Press releases

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis commemorates 75 years of the Geneva Conventions

26.08.2024 — Press releases EDA
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was in Geneva on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. After opening a panel discussion in the presence of the members of the Security Council invited to the United Nations’ Geneva headquarters, the Federal Councillor took part in a symbolic moment on the Place des Nations. Ignazio Cassis called on States and all international actors to renew their commitment to international humanitarian law and to make the Geneva Conventions a political priority.

Bilateral relations and global challenges at the heart of Ignazio Cassis's tour of Latin America

15.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's visit to San José, Costa Rica, today concludes his journey through Latin America. Discussions focused on bilateral and trade relations, the follow-up to the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort, and global geopolitical challenges and their regional and global impact. In Peru and Costa Rica, the head of the FDFA met with members of the Swiss community at celebrations organised to mark Swiss National Day on 1 August.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on tour in Latin America

08.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
From 10 to 15 July 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will pay an official visit to Brazil, Costa Rica and Peru. The implementation of the Federal Council's Americas Strategy 2022–25 will be at the heart of this trip. With the various meetings also focusing on global geopolitical challenges, there will be opportunities to take stock of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held on the Bürgenstock in mid-June. Mr Cassis will use his time in Costa Rica and Peru to meet with the Swiss community there. He will conclude his trip with a stop in New York to take part in an open debate at the UN Security Council on the preservation of international peace and security.

Protection for humanitarian personnel: UN Security Council adopts Swiss resolution

24.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.

UN Security Council: harnessing the potential of science for peace and security

17.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.

Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

Second year of war in Ukraine: Ignazio Cassis at UN headquarters in New York

20.02.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will address the United Nations in New York on 22 and 23 February 2024 to mark the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. He will take part in the UN Security Council and General Assembly debates on the situation in Ukraine, as well as a side event focusing on humanitarian mine action. He will also participate in various bilateral meetings.

Middle East: Federal Councillor Cassis stresses the need for a comprehensive solution

24.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
On January 23, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a ministerial debate on the Middle East at the UN Security Council. Under the French Presidency, the aim of the debate was to contribute to concrete progress towards a political solution to the crisis in the Middle East. The Head of the FDFA presented to the Council an analysis of the situation and presented his views on a solution to the conflict and a lasting peace in the region. In addition, the Head of the FDFA took advantage of his presence in New York to hold bilateral meetings.

Middle East: Federal Councillor Cassis to take part in a ministerial debate at the UN Security Council

22.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York on 23 January 2024, where he will take part in an open debate at the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East

Il Consiglio federale adotta un progetto di mandato negoziale sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei con l’Unione europea

01.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
Nella seduta del 1° novembre 2023, il Consiglio federale ha adottato un progetto di mandato negoziale per un accordo con l’Unione europea sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei, i cosiddetti Passenger Name Record (PNR). Tale accordo contribuirà a migliorare lo scambio di informazioni ai fini della cooperazione di polizia, del sostegno alla piazza economica svizzera e della salvaguardia della sicurezza interna dello spazio Schengen.

Security crisis in Haiti: UN Security Council authorises international police mission

02.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting today, the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of police forces by third countries to Haiti. The security situation in Haiti is precarious due to high levels of gang-related crime. With this measure, the Security Council seeks to help maintain public safety and protect the population. At its meeting on 6 September, the Federal Council had adopted guidelines for negotiations within the Security Council concerning this resolution.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis commemorates 75 years of the Geneva Conventions

26.08.2024 — Press releases EDA
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was in Geneva on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. After opening a panel discussion in the presence of the members of the Security Council invited to the United Nations’ Geneva headquarters, the Federal Councillor took part in a symbolic moment on the Place des Nations. Ignazio Cassis called on States and all international actors to renew their commitment to international humanitarian law and to make the Geneva Conventions a political priority.

Bilateral relations and global challenges at the heart of Ignazio Cassis's tour of Latin America

15.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's visit to San José, Costa Rica, today concludes his journey through Latin America. Discussions focused on bilateral and trade relations, the follow-up to the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort, and global geopolitical challenges and their regional and global impact. In Peru and Costa Rica, the head of the FDFA met with members of the Swiss community at celebrations organised to mark Swiss National Day on 1 August.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on tour in Latin America

08.07.2024 — Press releases EDA
From 10 to 15 July 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will pay an official visit to Brazil, Costa Rica and Peru. The implementation of the Federal Council's Americas Strategy 2022–25 will be at the heart of this trip. With the various meetings also focusing on global geopolitical challenges, there will be opportunities to take stock of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held on the Bürgenstock in mid-June. Mr Cassis will use his time in Costa Rica and Peru to meet with the Swiss community there. He will conclude his trip with a stop in New York to take part in an open debate at the UN Security Council on the preservation of international peace and security.

Protection for humanitarian personnel: UN Security Council adopts Swiss resolution

24.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.

UN Security Council: harnessing the potential of science for peace and security

17.05.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.

Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

Second year of war in Ukraine: Ignazio Cassis at UN headquarters in New York

20.02.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will address the United Nations in New York on 22 and 23 February 2024 to mark the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. He will take part in the UN Security Council and General Assembly debates on the situation in Ukraine, as well as a side event focusing on humanitarian mine action. He will also participate in various bilateral meetings.

Middle East: Federal Councillor Cassis stresses the need for a comprehensive solution

24.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
On January 23, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a ministerial debate on the Middle East at the UN Security Council. Under the French Presidency, the aim of the debate was to contribute to concrete progress towards a political solution to the crisis in the Middle East. The Head of the FDFA presented to the Council an analysis of the situation and presented his views on a solution to the conflict and a lasting peace in the region. In addition, the Head of the FDFA took advantage of his presence in New York to hold bilateral meetings.

Middle East: Federal Councillor Cassis to take part in a ministerial debate at the UN Security Council

22.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York on 23 January 2024, where he will take part in an open debate at the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East

Il Consiglio federale adotta un progetto di mandato negoziale sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei con l’Unione europea

01.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
Nella seduta del 1° novembre 2023, il Consiglio federale ha adottato un progetto di mandato negoziale per un accordo con l’Unione europea sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei, i cosiddetti Passenger Name Record (PNR). Tale accordo contribuirà a migliorare lo scambio di informazioni ai fini della cooperazione di polizia, del sostegno alla piazza economica svizzera e della salvaguardia della sicurezza interna dello spazio Schengen.

Security crisis in Haiti: UN Security Council authorises international police mission

02.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting today, the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of police forces by third countries to Haiti. The security situation in Haiti is precarious due to high levels of gang-related crime. With this measure, the Security Council seeks to help maintain public safety and protect the population. At its meeting on 6 September, the Federal Council had adopted guidelines for negotiations within the Security Council concerning this resolution.

Human rights, UN reforms and science diplomacy: Switzerland's priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly

13.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland adopted its priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly. The Federal Council was informed, at its meeting on 13 September 2019, of the result of the consultations with the Foreign Affairs Committees. The priorities concern the protection of human rights, support for the UN reform processes, and the promotion of science diplomacy. Switzerland will be represented at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly at the end of September by President of the Confederation Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

Famine in Africa: Switzerland pledges CHF 15 million to support emergency relief

24.02.2017 — EDA
Switzerland has pledged to take direct action to help populations facing starvation, especially in South Sudan. The decision follows a call issued by the United Nations Secretary-General on 22 February 2017. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, a department of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is to release CHF 15 million from its fund for humanitarian emergencies for countries hit by famine in the beginning of this year.

UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants: the international community's responsibility – Switzerland's commitment

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

The first United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants is taking place on 19 September 2016 in New York and will see the international community adopt joint measures in response to the large movements of refugees and migrants. Switzerland will be focusing in particular on improving protection on the ground, preventing forced displacement and finding sustainable solutions for directly affected populations.

Switzerland aims to protect refugees and give them the chance of a brighter future

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

Switzerland is taking part in the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September. Eduard Gnesa, Special Ambassador for International Cooperation on Migration Issues, talks about the challenges facing the international community as a result of the refugee situation. 

"The Paris agreement aims to reverse the trend in CO2 emissions"

26.11.2015 — Article DEZA

The COP21 climate conference is taking place in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015 and will be attended by a Swiss delegation. Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General of the SDC, describes Switzerland's contribution to the conference and its activities in the field of climate change, and explains why climate change is a particular challenge for developing countries.

No women, no peace – 15 years of UN resolution 1325

09.09.2015 — Article DEZA

Adopted 15 years ago, UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security is based on the belief that the participation of women in peace processes is conducive to achieving pragmatic solutions and offers a more sustainable route to peace and individual security. Switzerland was one of the first countries to work towards implementing the resolution and wishes to reaffirm its pioneering role in this regard. An international review conference held in Geneva on 9 September 2015 provided an opportunity to take stock.

World Humanitarian Day comes to Expo Milano 2015

19.08.2015 — Article DEZA

In conflict situations, the food security of victims goes hand in hand with the safety of aid workers. This in a nutshell is the message that Switzerland and the United Nations wanted to get across at the event they co-organised at Expo Milano on Wednesday 19 August 2015. A "humanitarian parade" was the highlight of the day.

Development as seen by young people

05.08.2015 — Article DEZA

International Youth Day has been celebrated globally since 2000. It provides an opportunity to hear what the young men and women who benefit from and partner the SDC have to say. In Lebanon, Central America, Zimbabwe and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, young people are committed to bringing about a better, more equitable and more secure world.

"Addis Ababa has left me confident with regard to the post-2015 agenda"

29.07.2015 — Article DEZA

The Third International Conference on Financing for Development took place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa from 13 to 16 July 2015. The international community agreed on a framework to implement and finance sustainable development. Ambassador Michael Gerber was chief negotiator in the Swiss delegation. In an interview he describes the negotiations and their results.

Showdown on development financing in Addis Ababa

10.07.2015 — Article EDA

Article by Ambassador Michael Gerber, «Mehr und «besseres» Geld» (NZZ, 10 July 2015 © NZZ AG)

A hard road ahead to full gender equality (de)

09.03.2015 — Article EDA

Maya Tissafi, Deputy Director of the SDC and Head of South Cooperation Department, on International Women's Day.

Jacob, 34 years old – HIV-positive and volunteer

01.12.2014 — Article DEZA

The SDC-funded Newlands Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, has given Jacob M. – who is HIV positive – a new perspective. Today he helps other people infected with HIV so that they can benefit from the same support.