All news (850)
Syria: FDFA calls for end to hostilities in Syrian province of Idlib
06.09.2018
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Press release
EDA
The FDFA is deeply concerned about the increase in hostilities in and around the Syrian province of Idlib. It calls on the parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table and on the states guaranteeing the "de-escalation zone" in Idlib province to do everything within their power to prevent a further escalation of hostilities.
Lake Chad region: Switzerland provides CHF 20 million for humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding
03.09.2018
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Press release
EDA
The Lake Chad region, located in the borders Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has been seriously impacted by the armed conflict with the Boko Haram group. The local population is suffering from the violence, a disastrous humanitarian situation and inadequate infrastructure. Switzerland has committed CHF 20 million as part of a comprehensive approach involving humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding. It announced this today in Berlin, where representatives of a number of states and international organisations are discussing the international response to the crisis.
Further steps to intensify relations between Switzerland and Lebanon
27.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland and Lebanon have reaffirmed the wish to further deepen their traditionally strong ties. On Monday in Beirut, President Alain Berset expressed Switzerland’s solidarity with Lebanon, which has been severely affected by the Syrian crisis. In talks with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Mr Berset discussed how cooperation on migration, humanitarian aid and on economic affairs could be improved.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to take part in Middle East Mediterranean Forum in Lugano
24.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
On 25 August 2018, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in panel discussions at the Middle East Mediterranean Forum at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano. The summit will bring together many young people from the Middle East and Mediterranean who are working to promote dialogue and growth in their region.
Ambassador Mirjana Spoljaric Egger appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator of UNDP
17.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
The FDFA welcomes the decision of the UN Secretary-General to appoint Ambassador Mirjana Spoljaric Egger as Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this capacity, Ambassador Spoljaric Egger will head the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Fight against poverty and inequality: Federal Council sets Switzerland’s contributions to four UN agencies for 2018–20
15.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
In line with Switzerland's humanitarian tradition and its values of shared responsibility, equal opportunities and sustainable development, at its meeting on 15 August 2018 the Federal Council reached decisions on Switzerland’s contributions to the following four United Nations specialised agencies: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the agency for gender equality and the empowerment of women, UN Women. As key actors in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, these agencies help to promote Switzerland's interests through reducing inequalities, poverty, conflicts and other challenges that have repercussions well beyond developing countries.
SDC commitment to gender equality proves effective
10.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
Better gender equality promotes sustainable development and economic growth and helps reduce poverty. This is why the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) systematically promotes gender equality, women's rights and the empowerment of women and girls in its partner countries. As shown in two studies commissioned by the SDC, this is having a positive impact: violence against women in a number of areas has gone down, while their economic and political status has been strengthened.
Switzerland and Sri Lanka establish a migration partnership
06.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
On 6 August, Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Colombo with Sri Lankan Interior Minister Seneviratne Bandara Nawinne with a view to establishing a migration partnership. By signing this MoU, Switzerland and Sri Lanka are reaffirming their intention to continue to facilitate and expand cooperation between the two countries. Switzerland has already established migration partnerships with five other countries. The agreement with Sri Lanka is the first concluded with an Asian country.
Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga's Four-Day Working Visit to Sri Lanka
05.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
Swiss Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), is traveling to Sri Lanka for a four-day working visit to intensify cooperation between the two countries. She is keen to see for herself Switzerland’s activities in various areas such as reconciliation, dealing with the past and strengthening of the rule of law in the country. Also on the agenda are the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a migration partnership and various meetings with government and civil society representatives.
Locarno International Film Festival marks end of FDFA Democracy Without Borders initiative
03.08.2018
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Press release
EDA
Four years after its launch at the Locarno International Film Festival, the FDFA's Democracy Without Borders initiative will be concluded on Sunday 5 August 2018 in Locarno. An array of Swiss celebrities contributed to the initiative by raising public awareness of Swiss development cooperation issues and projects. The Afghan film 'Laila at the Bridge' will be screened to mark the occasion, followed by a panel discussion on civil society participation, film-making and freedom of expression in Afghanistan, a partner country for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The event will be introduced by Marco Solari, president of the Locarno International Film Festival and project president of Democracy Without Borders, and Pio Wennubst, assistant director general of the SDC.
Bundesrätin Doris Leuthard zieht eine positive Bilanz über die Fortschritte der Schweiz bei der Umsetzung der Agenda 2030 für nachhaltige Entwicklung
17.07.2018
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Press release
EDA
Bundesrätin Doris Leuthard nahm am 16. und 17. Juli am Hochrangigen Politischen Forum für Nachhaltige Entwicklung (High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development HLPF) an der UNO in New York teil. Vor der versammelten Staatengemeinschaft und zahlreichen nichtstaatlichen Akteuren präsentierte sie am 17. Juli den ersten Schweizer Bericht über die Umsetzung der Agenda 2030 und deren 17 Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung (Sustainable Development Goals SDGs).
2030 Agenda in Switzerland: an initial assessment using 85 sustainable development indicators
10.07.2018
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Press release
EDA
(FSO) – The monitoring of 2030 Agenda in Switzerland expresses contrasting and somewhat contradictory trends with regard to the goals pursued. Thirty nine indicators show a development in line with expectations, fourteen show a reverse trend while twelve do not show any marked change. These are the findings of the monitoring system published for the first time by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).