All news (95)
Second Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council
01.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Today, Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will place its priorities at the centre of the Security Council's work, in particular promoting sustainable peace and protecting civilians –Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be traveling to New York for this purpose.
President Amherd emphasises Switzerland’s commitment to peace and calls for strengthening of multilateralism in New York
24.09.2024
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Press releases
EDA
In her speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 24 September, President Viola Amherd focused on peacebuilding and international humanitarian law. She emphasised Switzerland's commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.
President of the Confederation Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to represent Switzerland at opening of the 79th UN General Assembly
13.09.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 13 September 2024, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York where they will represent Switzerland during the high-level opening week of the 79th UN General Assembly from 22 to 25 September 2024.
Switzerland receives 100 state guests for Summit on Peace in Ukraine
14.06.2024
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Press releases
Europa
President Viola Amherd will open the summit on peace in Ukraine on Saturday, 15 June. 100 delegations will attend the summit, including 57 heads of state and government from around the world. The aim of the summit is to initiate a peace process, generate trust and outline ideas for the next steps towards such a process. All states present should be given the opportunity to put forward their visions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Switzerland elected to ECOSOC for 2025–26 term
07.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
After 2010, 2014 and 2019, Switzerland has been elected for the fourth time to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–26 term. ECOSOC is one of the UN's main bodies in the field of sustainable development.
UN Security Council: harnessing the potential of science for peace and security
17.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel leads third strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and US
17.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received a US delegation for political consultations in Bern on 17 April. The delegation was led by Assistant Secretary James O'Brien, who is in charge of European and Eurasian affairs at the US Department of State. On the agenda were the many ongoing or recently concluded bilateral negotiations, particularly in the area of taxation, which are concrete examples of the dynamism of bilateral relations.
International space cooperation: Switzerland signs Artemis Accords
15.04.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 15 April Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signed the Artemis Accords in Washington on Switzerland’s behalf. The Artemis Accords are a political declaration of intent reflecting the signatory states' common understanding of the principles by which they intend to explore and use the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to the USA with a science and business delegation
11.04.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The trip will take place from 15 to 17 April and focus on various economic, scientific and space-related topics. The programme in Washington DC includes talks with the NASA space agency and representatives of Swiss companies operating in the USA.
Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
11.04.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 17 to 19 April 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also take place as part of this gathering. In addition, the two Federal Councillors will take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings.
Beatrice Maser Mallor is Switzerland’s new representative at World Bank
21.02.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 21 February the Federal Council named Beatrice Maser Mallor as Switzerland’s executive director at the World Bank in Washington DC and appointed her ambassador. From the summer of this year, Ms Maser Mallor (62) will take on the chair of the constituency headed by Switzerland. In 2026 to 2028, she will represent Switzerland as deputy executive director, when Poland takes on the chair.
Second year of war in Ukraine: Ignazio Cassis at UN headquarters in New York
20.02.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will address the United Nations in New York on 22 and 23 February 2024 to mark the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. He will take part in the UN Security Council and General Assembly debates on the situation in Ukraine, as well as a side event focusing on humanitarian mine action. He will also participate in various bilateral meetings.