International organizations

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.

The Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions on the implementation of the Fourth Convention (protection of civilians in wartime) in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, will not take place. Profound differences between the high contracting parties to the Geneva Conventions emerged during an extensive consultation process. Switzerland, as the depositary state, therefore concluded that a significant number of the high contracting parties did not support such a conference, and has decided against holding one.

Who is Emílio Goeldi and why is he so well known in Brazil? At COP30, which will take place this year in Belém in the heart of the Amazon, Switzerland, through its representation in Brasilia, will outline in stages its historical and current commitments to sustainability and global biodiversity. Since the 19th century, Goeldi has been one of the family names that best personifies this commitment to the region.

In December 2024, the UN General Assembly will decide whether to adopt the new convention against cybercrime. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) led the Swiss delegation in the negotiations on the convention. In this interview, Irene Grohsmann from the International Security Division at the FDFA, together with Andrea Candrian and Sara Pangrazzi, who both work at the Federal Office of Justice within the FDJP, give us their take on the negotiations and their outcome.

Switzerland will take part in the World Expo in Belgrade in 2027, with 120 participating countries and over 2.6 million visitors expected. Under the motto "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All", the event will showcase ideas and solutions in response to the question: "How to prepare the human body, mind and logic for a technology-led world full of insecurities and make humans more resilient for the coming decades?"