UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023–24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.

Ignazio Cassis to take part in UN Security Council meetings on Middle East and Ukraine

15.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will travel to New York on 18 November 2024 to participate in two Security Council meetings organised by the United Kingdom on the situations in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

Middle East and Ukraine are focus of Ignazio Cassis' trip to North America

25.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will spend two days in the United States and Canada on 29 and 30 October 2024. As part of Switzerland's October presidency of the UN Security Council, he will chair a high-level debate on the Middle East in New York on 29 October. From there, he will travel on to Montreal, where a follow-up conference to the June 2024 Summit for Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort will be held on 30 October. In Montreal, the focus will be on humanitarian aspects in connection with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mr. Cassis will hold bilateral talks in Montreal, including with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Federal Councillor Parmelin renews vocational education and training agreement with the USA

24.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 23 October, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Guy Parmelin, signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington D.C. reaffirming the close cooperation between Switzerland and the US on vocational education and training. The agreement is aimed at strengthening the exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in education and business in both countries in the years 2024–27.

Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

23.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, accompanied by Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 23 to 25 October 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.

President Amherd to chair open debate of UN Security Council on women’s participation in peace processes

22.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd will chair the annual open debate on women, peace and security (WPS) in New York on Thursday, 24 October, as part of Switzerland's presidency of the UN Security Council. The debate will be accompanied by events highlighting the role of women in peace processes and protection against sexual violence.

UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chairs meeting on the opportunities and risks that new technologies pose for peace

18.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 21 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will chair a UN Security Council meeting on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Rapid advances in new technologies bring great opportunities, but also risks, which need to be identified early to facilitate appropriate responses. 'Building sustainable peace' is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Security Council membership (2023–24).

Switzerland and US sign new agreement on the exchange of trainees and young professionals

11.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland and the US today signed a new agreement in Bern on the exchange of trainees and young professionals. The agreement will make it easier for young Swiss people to receive training in the US, and for Americans to do the same in Switzerland, for short periods. This new agreement replaces the agreement from 1980.

Successful election: Switzerland to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–27 term

09.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland was elected today to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York with 175 votes. It will serve as a member of the UN's most important intergovernmental human rights body for three years starting in early 2025.

Florian Schütz attends Counter Ransomware Initiative annual summit

07.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
Florian Schütz, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), took part last week in the Counter Ransomware Initiative annual summit as head of the Swiss delegation. Approaches and solutions to combat ransomware attacks were discussed and concrete measures presented at the four-day summit. In a bilateral meeting, the NCSC director and the director of the Information Tech-nology Laboratory of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) agreed to boost their technical cooperation.

Second Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council

01.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will place its priorities at the centre of the Security Council's work, in particular promoting sustainable peace and protecting civilians –Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be traveling to New York for this purpose.

President Amherd emphasises Switzerland’s commitment to peace and calls for strengthening of multilateralism in New York

24.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
In her speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 24 September, President Viola Amherd focused on peacebuilding and international humanitarian law. She emphasised Switzerland's commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.

UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023–24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.

Ignazio Cassis to take part in UN Security Council meetings on Middle East and Ukraine

15.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will travel to New York on 18 November 2024 to participate in two Security Council meetings organised by the United Kingdom on the situations in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

Middle East and Ukraine are focus of Ignazio Cassis' trip to North America

25.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will spend two days in the United States and Canada on 29 and 30 October 2024. As part of Switzerland's October presidency of the UN Security Council, he will chair a high-level debate on the Middle East in New York on 29 October. From there, he will travel on to Montreal, where a follow-up conference to the June 2024 Summit for Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort will be held on 30 October. In Montreal, the focus will be on humanitarian aspects in connection with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mr. Cassis will hold bilateral talks in Montreal, including with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Federal Councillor Parmelin renews vocational education and training agreement with the USA

24.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 23 October, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Guy Parmelin, signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington D.C. reaffirming the close cooperation between Switzerland and the US on vocational education and training. The agreement is aimed at strengthening the exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in education and business in both countries in the years 2024–27.

Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

23.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, accompanied by Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 23 to 25 October 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.

President Amherd to chair open debate of UN Security Council on women’s participation in peace processes

22.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
President Viola Amherd will chair the annual open debate on women, peace and security (WPS) in New York on Thursday, 24 October, as part of Switzerland's presidency of the UN Security Council. The debate will be accompanied by events highlighting the role of women in peace processes and protection against sexual violence.

UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chairs meeting on the opportunities and risks that new technologies pose for peace

18.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 21 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will chair a UN Security Council meeting on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Rapid advances in new technologies bring great opportunities, but also risks, which need to be identified early to facilitate appropriate responses. 'Building sustainable peace' is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Security Council membership (2023–24).

Switzerland and US sign new agreement on the exchange of trainees and young professionals

11.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland and the US today signed a new agreement in Bern on the exchange of trainees and young professionals. The agreement will make it easier for young Swiss people to receive training in the US, and for Americans to do the same in Switzerland, for short periods. This new agreement replaces the agreement from 1980.

Successful election: Switzerland to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–27 term

09.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland was elected today to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York with 175 votes. It will serve as a member of the UN's most important intergovernmental human rights body for three years starting in early 2025.

Florian Schütz attends Counter Ransomware Initiative annual summit

07.10.2024 — Press releases Europa
Florian Schütz, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), took part last week in the Counter Ransomware Initiative annual summit as head of the Swiss delegation. Approaches and solutions to combat ransomware attacks were discussed and concrete measures presented at the four-day summit. In a bilateral meeting, the NCSC director and the director of the Information Tech-nology Laboratory of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) agreed to boost their technical cooperation.

Second Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council

01.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will place its priorities at the centre of the Security Council's work, in particular promoting sustainable peace and protecting civilians –Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be traveling to New York for this purpose.

President Amherd emphasises Switzerland’s commitment to peace and calls for strengthening of multilateralism in New York

24.09.2024 — Press releases EDA
In her speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 24 September, President Viola Amherd focused on peacebuilding and international humanitarian law. She emphasised Switzerland's commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.

We are launching SWISS IMPACT!

17.07.2023 — Local news United States of America
We are proud to announce the launch of SWISS IMPACT, highlighting Swiss achievements in the United States.

Joint Statement on the 2023 U.S.-Swiss Cyber and Digital Dialogue

08.06.2023 — Local news United States of America
The United States and Switzerland held the second U.S.-Swiss Cyber and Digital Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on June 7, 2023.  The United States and Switzerland reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing a peaceful, secure, and stable cyberspace through efforts to promote a free, open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet.

Tender for Catering and Event Services at Soirée Suisse

24.04.2023 — Local news United States of America
The Embassy launches a tender for catering and event services for the annual Soirée Suisse event. 

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Innovation, investment, Swiss community: Ignazio Cassis opens consulate general in Chicago

23.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland is once again represented in the Midwest, a major economic region of the United States, with a consulate general. At the opening ceremony in Chicago, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis highlighted the potential for increasing cooperation in various areas such as innovation. The reopening of the Chicago representation by the FDFA comes in response to a parliamentary request. The consulate general will increase the support available to Swiss companies in the Chicago metropolitan area and it serves as a further example of strengthened Swiss-US ties.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer: National Day 2019 greetings for the Swiss abroad

25.07.2019 — Position United States of America
Today, on August 1, there are many things that connect us, the shared history of our country for more than 700 years. We are also connected by shared values: punctuality, reliability, modesty, diligence. These are all values that one associates with Switzerland.

Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation on Advancing Apprenticeship, Career and Technical Education, and Vocational and Professional Education and Training

03.12.2018 — Local news United States of America
On December 3, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann was in Washington, D.C. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding concerning cooperation on advancing Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Apprenticeship with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

Alain Berset - President of the Swiss Confederation

01.08.2018 — Position United States of America

Human Rights Day 2017

10.12.2017 — Local news United States of America
In exactly one year from today, on 10 December 2018, Switzerland together with the international community will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 70 years after its adoption, remains of unequivocal relevance. Human rights are a necessity for our societies, an invaluable ingredient to boost peace and stability and to foster sustainable development. Human rights are at the heart of the values represented by Switzerland and its political model, which is founded on the principles of democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among people having different religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Switzerland calls upon its partners to join it in making this Human Rights Day 2017 a day of unequivocal relevance for the promotion and the protection of human rights.

Switzerland's Intervention at the High Level Opening Session of the GFAR

05.12.2017 — Local news United States of America

Remarks by Ambassador Roberto Balzaretti, Head of the Directorate of International Law and Head of the Swiss delegation to the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) on the occasion of the first Global Forum on Asset Recovery and Switzerland's engagement in that field. 

President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard: National Day 2017 greetings for the Swiss abroad

01.08.2017 — Position United States of America

Swiss President, Doris Leuthard extends her wishes on the occasion of the Swiss National Day to all Swiss citizens living abroad through this video.

Happy Swiss National Day!

Asking for Proposals: Annual Soirée Suisse 2017-21 (event services)

27.04.2017 — Local news United States of America

The Embassy of Switzerland in the United States launches a tender for the event services of the annual Soirée Suisse event. All documents (project no. 154830 | Notice ID: 965215) on this public call to tender are only available on simap. Please click on Running procedures / Confederation / Invitations to tender. After selecting the project please click on Registration (for calls to tender) in order to register, log in and download the tender documentation.

Deadline: June 7, 2017