Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
Press release
All news (3065)
Presentation of credentials
28.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland
UN World Data Forum in Bern supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
28.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Confederation, in cooperation with the United Nations, is organising the third edition of the United Nations World Data Forum 2021 (UNWDF), to be held from 3 to 6 October 2021 in Bern. With around 700 participants from 110 countries in the Swiss capital, this global and hybrid conference is crucial to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with high-quality, accessible, timely and reliable data. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and the Head of the Department of Home Affairs, Alain Berset, are expected to open the Forum.
New Swiss ambassadors
24.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
Personnel changes will take place in 2022 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council at its meeting on 24 September 2021. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state.
President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis set priorities in New York for sustainability and political resolution of conflicts
23.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and FDFA head Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis set various thematic priorities during the high-level week marking the opening of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. At the virtual UN Summit on Food Systems, Mr Parmelin explained what Switzerland intends to do to help shape the transformation towards sustainable food systems at home and abroad. Mr Cassis chaired a high-level event on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with Sweden's minister of foreign affairs, Ann Linde, and took part in an event on the Libyan peace process. The federal councillors also held bilateral talks in New York on various topics, including Switzerland's candidature for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Switzerland strengthens its humanitarian commitment in Yemen and co-hosts a high-level event
22.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
At a high-level event on the margins of the general debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, pledged to increase Switzerland's contribution to humanitarian aid in Yemen by USD 1 million.
Costa Rica, Senegal, Switzerland. Joint Press Statement: Tasting the Transformation of Food Systems
22.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
To reaffirm cross-regional support for the transformation towards sustainable food systems, Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Macky Sall, President of Senegal, and H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of Costa Rica, met ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit in New York. The three heads of state discussed innovative solutions from farm to fork that emerged in the run-up to the UN Food Systems Summit and defined common priorities. These include promoting agroecological principles, supporting family farming and strengthening inclusive investments for smallholder farmers in rural areas.
Ignazio Cassis inaugurates artist Saype's giant land art painting at the United Nations in New York
18.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and UN Secretary-General António Guterres inaugurated an 11,000-square-metre eco-friendly land art painting on grass created by the artist Saype at the UN headquarters in New York on Saturday. Saype's ephemeral work of art, World in Progress II, symbolises the UN's determination to strengthen international solidarity. The first part of "World in Progress" was unveiled at the Palais des Nations in Geneva in June 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the UN.
Federal Council outlines priorities for UN General Assembly 76th session
17.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
In summer, the Federal Council set the priorities for the UN General Assembly. At its meeting of 17 September 2021, it was informed about the Foreign Affairs Committees’ consultation. The priorities are Switzerland's candidacy for the UN Security Council, sustainable development and dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current cybersecurity and cybercrime processes within the UN. This includes bolstering International Geneva's role in the areas of cyber and digitalisation. Switzerland will be represented at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly at the end of September in New York by President of the Confederation Parmelin and Federal Councillor Cassis, head of the FDFA. Pandemic-related restrictions will also apply to this year's event.
Coronavirus: New rules for entry to Switzerland and for people vaccinated abroad to access the COVID certificate (last modification, the 20.09.2021)
17.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Council wants to prevent an increase in the number of infections caused by people returning from the autumn holidays. From Monday 20 September, travellers entering Switzerland who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 will have to present a negative test result. They will then have to be tested again after four to seven days. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 17 September. The Federal Council has also set out details of how people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad can obtain a COVID certificate.
Federal Council takes note of 2018–20 Activity Report of IDWG on Combating Corruption
17.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 17 September 2021, the Federal Council took note of the 2018–20 Activity Report of the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) on Combating Corruption.
Horizon Europe: Federal Council submits transitional measures to Parliament for non-accessible programme components
17.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and related programmes and initiatives until further notice. Under this status, researchers in Switzerland can still participate in most collaboration projects, but are excluded from individual projects. On 17 September, the Federal Council therefore decided to initiate transitional measures until Switzerland achieves its stated aim of full association.
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu in Brussels for working meetings
17.09.2021
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Press release
EDA
On 17 September 2021, FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met various members of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in Brussels for talks focusing on relations between Switzerland and the EU.
