Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann in USA: focus on vocational education and training

18.07.2017 — Press release United States of America

Bern, 18.07.2017 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann visited Washington on 17 and 18 July. The aim of his visit was to meet with several members of President Trump’s cabinet, strengthen bilateral economic relations and exchange views on cooperation in the field of vocational education and training. Meetings took place with Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta, and presidential advisor, Ivanka Trump.

Asking for Proposals: Annual Soirée Suisse 2017-21 (event services)

27.04.2017 — Local news United States of America

The Embassy of Switzerland in the United States launches a tender for the event services of the annual Soirée Suisse event. All documents (project no. 154830 | Notice ID: 965215) on this public call to tender are only available on simap. Please click on Running procedures / Confederation / Invitations to tender. After selecting the project please click on Registration (for calls to tender) in order to register, log in and download the tender documentation.

Deadline: June 7, 2017

Switzerland’s Investments Strengthen the U.S. Economy

16.02.2017 — Press release United States of America

The United States is the top destination for Swiss direct investment abroad. Switzerland is the 7th largest foreign direct investor in the U.S. Swiss firms have created half a million jobs and do business in all 50 states, representing a substantial economic presence in the United States that strengthens the American economy. The new publication "Switzerland's Economic Footprint in the United States" puts it all together clearly and concisely.

Pathways to Abolition of the Death Penalty

10.10.2016 — Press release United States of America

UN General Assembly: Switzerland committed to preventing violent extremism and terrorism

20.09.2016 — Press release EDA
Stepping up international efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism was at the heart of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter's concerns as he participated on Tuesday in the opening of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs, took part in meetings focusing on how to involve women and the private sector in projects in order to give marginalised groups more opportunities – with the aim of preventing people deprived of hope from falling into violence and extremism. One of the meetings was also sponsored by Switzerland.

UN issues declaration on refugees and migration

19.09.2016 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga represented Switzerland on Monday at the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York. The states want to meet the challenges posed by large movements of refugees and migrants more effectively and issued a political declaration on this issue. Federal Councillor Sommaruga stressed that Switzerland wants to play an active role in implementing the goals agreed at the summit in New York.

Switzerland’s priorities at the UN’s 71st General Assembly

07.09.2016 — Press release EDA
Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, President of the Swiss Confederation, will set out Switzerland’s priorities in relation to the UN for the coming year on 20 September at the opening of the UN’s 71st General Assembly. He will also take part in various events and meet with heads of state and government. During this ministerial week in New York, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will also represent Switzerland at various events, focusing in particular on international security, and will conduct bilateral talks. Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga will also take part in the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants to be held on the eve of the opening of the General Assembly.

Switzerland steps up its humanitarian commitment to the people fleeing the fighting in Iraq

20.07.2016 — Press release United States of America

A conference of donor countries was held today in Washington to mobilise funds to ensure better humanitarian support for the tens of thousands of internally displaced persons fleeing the fighting that has been ravaging Iraq since May. Switzerland has decided to allocate an additional CHF 1 million, increasing its commitment to CHF 10 million for 2016.

Solar Impulse 2: Swiss Ambassador for Innovation in Clean Tech Lands in New York City to Address Global Climate Challenges

11.06.2016 — Press release United States of America

The Embassy of Switzerland in the United States and the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York are proud to welcome the Solar Impulse 2 to New York City on the last leg of the Swiss solar airplane’s flight across the United States. As part of its around-the-world journey, the Solar Impulse 2 flew by the Statue of Liberty and landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Led by Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the Solar Impulse 2 team will organize several activities in New York, inspiring audiences with their innovations in clean technology while preparing for their next crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Salutes the Continuation of Solar Impulse’s Adventure

21.04.2016 — Press release United States of America

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) salutes Solar Impulse’s takeoff for the second part of its world tour.  The endeavor, led by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, demonstrates how innovative and unique projects are paving the way toward the energy future of our planet.

Successful Launch of New Brochure and Video on Switzerland’s Vocational Education and Training System

21.04.2016 — Local news United States of America

On April 21, 2016, the Embassy of Switzerland successfully launched a new brochure and video on Switzerland’s vocational education and training system. The information package, "Earn While You Learn: Switzerland’s Vocational Education and Training System, A Model for Apprenticeships in the United States", explains how the Swiss apprenticeship model works and describes Swiss-U.S. cooperation in the area.  

New Requirements for Swiss Citizens Living in the U.S. Entering Canada by Air

15.03.2016 — Local news United States of America

Switzerland at IMF and World Bank 2019 Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

17.10.2019 — Press release EDA
President Ueli Maurer as Head of the Swiss delegation, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington from 18 to 19 October 2019. Important bilateral talks are likewise planned. President Ueli Maurer and SNB Chairman Thomas Jordan will attend a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in the run-up to the Annual Meetings.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis satisfied with Washington visit

08.02.2019 — Press release EDA
Following his meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Washington on Thursday, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) noted that his discussions there confirmed Switzerland's status as a valued partner of the United States. Bilateral relations, international political affairs and multilateral politics were the focus of his meetings with Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton as well as with several US senators.

Switzerland to Open a Consulate General in Chicago in 2019

23.05.2018 — Press release United States of America

On May 23, Switzerland announced that the Swiss Consulate General in Chicago, Illinois, will be reopened in 2019. Switzerland and the Midwest can already boast impressive cooperation in trade, investment, science, innovation, and culture. The Consulate General’s primary mission will be to strengthen those ties. 

International cooperation, the economy and Europe the focal points of President Alain Berset’s discussions in Davos

26.01.2018 — Press release United States of America
President Alain Berset held lengthy talks with around a dozen heads of state and government on the fringes of this year’s WEF Annual Meeting. The main topics addressed during the discussions included international cooperation, economic and trade contacts, and Switzerland’s relations with the European Union and the UK.

Portraits of the World: Switzerland to kick off new exhibition series

28.11.2017 — Press release United States of America

A portrait by Switzerland's famous painter Ferdinand Hodler is the focal point of the newly opening exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.
The new exhibition series opens on December 15, 2017 and highlights the global context of American portraiture.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann in USA: focus on vocational education and training

18.07.2017 — Press release United States of America

Bern, 18.07.2017 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann visited Washington on 17 and 18 July. The aim of his visit was to meet with several members of President Trump’s cabinet, strengthen bilateral economic relations and exchange views on cooperation in the field of vocational education and training. Meetings took place with Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta, and presidential advisor, Ivanka Trump.

Switzerland’s Investments Strengthen the U.S. Economy

16.02.2017 — Press release United States of America

The United States is the top destination for Swiss direct investment abroad. Switzerland is the 7th largest foreign direct investor in the U.S. Swiss firms have created half a million jobs and do business in all 50 states, representing a substantial economic presence in the United States that strengthens the American economy. The new publication "Switzerland's Economic Footprint in the United States" puts it all together clearly and concisely.

Pathways to Abolition of the Death Penalty

10.10.2016 — Press release United States of America

UN General Assembly: Switzerland committed to preventing violent extremism and terrorism

20.09.2016 — Press release EDA
Stepping up international efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism was at the heart of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter's concerns as he participated on Tuesday in the opening of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs, took part in meetings focusing on how to involve women and the private sector in projects in order to give marginalised groups more opportunities – with the aim of preventing people deprived of hope from falling into violence and extremism. One of the meetings was also sponsored by Switzerland.

UN issues declaration on refugees and migration

19.09.2016 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga represented Switzerland on Monday at the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York. The states want to meet the challenges posed by large movements of refugees and migrants more effectively and issued a political declaration on this issue. Federal Councillor Sommaruga stressed that Switzerland wants to play an active role in implementing the goals agreed at the summit in New York.

Switzerland’s priorities at the UN’s 71st General Assembly

07.09.2016 — Press release EDA
Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, President of the Swiss Confederation, will set out Switzerland’s priorities in relation to the UN for the coming year on 20 September at the opening of the UN’s 71st General Assembly. He will also take part in various events and meet with heads of state and government. During this ministerial week in New York, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will also represent Switzerland at various events, focusing in particular on international security, and will conduct bilateral talks. Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga will also take part in the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants to be held on the eve of the opening of the General Assembly.

Switzerland steps up its humanitarian commitment to the people fleeing the fighting in Iraq

20.07.2016 — Press release United States of America

A conference of donor countries was held today in Washington to mobilise funds to ensure better humanitarian support for the tens of thousands of internally displaced persons fleeing the fighting that has been ravaging Iraq since May. Switzerland has decided to allocate an additional CHF 1 million, increasing its commitment to CHF 10 million for 2016.

Innovation, investment, Swiss community: Ignazio Cassis opens consulate general in Chicago

23.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland is once again represented in the Midwest, a major economic region of the United States, with a consulate general. At the opening ceremony in Chicago, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis highlighted the potential for increasing cooperation in various areas such as innovation. The reopening of the Chicago representation by the FDFA comes in response to a parliamentary request. The consulate general will increase the support available to Swiss companies in the Chicago metropolitan area and it serves as a further example of strengthened Swiss-US ties.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer: National Day 2019 greetings for the Swiss abroad

25.07.2019 — Position United States of America
Today, on August 1, there are many things that connect us, the shared history of our country for more than 700 years. We are also connected by shared values: punctuality, reliability, modesty, diligence. These are all values that one associates with Switzerland.

Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation on Advancing Apprenticeship, Career and Technical Education, and Vocational and Professional Education and Training

03.12.2018 — Local news United States of America
On December 3, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann was in Washington, D.C. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding concerning cooperation on advancing Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Apprenticeship with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

Alain Berset - President of the Swiss Confederation

01.08.2018 — Position United States of America

Human Rights Day 2017

10.12.2017 — Local news United States of America
In exactly one year from today, on 10 December 2018, Switzerland together with the international community will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 70 years after its adoption, remains of unequivocal relevance. Human rights are a necessity for our societies, an invaluable ingredient to boost peace and stability and to foster sustainable development. Human rights are at the heart of the values represented by Switzerland and its political model, which is founded on the principles of democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among people having different religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Switzerland calls upon its partners to join it in making this Human Rights Day 2017 a day of unequivocal relevance for the promotion and the protection of human rights.

Switzerland's Intervention at the High Level Opening Session of the GFAR

05.12.2017 — Local news United States of America

Remarks by Ambassador Roberto Balzaretti, Head of the Directorate of International Law and Head of the Swiss delegation to the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) on the occasion of the first Global Forum on Asset Recovery and Switzerland's engagement in that field. 

President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard: National Day 2017 greetings for the Swiss abroad

01.08.2017 — Position United States of America

Swiss President, Doris Leuthard extends her wishes on the occasion of the Swiss National Day to all Swiss citizens living abroad through this video.

Happy Swiss National Day!

Asking for Proposals: Annual Soirée Suisse 2017-21 (event services)

27.04.2017 — Local news United States of America

The Embassy of Switzerland in the United States launches a tender for the event services of the annual Soirée Suisse event. All documents (project no. 154830 | Notice ID: 965215) on this public call to tender are only available on simap. Please click on Running procedures / Confederation / Invitations to tender. After selecting the project please click on Registration (for calls to tender) in order to register, log in and download the tender documentation.

Deadline: June 7, 2017

Successful Launch of New Brochure and Video on Switzerland’s Vocational Education and Training System

21.04.2016 — Local news United States of America

On April 21, 2016, the Embassy of Switzerland successfully launched a new brochure and video on Switzerland’s vocational education and training system. The information package, "Earn While You Learn: Switzerland’s Vocational Education and Training System, A Model for Apprenticeships in the United States", explains how the Swiss apprenticeship model works and describes Swiss-U.S. cooperation in the area.  

New Requirements for Swiss Citizens Living in the U.S. Entering Canada by Air

15.03.2016 — Local news United States of America

Swiss Lights - Call for Proposals

15.09.2015 — Position United States of America

The Embassy is calling for proposals for a technical and logistical solution for using light projection – such as light art, lighting design or projection mapping – in prominent public places for conveying messages about Switzerland and its relationship with the United States.

President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga Speech to Mark Swiss National Day

01.08.2015 — Position United States of America

To all Swiss Citizens, to all Swiss friends, please find the official presidential statement to open the festivities of our Swiss National Day.