All news (849)
The SDC ends it work in Bhutan amid encouraging signs of a burgeoning democracy
06.03.2017
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Article
DEZA
Switzerland's development cooperation with Bhutan began in the mid-1960s. The SDC funded rural development projects run by Helvetas for several decades before getting involved in the governance sector upon the request of the Bhutanese authorities. Within 10 years, clear progress had been made. The SDC's work in Bhutan is coming to an end in early 2017.
Peace talks in Mozambique: Switzerland accepts coordinating role
01.03.2017
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Press release
EDA
The president of the Republic of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and the leader of the main opposition party (RENAMO), Afonso Dhlakama, have asked Switzerland to chair the contact group that will accompany talks between the two parties to the conflict towards a peace accord in Mozambique. Switzerland accepted the role in accordance with its foreign policy strategy.
Eine Welt/ Un seul monde – Dossier on gender equality
24.02.2017
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Article
DEZA
Famine in Africa: Switzerland pledges CHF 15 million to support emergency relief
24.02.2017
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EDA
Switzerland has pledged to take direct action to help populations facing starvation, especially in South Sudan. The decision follows a call issued by the United Nations Secretary-General on 22 February 2017. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, a department of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is to release CHF 15 million from its fund for humanitarian emergencies for countries hit by famine in the beginning of this year.
Welcome address by Didier Burkhalter marking the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers
12.02.2017
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Article
DEZA
The premiere of ‘Loin des armes’, a documentary about an initiative to reintegrate child soldiers and improve their future prospects, will be screened on Sunday 12 February 2017 at the Montreux Palace Hotel.
Afghanistan – FDFA condemns killing of six ICRC staff
08.02.2017
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) condemns the attack carried out in Afghanistan which cost the lives of six employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The FDFA extends its condolences to the families of the victims and the ICRC. “It is with a heavy heart that I learned of these tragic deaths. I convey to the families of the victims my deepest sympathy,” said Didier Burkhalter, head of the FDFA, in a message to ICRC President Peter Maurer.
Annual press conference: measuring the effectiveness of SDC projects
27.01.2017
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Press release
EDA
During its autumn session, Parliament adopted the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017-2020. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is currently implementing the objectives set out by the dispatch for the first year. What are the new areas of focus? At the SDC’s annual press conference, SDC director general Manuel Sager explained the five strategic priorities, additional mandates set by Parliament and the core objectives of the SDC’s various departments in the current year. In the second part of the press conference, SDC specialists addressed the issue of measuring effectiveness, which is of central importance for development cooperation.
Switzerland and Argentina reaffirm commitment to mutual cooperation and launch bilateral dialogue on corruption
23.01.2017
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Press release
EDA
Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Susana Malcorra was received this Monday, 23 January, in Bern by the head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. Following up on the numerous bilateral contacts between Switzerland and Argentina that marked the year 2016, the present visit serves to officialise the commitment of the two countries to further intensify their mutual exchanges in a number of areas, including development cooperation, research, trade and human rights. The two ministers decided to set up a bilateral dialogue on fighting corruption. Argentina, which will chair the G20 in 2018, is particularly engaged in this field.
2017 – International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
18.01.2017
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Article
DEZA
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2017 the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development”. The aim is to make decision-makers and the general public aware of the contribution that sustainable tourism can make to development. The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) coordinates a wide range of global initiatives. For its part, the SDC supports several promising projects in Eastern Europe.
The environment at the heart of cooperation between the SDC and China
13.01.2017
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Article
DEZA
The SDC is present in China. It is currently undertaking six programmes targeting climate change and pollution. A Sino-Swiss programme aims to promote the efforts of Chinese cities to adopt a climate-friendly approach.
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Geneva
12.01.2017
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Press release
EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a bilateral meeting on the margins of the UN Cyprus talks in Geneva. During their discussions, they exchanged views on a range of topical issues and reiterated the positive working relationship between Switzerland and the UN.
Swiss professor to co-chair group of experts for the first Global Sustainable Development Report
12.01.2017
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland welcomes the appointment of Professor Peter Messerli of the University of Bern as co-chair of a panel of experts selected to draft the first Global Sustainable Development Report on the 2030 Agenda. His candidacy as an independent expert was supported by Switzerland.