Published on 20 July 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Papua-New Guinea

The Swiss Embassy in Canberra represents Switzerland’s interests in Papua New Guinea. Switzerland and Papua New Guinea have maintained diplomatic relations since 1976, shortly after Papua New Guinea achieved independence. Relations are cordial with both countries united in their commitment to the principles of multilateralism and advancing sustainable development.

Key points in diplomatic relations

Switzerland cooperates with all the Pacific Island States in the following areas:

  • International Geneva: Switzerland provides financial and logistical support to Pacific Island States to help them establish Permanent Missions to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva. This supports their direct participation in key multilateral institutions and enables engagement in global discussions on trade, health, climate and development, ensuring that their perspectives are included in international decision-making processes.
  • Environment and climate: For Pacific Island States, climate change threatens lives, livelihoods and long-term sustainability. By hosting institutions such as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Switzerland offers a platform where science, policy, and cooperation converge, enabling the Pacific Island States to access expertise, share their experiences, and strengthen their voice in global climate action.
  • Human rights and development: The Swiss Embassies in Wellington, Canberra and Manila implement small-scale projects in the fields of human security, human rights and development cooperation.
  • Disaster risk management: Switzerland operates a Regional Thematic Hub in Bangkok which monitors emerging risks and disasters in the region and can mobilise support to the Pacific states in the event of major disasters that exceed national and regional capacities. The Hub also supports the Pacific Tsunami Warning System through the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Treaty database

Consular services and visas

Consular services (registration and deregistration, issuing of Swiss passports and identity cards, civil status changes, etc.) are provided by the following Swiss representation:

Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney, Australia

Website of the Swiss representation in Australia

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Nationals of Papua New Guinea can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Applications are to be submitted to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars, SERI

Eligible undergraduate and master’s students in the Pacific may apply for the ThinkSwiss Research Fellowship, subject to the current call and published eligibility criteria.

ThinkSwiss Research Fellowships

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Bilateral

Switzerland has made significant contributions to small-scale development projects in Papua New Guinea, supporting initiatives in medical research, healthcare equipment and supplies, safe infrastructure for women and girls, education and educational facilities, renewable energy, and capacity building for effective multilateral engagement.

Switzerland has supported Papua New Guinea’s COVID-19 response through the provision of PPE and rapid test kits, assistance with vaccine rollout, efforts to address vaccine hesitancy, and training for Red Cross volunteers.

Regional

Switzerland has made considerable contributions to regional and global resilience and recovery mechanisms that directly benefit Pacific countries:

  • Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR): Supports countries to better understand and reduce their vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change.
  • Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative*: Supporting enhanced climate risk and early warning systems.
  • Green Climate Fund (GCF): Financing climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
  • Adaptation Fund (AF): Assisting vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change impacts.
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF): Funding biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
  • Santiago Network on Loss and Damage (UNFCCC)*: Supporting technical assistance for countries facing climate-related loss and damage.
  • WMO HydroHub*: Advancing global hydrological monitoring and water management.
  • International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP): Promoting women’s rights and gender equality across Asia and the Pacific.

Through these contributions, Switzerland helps Pacific countries strengthen disaster preparedness, access climate finance, improve water and environmental management, and promote inclusive, rights-based approaches to climate resilience.

*Secretariat based in Geneva

Swiss nationals in Papua New Guinea

In 2024 there were 67 Swiss citizens living in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea Tourism

Official website of the government of Papua New Guinea

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland was quick to recognise Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia in 1976, just one year after it had been achieved. Switzerland and Papua New Guinea have maintained diplomatic relations since then.

Papua New Guinea, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

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