All news (850)
Switzerland allocates CHF 15 million to flood-damaged Western Balkans
16.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
In an effort to help alleviate the massive damage caused by the extreme flooding that hit Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia in May this year, Switzerland has pledged approximately CHF 15 million at an international donor conference. The European Commission, France and Slovenia invited the international community to attend the donor conference in Brussels on 16 July.
Switzerland to chair the Codex Alimentarius Commission
15.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
Awilo Ochieng Pernet was elected chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) on Tuesday 15 July in Geneva. The lawyer has worked for this international food safety regulatory body since 1999 and been Vice-Chairperson of the CAC since 2011. The confidence shown in her by this election strengthens Switzerland in its commitment to safe and fairly traded food.
Regional conference on post-Haiyan
09.07.2014
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Article
DEZA
Following the deployment of emergency aid and its support for the reconstruction effort, Switzerland has supported the Government of the Philippines in the organisation of a regional conference on the prevention of natural disasters and on the follow-up to the disaster caused by Typhoon Haiyan. The conference initiated a new frame of reference for the prevention of, preparation for, and response to major disasters.
Switzerland and IGAD sign framework agreement on partnership and cooperation
04.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss ambassador in Ethiopia, Andrea Semadeni, and the executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Mahboub Maalim, have signed a framework agreement on partnership and cooperation between Switzerland and IGAD today in Addis Ababa. The agreement, which comes into force with today's signing, provides for increased cooperation between Switzerland and IGAD in the Horn of Africa in food security, migration, peace and security, as well as in the field of science.
Switzerland promotes tourism in Slovakia
03.07.2014
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Article
EB
The high point of a regional development project in Slovakia was the official opening of a tourist information centre on 28 June 2014. The centre is located in the Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) National Park, which attracts some 700,000 visitors every year. The aim of the project is to promote tourism in this high potential region and to create jobs and opportunities for the local people.
Switzerland promoting energy projects in developing and transition countries
30.06.2014
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is consolidating its international commitment to sustainable development. In a fourth phase, SECO, the SDC and the SFOE are allocating a total of CHF 6.8 million to the REPIC Platform for the years 2014 – 2017.
Farmers from different backgrounds get together in Switzerland
27.06.2014
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Article
DEZA
A one-day conference was held on 27 June 2014 at the Grangeneuve Agricultural Institute in the Canton of Fribourg to mark the International Year of Family Farming. The event, co-financed by the SDC, provided an occasion for friendly and informative discussions between farmers from different countries. The schedule also featured several visits to Swiss farms, the offshoot of a Facebook information campaign.
Swiss humanitarian demining success in Mozambique
27.06.2014
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland contributed significantly to demining the province of Maputo, Mozambique, declared "free of mines" on 21 March 2014. This success will allow the inhabitants of the decontaminated zones to return to work in their fields without fear. At the same time it was taking action in the field, Switzerland also took part in the Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines in Maputo from 23 to 27 June 2014.
Patricia Schulz from Geneva re-elected to serve second term in Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
26.06.2014
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss expert Patricia Schulz has been elected on Thursday, 26 June 2014 at the UN headquarters in New York to serve a second mandate as member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Switzerland increases its financial contribution to UNICEF and UNFPA
25.06.2014
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Council is increasing its financial contribution to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In its meeting of 25 June 2014, the government decided to increase its annual core contribution to UNICEF for 2014, 2015 and 2016 from CHF 20 million to CHF 22 million. The amount donated to UNFPA will increase from CHF 14 million to CHF 16 million per year for the same period. The Federal Council decision will help these organisations to fulfil their important mandates and takes account of the express will of the Swiss Parliament which increased the framework credit for international development cooperation for the 2013–2016 period.
2013 Annual Report on Switzerland
23.06.2014
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Press release
EDA
The 2013 Annual Report on Switzerland's International Cooperation has been published. Published jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the annual report presents the main results of Switzerland's efforts to combat poverty and global risks. The report is for the first time structured around the five strategic goals of Switzerland's international cooperation.
Federal Council presents concept for implementing the new article on immigration
20.06.2014
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Press release
EDA
On Friday, the Federal Council approved the concept for implementing the new article of the Federal Constitution on immigration. The concept outlines how the Federal Council will set the quantitative limits and quotas for controlling migration to Switzerland from February 2017. The Federal Council will base its decision not only on the needs reported by the cantons, but also on the analyses of an advisory committee. Social partners will also be consulted. Quotas will apply to all types of permit valid for four months or more. To meet the needs of the labour market, it is planned to foster and exploit the potential of the workforce already available in Switzerland. The proposals are set out in the Federal Council's concept for implementing the new provisions of the Constitution on immigration. In the concept, which it approved on Friday, the Federal Council lays down important benchmarks for the draft legislation due to follow at the end of year.