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Published on 1 February 2026

Switzerland's presence in international organisations

The FDFA promotes the representation of Switzerland and its interests in international organisations.

Switzerland's multilateral engagement is a long-term commitment which focuses on continuity. To best defend its foreign policy interests in the multilateral arena and participate in shaping the ever more complex international environment, Switzerland seeks to ensure it is adequately represented in international organisations.

To this end, Switzerland has defined the following objectives:

  • Ensuring participation of Switzerland and Swiss experts in political bodies and committees
  • Having Swiss nationals appointed or elected to strategic positions in international organisations
  • Promoting young talent to further pursue Swiss interests in international organisations.

Swiss participation in political bodies and committees of international organisations

Switzerland has steadily increased its presence and visibility in international organisations since joining the United Nations in 2002. It does this by way of political campaigns to support Swiss candidacies (as a country and as individuals).

Swiss nationals holding executive roles in international organisations

Candidates are either elected or appointed, depending on the position and the organisation. The FDFA, sometimes in collaboration with other federal departments, campaigns to have Swiss nationals appointed or elected to executive roles.

Promoting young talent

Switzerland promotes young talent by funding UN Youth Volunteer and Junior Professional Officer (JPO) positions.

Careers in international organisations

1 February 2026

Swiss representations to international organizations

Switzerland has permanent representation at various international organisations, known as missions, or permanent delegations.

Contact

UN Division
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Bundesgasse 28
3003 Bern

Phone: +41 58 462 30 50