All news (848)
Switzerland steps up cooperation with the EU in the fields of humanitarian aid and civil protection
28.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
The frequency and magnitude of disasters have increased significantly in recent years. Switzerland and the EU have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in order to respond more effectively to emergencies in Europe and worldwide. On 28 April 2017, the two partners signed an administrative agreement to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices.
Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to multilateral development banks
12.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
Multilateral development banks play a central role in supporting the poorest developing countries. Their expertise and size enable them to tackle global challenges such as financial crises, climate change and pandemics. On 12 April 2017, the Federal Council therefore decided to allocate the necessary resources to participate in replenishing the corresponding funds, namely the International Development Agency (IDA), the World Bank, the African Development Fund (AfDF) and the Asian Development Fund (AsDF).
Switzerland to support UN in drafting of global compact on migration
07.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is the international community's response to the challenges of migration at international level. The president of the UN General Assembly has tasked Switzerland's representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Jürg Lauber, and his Mexican counterpart, Juan José Gómez Camacho, to facilitate the drafting of the international framework on migration.
Syria crisis – FDFA position statement
07.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
Following the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which constitutes a war crime that Switzerland condemns in the strongest terms possible, Switzerland calls for a concerted and rapid response by the Security Council and to avoid a military escalation.
Mental health: a neglected aspect of development
06.04.2017
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Comunicado de prensa
DEZA
Access to physical and mental healthcare is a basic human right – one which for many people remains a luxury. The third Sustainable Development Goal stresses the right to health in general terms, highlighting the importance of access to healthcare for all and of promotion and prevention for mental health.
Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to preventing violent extremism
06.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
The FDFA's Human Security Division dedicated its annual conference to the prevention of violent extremism. The conference, which was opened by FDFA deputy state secretary Krystyna Marty Lang in Bern on Thursday 6 April 2017, highlighted the key role of political inclusion in preventing violent extremism. It was also an opportunity to showcase Switzerland's international efforts in this area.
Switzerland condemns the use of chemical weapons in the conflict in Syria
05.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is deeply concerned about reports of another suspected chemical weapons attack yesterday in the Syrian town of Khan Shaykhun, causing dozens of civilian victims. It demands a thorough investigation into the attack, and it calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using chemical weapons and to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Swiss official development assistance in 2016
03.04.2017
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Confederation spent 0.39% of its gross national income (GNI) on international cooperation and international aid in 2016, compared with 0.41% in 2015. The reduction is the result of the savings measures adopted by the Swiss parliament. Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) nonetheless increased from 0.51% of GNI in 2015 to 0.54% in 2016 when the costs associated with a significant number of new asylum-seekers in 2015 are taken into account.
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to take part in conference in Brussels on Syria's future
31.03.2017
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Press release
EDA
On 5 April 2017, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will lead a Swiss delegation to the international conference on Syria. The aim of the high-level meeting in Brussels is to support a political solution to the conflict and help strengthen humanitarian efforts.
Switzerland and Albania stress potential for closer relations
31.03.2017
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Press release
EDA
President Doris Leuthard welcomed Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania for an official working meeting at Lohn manor on Friday, 31 March. This was the first visit by an Albanian prime minister to Switzerland since 1994. The focus was on political and economic relations between the two countries and the situation in the Western Balkans.
Arab-Swiss Water Day in Bern
27.03.2017
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Artículo
DEZA
As part of the Arab-DAC Dialogue on Development in Bern, Switzerland is organising an additional conference day with key Arab donor institutions on Goal 6 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Water and Sanitation for All. The discussions will focus on promoting durable and innovative approaches to ensure the sustainable management of water, which is a vital resource.
Switzerland plays key role in development policy dialogue with Arab donors
27.03.2017
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting this year's dialogue between the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee and Arab donors, aimed at implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires coordinated action by all donors as well as targeted and effective deployment of limited resources. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are among the biggest sources of development finance. The event, being held in Bern on 27–28 March, complements the SDC's wider development policy dialogue with Arab donors, which also takes place in the Gulf region.