Consultation launched on partial amendment of the Host State Act

31.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has launched on 31.03.2021 a consultation on the partial amendment of the Host State Act. The purpose of amending the legislation is to ensure that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has favourable conditions for carrying out its international mandate. It follows a request from the ICRC and aims to take into account its particular situation with regard to occupational pension regime.

Swiss hostage killed in Mali identified

31.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The remains of the Swiss hostage killed in Mali have been found and identified. The woman's body will be repatriated to Switzerland as soon as possible. During his visit to Mali in February 2021 Federal Councillor Cassis discussed the matter at the highest level of government, urging for this case to be resolved.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives IFAD President Gilbert Houngbo

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Gilbert Houngbo, on Tuesday 30 March 2021. Both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to further reducing rural poverty and hunger worldwide.

Presentation of credentials

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

Dubai World Expo: Swiss Pavilion completed

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has just completed the construction of its pavilion at Dubai World Expo. This is the final stretch before the opening of one of this year's most anticipated events, on 1 October 2021, under the theme 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.' The expo will provide a platform for exchange to more than 190 participating countries. It will position Switzerland and promote its economy in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland's most important trading partner in the MENA region.

Europe was the main continent of residence for Swiss citizens abroad in 2020

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
At the end of 2020, more than one in ten Swiss citizens lived abroad. Almost two thirds lived in Europe, notably in France. Their number increased by 0.7% compared with 2019. The increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over was the most marked (+2.8%). Overall, the share of women remained greater than that of men, according to the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

10 years of conflict in Syria: Switzerland commits to peace and helps with 60 million of francs

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has pledged an additional 60 million of francs to help the Syrian population in Syria and the region, which has been facing war for ten years. FDFA Deputy State Secretary Johannes Matyassy announced this amount on 30 March 2021 on the occasion of the 5th High Level Conference chaired by the UN and the EU. He also reaffirmed Switzerland's support for the UN peace process and respect for international law in Syria. Since 2011, Switzerland has provided more than half a billion Swiss francs to help civilians affected by the conflict.

Switzerland calls for full, equal and meaningful participation and rights of women

27.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Yesterday marked the final sitting of the 65th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. Switzerland is pleased that agreed conclusions were adopted, and reiterates its commitment to further advancing gender equality and women's rights.

Human Rights Council adopts two Swiss-led initiatives

23.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva today closed its 46th regular session after over four weeks of work, held virtually. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participated in the opening segment together with 120 high-level officials. During the session, the HRC adopted two initiatives presented by Switzerland and its partner States . The first resolution extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment. The second underlined the importance of universal participation of all UN Member States in the work of the HRC.

Diversified relations, constructively critical dialogue – Federal Council adopts China Strategy

19.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council adopted a public strategy for China for the first time at its meeting on 19 March 2021. The Strategy sets out the objectives and measures for Swiss policy on China for the 2021–24 period. The Federal Council recognises the importance of China, and intends the Strategy to create greater coherence in Switzerland's activities with this important partner.

UN Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director Ghada Waly in Bern

18.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Today in Bern Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ms Ghada Waly. Talks focused on Switzerland's and the UNODC's practices in dealing with corruption and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the UN offices in Vienna and Geneva.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani

17.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on a courtesy visit to Bern on 17 March 2021. Mr Osmani was in Switzerland for a meeting with representatives of his country’s diaspora. The exchange focused on bilateral relations and Switzerland's significant involvement in North Macedonia.

Consultation launched on partial amendment of the Host State Act

31.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has launched on 31.03.2021 a consultation on the partial amendment of the Host State Act. The purpose of amending the legislation is to ensure that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has favourable conditions for carrying out its international mandate. It follows a request from the ICRC and aims to take into account its particular situation with regard to occupational pension regime.

Swiss hostage killed in Mali identified

31.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The remains of the Swiss hostage killed in Mali have been found and identified. The woman's body will be repatriated to Switzerland as soon as possible. During his visit to Mali in February 2021 Federal Councillor Cassis discussed the matter at the highest level of government, urging for this case to be resolved.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives IFAD President Gilbert Houngbo

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Gilbert Houngbo, on Tuesday 30 March 2021. Both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to further reducing rural poverty and hunger worldwide.

Presentation of credentials

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

Dubai World Expo: Swiss Pavilion completed

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has just completed the construction of its pavilion at Dubai World Expo. This is the final stretch before the opening of one of this year's most anticipated events, on 1 October 2021, under the theme 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.' The expo will provide a platform for exchange to more than 190 participating countries. It will position Switzerland and promote its economy in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland's most important trading partner in the MENA region.

Europe was the main continent of residence for Swiss citizens abroad in 2020

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
At the end of 2020, more than one in ten Swiss citizens lived abroad. Almost two thirds lived in Europe, notably in France. Their number increased by 0.7% compared with 2019. The increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over was the most marked (+2.8%). Overall, the share of women remained greater than that of men, according to the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

10 years of conflict in Syria: Switzerland commits to peace and helps with 60 million of francs

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has pledged an additional 60 million of francs to help the Syrian population in Syria and the region, which has been facing war for ten years. FDFA Deputy State Secretary Johannes Matyassy announced this amount on 30 March 2021 on the occasion of the 5th High Level Conference chaired by the UN and the EU. He also reaffirmed Switzerland's support for the UN peace process and respect for international law in Syria. Since 2011, Switzerland has provided more than half a billion Swiss francs to help civilians affected by the conflict.

Switzerland calls for full, equal and meaningful participation and rights of women

27.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Yesterday marked the final sitting of the 65th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. Switzerland is pleased that agreed conclusions were adopted, and reiterates its commitment to further advancing gender equality and women's rights.

Human Rights Council adopts two Swiss-led initiatives

23.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva today closed its 46th regular session after over four weeks of work, held virtually. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participated in the opening segment together with 120 high-level officials. During the session, the HRC adopted two initiatives presented by Switzerland and its partner States . The first resolution extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment. The second underlined the importance of universal participation of all UN Member States in the work of the HRC.

Diversified relations, constructively critical dialogue – Federal Council adopts China Strategy

19.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council adopted a public strategy for China for the first time at its meeting on 19 March 2021. The Strategy sets out the objectives and measures for Swiss policy on China for the 2021–24 period. The Federal Council recognises the importance of China, and intends the Strategy to create greater coherence in Switzerland's activities with this important partner.

UN Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director Ghada Waly in Bern

18.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Today in Bern Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ms Ghada Waly. Talks focused on Switzerland's and the UNODC's practices in dealing with corruption and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the UN offices in Vienna and Geneva.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani

17.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on a courtesy visit to Bern on 17 March 2021. Mr Osmani was in Switzerland for a meeting with representatives of his country’s diaspora. The exchange focused on bilateral relations and Switzerland's significant involvement in North Macedonia.

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.