press release EDA
This year’s World Health Report focuses on health system financing and addresses the issue of how universal and equitable access to health services can be achieved. It will be launched by the WHO Director General Margaret Chan on 22 November 2010 in Berlin, just before the opening of an international ministerial conference dedicated to this subject. Switzerland is taking part in this international conference with a delegation led by Dr Tim Guldimann, Swiss ambassador in Germany.

Cholera epidemic in Haiti: SDC sends more experts

22.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, a doctor and a nurse have been sent to Haiti to assist in the fight against the cholera epidemic. This follows up on the secondment at the end of October of water experts to Haiti to support the state authorities in ensuring the supply of clean drinking water. The doctor and the nurse will be seconded to the Albert Schweizer Hospital in the Department of Artebonite, the most severely affected region of the country.

Switzerland’s contribution to EU enlargement: an interim review

19.11.2010 — Press release EDA
At the Annual Conference on Swiss Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, and Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the Polish Minister for Regional Development, together with other speakers from Switzerland and abroad conducted a review of the progress made to date on the implementation of EU enlargement contribution projects: implementation is proceeding satisfactorily. Around 350 people attended the annual conference.

Official working visit to Bern by the Japanese Deputy-Foreign Minister, Yutaka Banno

19.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has received the Japanese Deputy-Foreign Minister, Yutaka Banno, for official talks. The subjects of the discussions included climate change as well as cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Mr Banno also met the Director of the Federal Office for Energy, Mr Walter Steinmann.

The Federal Council opens consultations on the Convention on Cluster Munitions

18.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, the Federal Council has initiated a consultation process on the ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, CCM. The CCM places a comprehensive ban on the use, development and production, as well as the acquisition, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions.

The Federal Council to continue its support for the three Geneva Centres

17.11.2010 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to continue the Confederation’s support for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Today, it has submitted a Dispatch to Parliament in which it applies for a framework credit of CHF 119.9 million.

Übergabe des Beglaubigungsschreibens

16.11.2010 — Press release EDA

The Swiss Permanent Mission to the EU celebrates its 50th anniversary

15.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Fifty years ago, Switzerland opened a mission to the European Communities in Brussels. Today, the Swiss Permanent Mission to the European Union celebrates this anniversary in the presence of Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. In her address to some 350 guests, Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey drew an overall positive picture of relations between Switzerland and the European Union, and spoke about future developments.

Switzerland welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

13.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest this Saturday. Switzerland welcomes the release of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

4th Global Forum on Migration and Development – Switzerland to Chair the Forum in 2011

10.11.2010 — Press release EDA
The 4th Global Forum on Migration and Development is scheduled to take place on 10 and 11 November 2010 in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), where the representatives of some 150 States will hold discussions on how to enhance international cooperation in the domain of migration and development. The Swiss delegation, to be led by Eduard Gnesa, Special Envoy for international cooperation on migration issues, will be preparing Switzerland’s chairmanship of the Forum in 2011.

Alleviating suffering and promoting sustainable development: SDC allocates programme contributions for 2021–22

03.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has signed contracts with 27 partner organisations for programme contributions totalling around CHF 270 million for the 2021–22 period. The international programmes of Swiss NGOs contribute to the implementation of the objectives of Switzerland's new International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24.

Peter Düggeli appointed new head of FDFA Communication

02.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has appointed Peter Düggeli, Swiss Radio and Television's US correspondent, as the new head of communication at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Düggeli will take up his post on 1 April.

Switzerland pledges CHF 14 million for humanitarian aid in Yemen

01.03.2021 — Press release EDA
FDFA head and Vice President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis pledged a CHF 14 million humanitarian aid package at an online conference to raise funds for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Ensuring international peace and security: climate and security (virtual) (fr)

23.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Bern, 23.02.2021 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the UN Security Council - Check against delivery

UN Security Council: Statement by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on climate and security

23.02.2021 — Press release EDA
During an open debate of the UN Security Council, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis expresses Switzerland's views on the impact of climate change on peace and international security. During a high-level debate, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) outlines Switzerland's contribution to conflict prevention and why cross-sectoral cooperation is crucial in the fight against climate change.

Ignazio Cassis launches first 'Emna Rumantscha' with Canton of Graubünden

18.02.2021 — Press release EDA
'Rumantsch: in ferm toc Svizra' (Romansh: an essential part of Switzerland). This is the motto under which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is launching the first ever Romansh language week in Switzerland and abroad. On 19 February, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis – in collaboration with the Canton of Graubünden and Radiotelevisiun Svizra Rumantscha (RTR) – is inviting people to an online launch event dedicated to Switzerland's fourth national language. Together with the representations abroad, the FDFA wants to promote greater knowledge of the Romansh language and culture, which is a key component of Switzerland's national cohesion.

New Swiss ambassadors

17.02.2021 — Press release EDA
A number of personnel changes have been announced for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern for 2020/2021. These changes are part of the usual transfer rotation and are based on appointments made by the Federal Council. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state.

Ignazio Cassis concludes his African tour in Senegal and The Gambia

13.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Following his visit to Algeria and Mali, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, travelled to Senegal on 11 February 2021 for a two-day visit. In Dakar he met Senegalese President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall. At the centre of discussions were the priorities of Switzerland's new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24 and Swiss engagement in Senegal regarding vocational education and training and digitalisation. Mr Cassis then travelled to The Gambia, where various official meetings and visits were on the programme.

Appointment of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

12.02.2021 — Press release EDA
On 22 January 2021, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis appointed the 12 members of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (hereafter the Congress) for the period 2021–26. The candidatures were proposed by the Conference of Cantonal Governments, the Swiss Union of Cities and the Association of Swiss Communes. Following formal validation by the Congress Bureau on 12 February 2021, the new delegation can now begin its work in preparation for the renewal session from 23 to 25 March.

Official visit to Mali: Ignazio Cassis calls for transition to lasting peace

11.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Mali on 9 February 2021 for a two-day official visit. In Bamako, he met with President Bah N'Daw and Foreign Minister Zeyni Moulaye. Their discussions focused on the transition period leading to the formation of a new government and on efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Switzerland's commitment to international cooperation in Mali was also a central topic. The topics discussed are priorities of the first Swiss strategy for the region, the Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24, which was recently adopted by the Federal Council. Also on the agenda were visits to several Swiss-supported projects.

Ignazio Cassis in Algeria: political meetings and economic exchange

09.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis began his Africa trip with an official visit to Algeria from 7 to 9 February 2021. He was received by Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad and Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum in Algiers. Talks centred on diversifying bilateral relations, regional security, and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his visit, the head of the FDFA also met with members of the new Swiss-Algerian Chamber of Commerce.

Drought in Madagascar: Switzerland to provide 1 million Swiss francs

09.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has announced the allocation one million Swiss francs to support humanitarian activities in Madagascar. It is responding to the country's authorities' appeal for international aid.

Regional conference on post-Haiyan

09.07.2014 — Article DEZA

Following the deployment of emergency aid and its support for the reconstruction effort, Switzerland has supported the Government of the Philippines in the organisation of a regional conference on the prevention of natural disasters and on the follow-up to the disaster caused by Typhoon Haiyan. The conference initiated a new frame of reference for the prevention of, preparation for, and response to major disasters.

Farmers from different backgrounds get together in Switzerland

27.06.2014 — Article DEZA

A one-day conference was held on 27 June 2014 at the Grangeneuve Agricultural Institute in the Canton of Fribourg to mark the International Year of Family Farming. The event, co-financed by the SDC, provided an occasion for friendly and informative discussions between farmers from different countries. The schedule also featured several visits to Swiss farms, the offshoot of a Facebook information campaign.

Swiss people mobilised to help South Sudan's displaced populations

18.06.2014 — Article DEZA

Andrea Cippa, Barbara Egger Maldonado, Arnold Egli and Dominique Reinecke each worked for the UNHCR or the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan and Ethiopia for several months. What they have in common is that they are all members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) and they have all worked to improve the lives of displaced persons and refugees in the region. Having returned from their missions, they explain the significance of their respective commitments.

"Humans must remain at the centre of the fight against desertification"

11.06.2014 — Article DEZA

On 17 June 2014, the SDC will co-organise a public conference in Geneva to mark World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The speakers will address the role of ecosystems in this context. Yves Guinand, programme officer within the Food Security Section of the SDC, will present Switzerland's position at the event.

«Over time, we have progressed towards an integrated risk management.»

19.05.2014 — Article DEZA

At the invitation of Switzerland's OSCE Chairmanship, around 150 delegates from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will meet in Montreux on 20 May to discuss the prevention of natural disasters. The next day, they will undertake two field visits in the Canton of Valais to learn about Switzerland's expertise in this field. A member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), Eric Bardou also works in Valais as a water engineer for the Research Centre on Alpine Environment (CREALP). Because of this dual role, he played a key part in the organisation of the field visits.

«We do whatever is possible»

16.05.2014 — Article DEZA

An engineer by profession, Henri Stalder has been a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) since 2002. He has taken part in SHA missions in several countries in this capacity. Since January 2014 has Henri Stalder been made available to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Syria where he runs the shelter sector. This sector provides emergency accommodation to displaced persons and reconstructs damaged buildings. Henri Stalder embodies the various types of support Switzerland provides to the victims of the conflict. Interview performed in May 2014.

«I decided to work for the welfare of thousands of miners»

16.05.2014 — Article DEZA

Little by little the miners, once persecuted and viewed as criminals, have organised to defend their rights. Testimony of Oidov Tsetsegmaa, director general of the Umbrella Federation of Artisanal Miners.

SDC development cooperation with Mongolia: a spotlight on agriculture, decentralisation and small-scale mining

14.05.2014 — Article DEZA

Ten years ago the SDC opened a cooperation office in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. Diepak Elmer, deputy director of the SDC’s cooperation office in Mongolia, explains the priorities of Switzerland’s activities there and the political and economic challenges faced.

150 ans après la 1ère Convention de Genève: des défis immenses à relever

08.05.2014 — Article DEZA

Publié à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de la Croix Rouge et du Croissant Rouge du 8 mai 2014

Article signé par Didier Burkhalter, Président de la Confédération et Annemarie Huber-Hotz, Présidente de la Croix-Rouge suisse paru dans «Le Temps» le 8 mai 2014

Water management: a major challenge in Mongolia

07.05.2014 — Article DEZA

On 4 March 2014, the Water Resources Group, an organisation supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC, published a detailed analytical report on the causes of water scarcity and pollution in Mongolia. A steering committee, drawn from all of the parties concerned, is to be set up and tasked with identifying solutions to the problems that have been raised. A spotlight on the discussions taking place as Switzerland marks ten years of development cooperation in Mongolia.

Switzerland steps up its commitment to the world's poorest countries

30.04.2014 — Article DEZA

Switzerland is to continue its support for the poorest developing countries as part of its International Cooperation. The Federal Council decided on 30 April 2014 to allocate an additional CHF 1.32 billion between the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Fund (ADF). Part of these funds will be used for debt reduction measures.

«Our film turns the spotlight on the commodification of domestic workers»

29.04.2014 — Article DEZA

SDC supports film-makers and films from the countries of the South and the East through the FOCUS programme of Visions du Réel. This international documentary film festival, which is now in its 20th year, will be held in Nyon from 25 April to 3 May. Last year’s winners from Lebanon reflect on their award-winning film and their experiences of Visions du Réel.