All news (847)
The SDC launches a new training programme in the area of international cooperation
01.09.2014
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Press release
EDA
Alongside its junior staff programmes for the diplomatic and consular services, the FDFA is from 2015 offering a training programme for junior staff in international cooperation. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is today launching a call for applications for the first of these training courses that begins next spring.
Switzerland steps up aid to fight Ebola epidemic in West Africa
01.09.2014
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is stepping up its aid to fight the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Swiss Humanitarian Aid has committed an additional CHF 1 million to fund various direct operations in Liberia. A specially chartered plane will leave on Monday with 14 tonnes of medical supplies on board. In addition, the agreement between Swiss Humanitarian Aid and the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) has been activated. Two specialists will leave Switzerland on Monday on a mission to assess the needs on the ground.
Climate change knows no borders
29.08.2014
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Press release
EDA
At this year's Annual Development Cooperation Conference in Geneva, several speakers including the state secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Yves Rossier, took the floor to stress the dangers that climate change poses to the progress made in the fight against poverty and for sustainable development. Since this is a global phenomenon, the speakers called on all countries of the North and South to develop solutions together to address this major challenge.
21 partnership projects nearing completion
20.08.2014
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Artículo
EB
In summer 2014 the majority of the 21 Swiss-Polish partnership projects will come to a close. An evaluation of 16 Swiss project partners has concluded that the majority of the projects were carried out successfully and that the exchange of experience and knowledge was enriching for both sides.
Switzerland steps up humanitarian aid for victims in Iraq
15.08.2014
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Press release
EDA
Atrocities committed against civilians – specifically by members of the Islamic State group – are precipitating a serious humanitarian crisis. Switzerland is extremely concerned and is responding by offering material assistance to the victims, condemning the serious violations of international law and calling on Iraq to take appropriate measures. Switzerland is currently scaling up its humanitarian assistance.
President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter launches the Democracy Without Borders initiative at the Locarno International Film Festival
04.08.2014
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Press release
EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, will launch the FDFA's Democracy Without Borders initiative as part of the Open Doors section of the Locarno International Film Festival on 10 August. Swiss personalities, who are well-known nationally or internationally, act as ambassadors for Swiss development cooperation projects, increasing their impact on democracy, peace and human rights. The initiative will kick off with an opening speech by President Burkhalter and the screening of the Ethiopian film "Difret", followed by a panel discussion on the issue of impunity for violence against women and girls.
Switzerland commits a further CHF 500,000 to fight Ebola epidemic in West Africa
23.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
The SDC is allocating CHF 500,000 to support Médecins Sans Frontières-Switzerland (MSF-Suisse) in its work to combat the Ebola virus in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This further contribution to MSF-Suisse is in addition to the annual amount the SDC gives to it and also to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is coordinating the international response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
Switzerland is extremely concerned about the attacks against civilians in Iraq, particularly minorities and women
22.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is extremely concerned about the serious violations of international law committed by members of the "Islamic State" in Iraq and in Syria. These violations may even constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. In the face of such alarming facts and allegations, the international community cannot remain indifferent.
Switzerland takes part in the conference against forced marriage and female genital mutilation
22.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
"A future free from female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage" – this is the central goal of the Girl Summit 2014, which is co-hosted by the British government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in London on 22 July 2014. Ambassador Nicole Wyrsch, special envoy for human rights issues at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), is representing Switzerland at the summit.
Switzerland offers the Ukrainian authorities support in dealing with the aftermath of the plane crash tragedy
18.07.2014
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Press release
EDA
On behalf of Switzerland, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, expressed his consternation over the plane crash tragedy in the Ukraine and offered his condolences to the countries whose citizens were among the victims. Switzerland also extended an offer to the Ukrainian authorities to send experts to help to investigate the cause of the crash and to identify the victims.
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.