Support for the mental health system in Bosnia and Herzegovina: SDC and four cantons sign an agreement

25.02.2011 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Geneva and Jura have agreed to work together to help strengthen the mental health system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agreement they have signed calls for joint financial and technical support to improve access to services in this field and their quality. The new agreement is an extension of cooperation that has existed between the cantons and the SDC for a period of several years, notably in Eastern Europe. It also marks a “first” since four cantons are associated with the Confederation in this cooperative venture.

FDFA condemns violence in Libya

21.02.2011 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA condemns the targeted violence used by the Libyan authorities against the demonstrators.

Report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” (last modification, the 18.02.2011)

18.02.2011 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 10 February 2011, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey presented the report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva. Supported by Switzerland and by the Swedish government, the report compiles a list of 10 recommendations whose objective is to contribute to building peace and to reducing the conflicts in the Middle East thanks to a sustainable trans-border management of water in the region.

Migration: Special Ambassador Eduard Gnesa meets UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

18.02.2011 — Press release EDA
Eduard Gnesa, Special Ambassador for International Cooperation on Migration Issues, met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday to present the concept for Switzerland's 2011 presidency of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD).

Switzerland supports South Sudan in setting up a Central Bank

18.02.2011 — Press release EDA
As a soon-to-be sovereign State, South Sudan must begin building institutions in the domain of financial policy and acquire the necessary know-how. Switzerland supports this goal and has already transmitted technical expertise in the areas of “State assets and national debt” and “banking activities and currency issues”. This week, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) once again conducted a workshop for South Sudanese specialists and high-ranking government representatives.

More than 695,000 Swiss nationals living abroad

17.02.2011 — Press release EDA
The number of Swiss nationals living abroad rose in 2010 by 10,127 to 695,101. In 2000, 580,396 Swiss nationals were living abroad. The number of persons with dual nationality has strongly increased: it has risen by 8,852 to 502,320.

Switzerland and Nigeria sign agreement on migration partnership

16.02.2011 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and Nigeria signed an agreement today establishing a migration partnership. The agreement was signed when Nigeria's foreign minister, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, officially met with the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, Simonetta Sommaruga. The meeting was followed by a working lunch with Peter Maurer, the Swiss state secretary for foreign affairs, and a courtesy visit to Micheline Calmy-Rey, the current president of the Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Official visit of Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey to Spain

11.02.2011 — Press release EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, made an official working visit to Madrid on Friday. At the end of her visit, Mrs Calmy-Rey announced that Their Majesties King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain had agreed to come to Switzerland on a state visit on 12 and 13 May.

Federal Council orders freezing of any assets of Egypt

11.02.2011 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has decided to freeze any assets in Switzerland of the former Egyptian President and parties close to him with immediate effect in order to avoid any misappropriation of Egyptian government assets. At the same time the Federal Council is appealing to the parties in charge in Egypt to quickly respond to the legitimate demands of the Egyptian people in a credible, participatory and transparent manner.

Report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” (last modification, the 18.02.2011)

10.02.2011 — EDA
On Thursday, 10 February 2011, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey presented the report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva. Supported by Switzerland and by the Swedish government, the report compiles a list of 10 recommendations whose objective is to contribute to building peace and to reducing the conflicts in the Middle East thanks to a sustainable trans-border management of water in the region.

Official visit of Swiss President, Micheline Calmy-Rey to Spain

09.02.2011 — Press release EDA
Switzerland’s President, Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will make an official working visit to Spain on 11 February 2011. The programme includes a meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister, José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero, and a working meeting followed by lunch with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ms Trinidad Jiménez.

UN Special Thematic Debate on Disaster Risk Reduction

09.02.2011 — Press release EDA
Ambassador Toni Frisch, Delegate for Humanitarian Aid and Head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, will be representing Switzerland on Wednesday at a thematic debate of the UN General Assembly in New York on disaster risk reduction.

Women's Human Rights app: Switzerland presents its digital tool for women's rights

08.03.2021 — Press release EDA
On this year's International Women's Day, the FDFA will present the new improved version of its Women's Human Rights app (W'sHR app). The new version of the app will be launched in New York in the presence of the UN secretary-general and the president of the UN General Assembly. The free app is an innovative digital database on women's rights and gender equality. It can be used to facilitate negotiations and contribute to the efficiency of multilateral processes, putting digitalisation at the service of human rights.

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.

UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants: the international community's responsibility – Switzerland's commitment

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

The first United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants is taking place on 19 September 2016 in New York and will see the international community adopt joint measures in response to the large movements of refugees and migrants. Switzerland will be focusing in particular on improving protection on the ground, preventing forced displacement and finding sustainable solutions for directly affected populations.

Switzerland aims to protect refugees and give them the chance of a brighter future

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

Switzerland is taking part in the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September. Eduard Gnesa, Special Ambassador for International Cooperation on Migration Issues, talks about the challenges facing the international community as a result of the refugee situation. 

Earthquake in Italy: Switzerland offers its condolences

24.08.2016 — Article EDA

Italy was hit by a major earthquake on Wednesday, claiming many victims. There are as yet no reports of any Swiss victims. Didier Burkhalter offers Switzerland's support.

Didier Burkhalter takes part in the filming of a documentary on child soldiers

24.08.2016 — Article EDA

Bern, 24 August 2016 – The head of the FDFA takes part in the filming of a documentary on child soldiers. Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to the protection of children recruited into armed groups in conflicts.

Switzerland supports UNDP in crisis prevention and recovery

23.05.2016 — Article DEZA

The United Nations Development Programme helps countries to prevent armed conflicts and violence, and to build better and stronger societies in the aftermath of crises. Switzerland will provide additional support to its crisis prevention and recovery programs. On 23 May 2016, Federal Councilor Didier Burkhalter and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark have signed a partnership agreement of CHF 13.8 million at the margins of the World Humanitarian Summit.

Switzerland underscores the importance of the private sector in achieving gender equality

17.03.2016 — Article EDA

Gender equality is one of Switzerland's priority areas in its international cooperation. Switzerland believes the private sector has a key role to play in fostering equality. "Smart economics means empowering women, promoting girls and bringing about gender equality". These were the words of Benno Bättig, Secretary General of the FDFA, in his speech opening a panel discussion with business representatives from all over the world. The event on the role of business in achieving gender equality, which was organised by the UN Global Compact and UN Women as a side event at the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), focused on the multiplier effect of women's economic empowerment for sustainable development.

«Women play a key role in Chad’s economy»

08.03.2016 — Article DEZA

Over half of Chad’s population is female. Women are increasingly participating in local economic activity thanks to measures aimed at improving education and literacy. They play a key role in the SDC’s project on the management of run-off water in Chad’s Sahel region.

Focus on mediation

23.12.2015 — Article EDA

Switzerland is seeking to become more actively involved in mediation. This commitment was reaffirmed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the 2015 annual conference of the FDFA's Human Security Division (HSD). In this, Switzerland can build upon its long-standing tradition as a mediator.

FDFA 2016 annual objectives

22.12.2015 — Article EDA

The new annual objectives for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs were adopted during the winter session of 2015, setting out foreign policy measures to implement the Federal Council’s objectives.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter reappointed

09.12.2015 — Article EDA

The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been re-elected with the second-highest number of votes since 1962.

Switzerland assists thousands on the move

07.12.2015 — Article DEZA

When Hungary closed its border with Croatia on 17 October, hundreds of thousands of migrants moved further west and redirected their route through the West Balkans. As Slovenia, a country of a mere two million people, had to bear the brunt of this new development, it turned to Switzerland for help. Since mid-November a team of five experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit has supported the Slovenian authorities as well as NGOs to tackle this giant task.

"The Paris agreement aims to reverse the trend in CO2 emissions"

26.11.2015 — Article DEZA

The COP21 climate conference is taking place in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015 and will be attended by a Swiss delegation. Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General of the SDC, describes Switzerland's contribution to the conference and its activities in the field of climate change, and explains why climate change is a particular challenge for developing countries.