International organizations

In the Arctic, the effects of global warming are particularly severe. While Indigenous peoples and local communities are under pressure due to the melting of polar ice, the region is gaining economic and geopolitical importance for other countries. In its role as observer on the Arctic Council, Switzerland uses its expertise to promote peaceful and sustainable development within the polar region. Alexandra Baumann, head of the Prosperity and Sustainability Division of the FDFA and responsible for polar issues shares her views in this interview.

In light of the growing financial challenges facing international organisations and fiercer competition from locations abroad, the Federal Council is taking action to secure Geneva's status as a major centre of global governance. By agreeing a set of measures totalling CHF 269.1 million, Switzerland is sending out a clear signal: International Geneva will remain a major hub of global governance and a key element of Swiss foreign policy. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis made a statement to the media in Bern.

The world has not faced such a large number of conflicts since the end of the Second World War. One of these has been ongoing in Sudan for over two years, with catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. More than half of the population is now affected by hunger. Millions of people have been displaced. Switzerland is committed, within the framework of its international cooperation, peace promotion and within the UN, to ending the war and mitigating its humanitarian consequences.

In 2026, Switzerland will assume the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the third time, following its previous terms in 1996 and 2014. Switzerland was elected by the participating states of the organisation in a secret ballot. Switzerland will take on leadership functions on 1 January 2025 as a member of the OSCE's troika – comprising the 2024 (Malta), 2025 (Finland) and 2026 (Switzerland) chairs. Switzerland has already gained the necessary experience for this role through its past OSCE chairpersonships.

Switzerland is returning confiscated illegally acquired assets to Uzbekistan. The stolen funds will now benefit the people of Uzbekistan thanks to a UN trust fund, the Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund, set up by Switzerland and Uzbekistan together with the UN. Among other things, this will see healthcare facilities for expectant mothers modernised at a cost of USD 43.5 million. An interview with the Ambassador of Switzerland in Tashkent, Konstantin Obolensky.

In 2023 and 2024, Switzerland held a seat on the UN Security Council. A two-year term of office marked by geopolitical tensions. In spite of these challenging conditions, Switzerland was able to make an impact and contribute to advancing its foreign policy goals. Scroll the newsticker for background information about Switzerland's Security Council activities and statements.