News overview International organizations

The adoption of the budget confirms that the OSCE remains an important platform for dialogue. This decision therefore also contributes to the implementation of a key priority of the Swiss Chairpersonship.

One year after the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan, millions of people are dependent on humanitarian aid. Switzerland is responding.

Paul Dziatkowiec, Director of Mediation and Peace Support at the GCSP, on Switzerland's role in promoting peace and security in the Arctic.

As an observer on the Arctic Council, Switzerland is committed to environmental protection and the sustainable and peaceful development of the Arctic.

By adopting a set of measures totalling CHF 269 million, the Federal Council aims to secure International Geneva's position as a major hub for international governance.

Assets returned from Switzerland are funding upgrades to maternity units in Uzbekistan.

Switzerland had a seat on the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024. Its priorities were peace, climate security and the protection of civilians.

The Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions scheduled for 7 March will not take place.

Who is Emílio Goeldi and why is he so well known in Brazil? We answer this question a few months ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

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.

On 13 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted the updated National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights.

Ambassador Jürg Lauber was elected president of the UN Human Rights Council.

Switzerland will take part in the World Expo in Belgrade in 2027. Under the motto 'Play for Humanity', 120 countries and over 2.6 million visitors are expected to attend.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution under Swiss co-penholdership that extends humanitarian exemptions in the context of sanctions.

The UN Security Council has adopted a Swiss presidential statement on anticipating the consequences of scientific developments for peace and security.Opportunities and risks of science for peace and security.

Switzerland supports the peace process in Colombia in the UN Security Council and on the ground. Read on to discover why there is reason for hope.

The role of science diplomacy in the implementation of global environmental goals will be explored in greater depth during the 2024 GESDA Summit using the example of the Transnational Red Sea Center.

In October 2024, Switzerland will hold for the second time the presidency of the UN Security Council. As during its first presidency, it will place two of its priorities – «promoting lasting peace» and «protecting civilian populations» – at the heart of the Council's work. What does the presidency mean for Switzerland? We provide an overview of Switzerland's powers, practices and priorities during its month-long presidency of the Security Council.

The consequences of the war in Ukraine, democracy, the protection of humanitarian personnel and the civilian population are the focus in New York. All the latest news from New York in the ticker.

Markus Reubi, Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda, outlines the challenges and priorities for implementing the SDGs over the next two years.

Members of the Security Council exchanged in Geneva on ways to enhance the prevention of emerging security risks through new technologies and science anticipation.

On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a Swiss resolution for the protection of humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.

Switzerland organised a meeting of the Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen the interaction between the scientific community and the Council.

The subject of peace is at the heart of this third edition of the IC Forum. Five examples of Switzerland's commitment to promoting peace.

The consequences of climate change, for example on the food security of societies, can exacerbate conflicts. Switzerland is committed.

Switzerland supports the peace process in Colombia and co-organised the Security Council's trip to this South American country.

In 2023, Switzerland set out priorities in the UN Security Council which it intends to build on during the second half of its term.

Three examples of trust in political institutions, elections and human rights illustrate how Switzerland collaborates with the OSCE to foster peace and security in Europe.

Switzerland lends its international cooperation expertise to the UN Security Council, as demonstrated by examples from the Sahel and the Horn of Africa.

This year's Geneva Peace Week focuses on building mutual trust. In view of numerous conflicts around the world, this is more important than ever.

The team of Switzerland's UN mission in Vienna promotes, among other things, health-centred drug policy, the fight against corruption, and the sustainable use of outer space.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in the Moldova Support Platform in Chisinau on 17 October 2023.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will hold numerous bilateral meetings and participate in thematic events in New York.

Thomas Gürber shares his thoughts about Switzerland's role in the UN General Assembly and its importance in the light of current global political challenges.

The non-permanent members of the UN Security Council met in Switzerland to deepen cooperation and strengthen the effectiveness and continuity of the Council's work.

Switzerland's first presidency of the UN Security Council last May was a good opportunity to put its priorities into practice.

Switzerland’s maritime strategy is divided into five priorities: public international law, maritime economy, environment, research and Swiss flag.

Starting on 22 May, the UN will be hosting the Week for the Protection of Civilians. Switzerland is committed to this cause at the multilateral level and directly on the ground.

129 states pledge not to vote against resolutions in the UN Security Council that seek to prevent or end war crimes and crimes against humanity.

An overview of Switzerland's powers, practices and priorities during its month-long presidency of the UN Security Council.

The UN Water Conference will take place in New York from 22 to 24 March 2023. A Swiss delegation is participating.

Despite a peace agreement, armed violence and humanitarian hardship remain in South Sudan. Switzerland is working for sustainable peace on the ground and in the UN Security Council.

In the UN Security Council as elsewhere, Switzerland is working to ensure that children affected by conflict have a future.

We interviewed Carol Mottet to find out about Switzerland's partnership with UNOWAS, which works to create prospects for the millions of people living in West Africa and the Sahel.

In 2022, Switzerland co-chaired the Women Peace and Security Focal Points Network with South Africa. Read about this year's highlights in the words of network participants.

The FDFA answers the central questions on Switzerland's candidature as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

One example of Switzerland's efforts to defend human rights can be seen in the work it has done at the Qatar World Cup.

The Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is focusing on its approach to Russia, says Ambassador Raphael Nägeli.

The civilian population in cities suffers greatly from the use of explosive weapons such as bombs. Switzerland calls for a better protection of civilians through a political declaration.

18th Summit of La Francophonie: member states respond to challenges of the digital age. Experience gained in International Geneva will bring added value to the debate.

Switzerland will lead the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) for one year, with Swiss diplomat Benno Laggner acting as chair.

In this interview, Thomas Gürber, head of the FDFA's UN Division, speaks about Switzerland's upcoming seat on the UN Security Council.

The Council of Europe works to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In times of war, these activities are even more important, says Ambassador Christian Meuwly

At Swissminiatur, President Cassis pays tribute to multilateralism, International Geneva, and Switzerland's decision to join the UN 20 years ago.

The priorities the Federal Council has put forward for Switzerland’s term on the Security Council are building sustainable peace, protecting civilians, addressing climate security and enhancing effectiveness.

From 11 to 13 July 2022, Switzerland will host the third NATO Partnerships Symposium at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.

Switzerland is taking part as an observer at the First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in Vienna from 21 to 23 June 2022.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Switzerland will contribute its strengths for peace and security and represent its values.

Switzerland promotes compliance with international humanitarian law, which includes the right to clean water for people caught up in armed conflicts and is essential for survival.

Congress President Leendert Verbeek talks about Swiss federalism. This is what he learned from his four-day visit to Switzerland. Interview.

Federal Council adopts Switzerland's second voluntary national review on the 2030 Agenda. A wide range of stakeholders are making contributions and driving the processes involved.

An interview with David Eray, president of the Cantonal Council of Jura and head of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

Geneva: a centre of multilateralism. What role for the FDFA? Interview with Anne de Riedmatten, Head of Humanitarian Affairs at the Swiss Mission to the UN.

The International Criminal Court is investigating indications of war crimes in Butcha and other places in Ukraine.

Switzerland is committed to the peaceful, secure, sustainable use of outer space.

On the 20th anniversary of Switzerland's accession to the UN, State Secretary Livia Leu looks back and explains why Switzerland is a candidate for the UN Security Council.

International Geneva was in the spotlight on 1 November 2021. With the inauguration of the new Building H at the Palais des Nations and the opening of the eighth edition of Geneva Peace Week, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis ‹nurtured the seeds of peace› in the city of Geneva.

Switzerland holds the Vice-Presidency of ECOSOC and will chair the Humanitarian Segment from 23.6.-25.6. 2021 in Geneva.

Civilians pay a high price in armed conflicts. In the context of a UN Security Council debate, Switzerland is working towards their protection and towards compliance with international humanitarian law.

Development of the tracing work of the Red Cross, the work's 150th anniversary and Switzerland's continued support.

Switzerland seeks to maintain its privileged position alongside some of the world's most competitive actors in the cyberspace.

Women's rights Switzerland is closely involved in the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which opens this Monday in New York.

The FDFA is launching a new version of the app dedicated to women's rights which can be used during international negotiations.

Twelve representatives of Switzerland's cantons, communes and cities sit in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

Press release – Federal Council adopts dispatch on UN Global Compact for Migration

The Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies, launched on 25 January 2021, has the potential to create long-term prospects for children and youth affected by humanitarian crises.

Thomas Greminger appointed head of Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

Switzerland shares the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Though it has not yet ratified the UN's Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, its policy is still strongly oriented in this direction.

OSCE: Appointment of Special Representative in Ukraine

Switzerland votes on UN decisions. It is also a candidate for the Security Council. Its candidacy will not change its voting behaviour within the global organisation.

What is the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) exactly? Find out here.

The 2020 Geneva Health Forum confirms the city on Lake Geneva as an international and multidisciplinary platform for health and digitisation.

In the last issue of POLITORBIS, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis highlights the importance of anticipation for prevention.

The Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Council of Europe, speaks about 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

What role could Switzerland play in the UN Security Council? That of “a lubricant between world powers", says Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in an interview with the "Tages-Anzeiger".

Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

In many countries no statistics and consequently no data – such as on the situation of vulnerable populations – exist. This makes it difficult to measure the effectiveness and progress of sustainable development globally. This is why Switzerland and the UN are holding the World Data Forum. Jacques Ducrest, one of the Federal Council's delegates for the 2030 Agenda, believes globally applicable standards for data and statistics can also help to combat pandemics.

Swiss police officers are taking part in UN international security missions in countries with conflict situations or undergoing reconstruction.

The SDC's partner organisation, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

LI Yong, Director-General of UNIDO, praises the Swiss development cooperation strategy.

The United Nations celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2020. In a video message, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis pays tribute to the work done by the UN – notably in the fight against the pandemic – and acknowledges the organisation's fundamental role in shaping the future.

The OSCE candidacy procedure for the appointment of the Secretary General ended at midnight on 18 September 2020. The FDFA, in consultation with Thomas Greminger, has decided not to submit a new candidature.

The 75th session of the UN General Assembly opens on 15 September. For Switzerland, maintaining dialogue between states is more important than ever.

At Switzerland's initiative, the UN Human Rights Council adopts a resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests.

Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler, Director of the Directorate of International Law, explains why the work of the ICC is important – and not just for people in war-torn areas.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis talks in interviews with the NZZ and the TdG about the importance of the UN and the role Switzerland plays.

Forest fires in the Amazon basin, calculations of hurricane trajectories, seasonal climate forecasts for agriculture: the early warning systems set up by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) facilitate preventive measures to protect communities against natural disasters. At its meeting on 3 April 2020, the Federal Council decided to support a new WMO programme to enable developing and emerging countries to better meet the challenges of climate change. Currently based in Peru, humanitarian expert Omar Bellprat has been working for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs for two years. He gives us an insight into his daily work and its importance for local communities.

The 'Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights' have been in place for 20 years. In March 2020, Switzerland will complete its second term as chair of this initiative.

Twenty-five years after the Beijing Conference, the 64th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women is taking place in New York. Switzerland will be presenting its work to promote women's rights to the commission.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opens the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The Federal Council approves the 2019 foreign policy report which prioritises EU relations, global partners, peace and security, and sustainable development. It takes a positive view of implementation of the foreign policy strategy in 2019.