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Switzerland’s enlargement contribution rated highly

21.03.2016 — Press release EDA
An independent evaluation has confirmed the federal authorities responsible have achieved good results in implementing Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the new EU member states. The in-depth assessment showed that the projects, of which there are some 300, are making a positive contribution towards promoting social and economic development in the 13 partner states. The objectives are being attained or even exceeded in the vast majority of projects. Various recommendations encourage further efficiency and greater thematic and geographic focus.


Five years of human suffering – Syria in the spotlight at the Annual Conference of Humanitarian Aid

During his speech, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter underlined the extent of the tragedy in Syria and recounted the stories of those he had met there

18.03.2016 — Press release EDA
A fragile ceasefire and the Geneva peace talks are signs of hope. But the crisis in Syria is far from over. The war there has been raging for exactly five years now: countless people have been plunged into misery and suffering. Their story, and Switzerland’s humanitarian response to the conflict, were the topic of the Annual Conference of Humanitarian Aid and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). In the presence of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, experts discussed various aspects of the crisis and described their experiences in the conflict-affected area.


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.


Switzerland encourages young people’s commitment to water and peace

14.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On Monday Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter opened the 13th session of the European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW) which will run until 20 March at the ‘Gymnase de Burier’ in the canton of Vaud. Young people from 17 European countries will address the topic of ‘water and risk management’ and will draw up a final declaration to be presented to the Council of Europe. The EYPW is supported by an NGO partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).


Direct help for people in need: the Federal Council supports the humanitarian commitment of the International Committee of the Red Cross

11.03.2016 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council pledged today a headquarters contribution of CHF 80 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the current year. This sum is intended to support the work of what is often the only organisation to have direct access to people in need during crises and conflicts. The ICRC is the most important partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the humanitarian field.


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

Women picking lettuces in Biltine in Chad’s Sahel region.

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.


Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter pays his respects to the victims of the attacks in Ouagadougou

07.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On the first day of his journey to Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Malta and Slovakia, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter visited on Monday the scene of the attacks in Ouagadougou. "It is with much sadness that we are gathered in Ouagadougou this morning, where the attacks of January 15 cost many lives – including two of our compatriots, Jean-Noël Rey and Georgie Lamon" said. Mr Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, who went on to state that this sorrow is coupled with "a firm commitment to not forget the people that we have lost, to remember in particular that they had come to this country to help its people, and to continue to work to help young people and prevent violence."


Head of the FDFA Didier Burkhalter receives the minister of foreign affairs of Colombia

01.03.2016 — Press release EDA
Ms María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar met with Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in Bern on Tuesday. She had earlier held talks with FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier in the framework of the fifth round of the regular political consultations between Switzerland and Colombia. The peace process in Colombia, the dynamics within the Pacific Alliance and economic relations between the two countries were among the topics discussed.


When the SDC succeeds in mobilising investors

A farmer waters his crops.

29.02.2016 — Article DEZA

By granting an initial loan of four million euros, the SDC has to date enabled the PAMIGA organisation to attract more than 13 million euros of new investment to capitalise microfinance institutions in Africa. The SDC wishes to play an even greater role as a catalyst for funding in the years ahead.



Tunisian President Béji Caid Essebsi on state visit to Switzerland

18.02.2016 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council, led by President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, today received the Tunisian president, Béji Caid Essebsi, on a state visit. Relations between Switzerland and Tunesia have grown closer since Tunisia began its transition to democracy and the rule of law following the revolution of 2011, a process that has since been recognised with the award of a Nobel Peace Prize.


Federal Council adopts Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20

Switzerland’s international cooperation efforts aim to reduce poverty and global risks, alleviate suffering, and promote peace and respect for human rights.

17.02.2016 — Press release EDA
A world without poverty and in peace, for sustainable development. This is the goal of the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20, which the Federal Council submitted to Parliament today. The dispatch covers development cooperation strategy, including economic and trade-policy measures, and in particular strengthens humanitarian emergency aid and Switzerland's contribution to conflict resolution. Civilian peacebuilding is also incorporated into the strategy for the first time. By combining these means effectively, Switzerland will address current emergencies and help to alleviate crises, conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and lack of economic prospects and prevent the accompanying displacement of populations.

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