All news (847)
Annual press conference: measuring the effectiveness of SDC projects
27.01.2017
—
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
—
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.
El año 2017 dedicado a la promoción del turismo sostenible para el desarrollo
18.01.2017
—
Artículo
DEZA
La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas proclamó el 2017 «Año Internacional del Turismo Sostenible para el Desarrollo». Este aspira a sensibilizar a los responsables de adoptar decisiones y al público en general acerca de la contribución del turismo sostenible para el desarrollo. La Organización Mundial del Turismo coordina las diversas iniciativas emprendidas a nivel mundial. La COSUDE, por su parte, apoya varios proyectos prometedores en Europa del Este.
El medio ambiente, tema central de la cooperación entre la COSUDE y China
13.01.2017
—
Artículo
DEZA
La COSUDE lleva a cabo diversas iniciativas en China. Actualmente, trabaja en seis programas en el ámbito del cambio climático y la lucha contra la contaminación. Un programa sino-suizo tiene por objeto apoyar los esfuerzos de las ciudades chinas para adoptar un enfoque respetuoso con el clima.
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Geneva
12.01.2017
—
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
—
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.
Federal Council approves 2016 Foreign Policy Report
11.01.2017
—
Press release
EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2016 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 11 January 2017. The report gives an overview of Swiss foreign policy and provides an account of Switzerland’s most important foreign policy activities in 2016, in particular in the areas of development cooperation, humanitarian aid and good offices. This year’s report contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace and development in the crisis regions stretching from Syria to the Sahel.
Yemen: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment and appeals to warring parties
23.12.2016
—
Press release
EDA
In view of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to help the destitute civilian population by making an additional CHF 3 million available to the Yemen Humanitarian Pooled Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) over the next 12 months. The money will be used to fund water, hygiene and nutrition projects.
Switzerland supports the UN resolution on combating impunity in Syria
22.12.2016
—
Press release
EDA
The UN General Assembly in New York has decided to set up an independent investigative mechanism, designed to lay the basis for future legal proceedings against those responsible for the most serious breaches of international law in Syria. Right from the outset, Switzerland supported the resolution sponsored by Liechtenstein and welcomes this significant step to combat impunity in Syria.
Reducing hunger in the world – Swiss international cooperation supports agricultural research
21.12.2016
—
Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 21 December 2016, the Federal Council approved the continuation of Switzerland’s financial contribution to the Global Agricultural Research Partnership (CGIAR) for the period 2017 to 2019. The partnership provides targeted and efficient solutions to the challenges of hunger and malnutrition, and, by supporting it, Switzerland is contributing to the fight against hunger, one of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
La necesidad de una buena coordinación para luchar contra el VIH y el sida
12.12.2016
—
Artículo
DEZA
Suiza acogió una reunión de la Junta Coordinadora del Programa de ONUSIDA celebrada en Ginebra del 6 al 8 de diciembre de 2016. En su calidad de país que ocupa la presidencia de la Junta, propuso a todos los miembros una jornada de visitas en la región ginebrina. Objetivo: mostrar la importancia de una buena coordinación entre los servicios de prevención y atención del VIH y el sida.
The Directorate of International Law briefs the public on the blocking and restitution of stolen assets
12.12.2016
—
EDA
On 12 December 2016, the Directorate of International Law held its annual one-day event for the public at the Bern Rathaus. This year’s topic was the “Restitution of stolen assets”, and the discussion addressed both the process for recovering illicitly acquired assets and Swiss and international experience in this area. The guest speakers included political and legal experts, development professionals and representatives of the banking sector and civil society. They provided attendees with a step-by-step review of the process, from blocking assets to their restitution.