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Switzerland's international cooperation: SDC allocates programme contributions to 27 NGO partners

24.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has signed contribution agreements worth around CHF 270 million with 27 partners for the period 2023–24. Swiss NGOs are instrumental in accomplishing Switzerland's international cooperation objectives. With the support of the SDC and in cooperation with their local partners, they create decent jobs, work for the sustainable use of natural resources and transfer Swiss expertise and innovative approaches to local actors.

UN Water Conference results in action agenda

24.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The UN 2023 Water Conference, which was held in New York from 22 to 24 March, has resulted in an action agenda. This outcome is expected to help advance progress on SDG 6 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – clean and accessible water for all. The Swiss delegation to the conference emphasised the importance of concerted and effective transboundary water management in making this vital resource a tool for peace and cooperation.

Post-earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria: Switzerland provides CHF 8,5 million for affected population

20.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Confederation is extending its support to the populations of the earthquake-hit regions of Turkey and Syria. At the international donors' conference in Brussels, held to secure support for the people of Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquakes, Manuel Bessler, the Federal Council's delegate for humanitarian aid, announced that Switzerland would contribute CHF 8,5 million towards relief efforts in the affected areas.

Plan agreed in Geneva for the release of prisoners of war in Yemen

20.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes the positive outcome of the negotiations that were held in the canton of Bern. The plan, agred this afternoon at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, was concluded thanks to facilitation by the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland supports the UN peace process in Yemen as part of its good offices policy.

SDC prolongs support for Kantha Bopha children's hospitals in Cambodia for five more years

17.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The Kantha Bopha children's hospitals, founded by Dr Beat Richner in 1992, have made a major contribution to improving the health system in Cambodia over the past 30 years. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has backed these efforts since the very beginning and will continue to support the hospitals until 2027. On March 17, 2023, SDC Director General Patricia Danzi signed an agreement to this effect with the Kantha Bopha Foundation.

New Swiss ambassadors

17.03.2023 — Press release EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for 2023 for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council at its meeting on March 17, 2023.

Foreign policy, economic affairs, human rights: FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu holds political consultations in South Africa

09.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The state secretary of the FDFA, Livia Leu, met with South Africa's deputy minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, in Pretoria today for political consultations. The focus was on foreign policy issues as well as bilateral matters in the areas of business, human rights and education, research and innovation. South Africa is a priority country of the Federal Council's Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23 and Switzerland’s most important economic partner in Africa.

Switzerland pledges 15 million francs to the Bamboo-UNCDF Initiative for the Least Developed (BUILD) Fund

09.03.2023 — Press release EDA
Private Sector Engagement (PSE) is highlighted in the Swiss International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24 as an important modality to achieve sustainable development and poverty reduction. As part of the ambition to partner with the private sector in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) committed 15 million Swiss francs for the Bamboo-UNCDF Initiative for the Least Developed (BUILD) Fund.

'Francesca Pometta' room in Federal Palace to celebrate the history of women diplomats

07.03.2023 — Press release EDA
Francesca Pometta, of Ticino origin, was the first Swiss woman to be appointed ambassador. She was a trailblazer who paved the way for women in the Swiss diplomatic service – and the number of women diplomats has been growing ever since. A room in the Federal Palace West, which houses the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), now bears her name. The inauguration took place on 7 March on the occasion of International Women's Day in the presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

UN Commission on the Status of Women: Switzerland highlights importance of digitalisation for gender equality

06.03.2023 — Press release EDA
The 67th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) opens on 6 March 2023 in New York with the theme 'Innovation and technological change – education in the digital age'. Switzerland's particular focus is on initiatives to promote women's and girls' access to technology and innovation, and to guard against cyber violence. The president of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, will be heading the Swiss delegation and will speak at the CSW on 6 March. On 7 March, he will deliver a speech to the UN Security Council on women, peace and security.

House of Switzerland in northern Italy – at the heart of the Alps and our national interests

03.03.2023 — Press release EDA
At its meeting of 3 March 2023, the Federal Council has decided to capitalise on the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina as a platform to promote Switzerland and its national interests. Northern Italy is one of Switzerland's most important neighbouring regions in economic terms. The House of Switzerland will focus on sustainability and innovation as well as the Alps as a common living and economic space.

Chile's Foreign Minister Antonia Urrejola in Switzerland for official visit

01.03.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Chilean Foreign Minister Antonia Urrejola Noguera today in Murten, canton of Fribourg, for an official working visit. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, particularly economic relations, as well as cooperation in environmental, multilateral and other matters.

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Return of war to Europe – the focus of 2022 Foreign Policy Report

01.02.2023 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2022 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 1 February 2023. The document includes a special focus on the war in Ukraine. It also discusses progress in relations with the EU, Switzerland's commitment to more effective multilateralism, and its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2023–24.

Switzerland renews support to UNHCR

01.02.2023 — Press release EDA
In response to the unprecedented flow of people forced to abandon their homes due to armed conflict, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 1st February 2023 to allocate CHF 68 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the years 2023–24. The UNHCR provides dignified hosting conditions and medical assistance to those forced to flee as well as access to education for their children. It is a key partner in the implementation of Switzerland's foreign policy.

Use of chemical weapons in Syria – Switzerland's position

27.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Switzerland takes note of the third report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was mandated to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Douma on 7 April 2018. Switzerland strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons and calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using them and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Those responsible for crimes under international law in Syria must be held accountable.

From Lugano to London: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis hands over lead for Ukraine Recovery Conference to UK

18.01.2023 — Press release EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) held in Lugano last July will be resumed in London in 2023. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, in the presence of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's State Secretary, Oleksandr Bankov, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has officially handed over responsibility for preparing the next URC to UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Grant Shapps. The head of the FDFA recalled the Lugano Principles and described them as a compass pointing the way to Ukraine's recovery even in dark times.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2023

13.01.2023 — Press release EDA
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is once again taking place at its traditional date in January after recent editions were cancelled due to the pandemic in 2021 and postponed to the spring last year. President Alain Berset will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab, on Tuesday, 17 January.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

13.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Washington, D.C. on 13 January and met with his US counterpart Antony Blinken. The meeting centred on cooperation within the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of the UN Charter in the Security Council

12.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a UN Security Council ministerial debate on the rule of law in New York on 12 January. The head of the FDFA recalled that respect for the principles of the UN Charter is pivotal to peace and security in the world. Tomorrow, Mr Cassis will travel on to Washington, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participates in rule of law debate at the UN Security Council in New York

11.01.2023 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 January 2023, the Federal Council was briefed on Switzerland's initial work within the UN Security Council and key upcoming issues. Tomorrow, Thursday 12 January, head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York to participate in a UN Security Council debate at the invitation of Japan, the current president. This ministerial-level debate will focus on promoting the rule of law among nations.

New Year’s reception

11.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Speech by Alain Berset, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) at the New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps. Check against delivery.

Presentation of credentials

10.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

UN Security Council renews cross-border humanitarian aid into Syria

09.01.2023 — Press release EDA
On 9 January 2023, the United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the mandate for cross-border humanitarian aid in Syria until 10 July. Switzerland introduced the respective resolution in the Security Council as co-penholder of the Syria humanitarian file. The Council's decision allows humanitarian aid to reach a region in north-west Syria where over four million people are in need of support. Protecting the civilian population in conflicts is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Council membership.

Ignazio Cassis advocates climate change mitigation for Pakistan at UN conference

09.01.2023 — Press release EDA
In Geneva today, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the UN conference on flood-stricken Pakistan. In response to the emergency, the Swiss Confederation donated CHF 4 million for humanitarian aid in the summer of 2022 and is helping Pakistan to cope with the refugee situation with a further CHF 6 million. On the margins of the conference, Mr Cassis held various bilateral talks, including with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Other news (300)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

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