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.
10.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Die Schweiz unterstützt seit Beginn des Krieges den Wiederaufbauprozess in der Ukraine. Am 11. und 12. Juni 2024 nimmt Bundesrat Ignazio Cassis deshalb an der dritten Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) teil, die in Berlin als Folgekonferenz der URC von Lugano (2022) und London (2023) durchgeführt wird. Im Zentrum der Konferenz in Berlin stehen unter anderem der Einbezug des Privatsektors, soziale Aspekte sowie die Förderung der lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung.
10.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
90 states and organisations have so far registered to attend the summit on peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock (NW) on 15/16 June. The aim of the high-level meeting of heads of state and government is to develop a common understanding for a possible path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This will then form the basis for a peace process. On 10 June, President Viola Amherd, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Nidwalden Cantonal Councillor Karin Kayser-Frutschi, together with Stephan Grieder, head of operations and chief of the Nidwalden Cantonal Police, and Major General Daniel Keller, Commander of Territorial Division 2, gave a briefing on the state of preparations and security measures.
07.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 7 June, the Federal Council decided to continue supporting Ukraine in the areas of digitalisation and e-governance, approving CHF 58.7 million for this purpose over the next four years. Switzerland is thus promoting democratic reforms in Ukraine through digitalisation and at the same time increasing the transparency of state-provided services. Both areas are of crucial importance for Ukraine to rebuild.
07.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place on 15 and 16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. A major security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event and those attending. At its meeting on 7 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to consider the summit an 'extraordinary event'. This means that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the canton of Nidwalden.
07.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council appointed David Grichting as the new head of the Directorate for Resources (DR) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in its meeting on 7 June 2024. David Grichting currently heads the FDFA’s Consular Directorate (CD). He will take up his new post on 1 January 2025 succeeding to Tania Cavassini, who has been appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco by the Federal Council. The FDFA will appoint a selection committee to
to evaluate candidates to succeed David Grichting.
07.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Erika Schläppi of Switzerland has been elected to an initial maiden term on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for 2025–28. She will be the second Swiss woman to serve in this capacity.
07.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
After 2010, 2014 and 2019, Switzerland has been elected for the fourth time to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–26 term. ECOSOC is one of the UN's main bodies in the field of sustainable development.
04.06.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Heavy rain has caused flooding in northern Armenia, leading to considerable loss of life and destruction of property. Water and mud levels reached almost two metres in some areas and destroyed a large number of homes and infrastructure. At the request of the Armenian authorities, Switzerland is deploying specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to the affected areas. In particular, they will be responsible for assessing the structural soundness of bridges and other infrastructure. Switzerland has earmarked up to CHF 500,000 to support efforts on the ground.
27.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
27.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
24.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.
23.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.
10.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Die Schweiz unterstützt seit Beginn des Krieges den Wiederaufbauprozess in der Ukraine. Am 11. und 12. Juni 2024 nimmt Bundesrat Ignazio Cassis deshalb an der dritten Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) teil, die in Berlin als Folgekonferenz der URC von Lugano (2022) und London (2023) durchgeführt wird. Im Zentrum der Konferenz in Berlin stehen unter anderem der Einbezug des Privatsektors, soziale Aspekte sowie die Förderung der lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung.
10.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
90 states and organisations have so far registered to attend the summit on peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock (NW) on 15/16 June. The aim of the high-level meeting of heads of state and government is to develop a common understanding for a possible path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This will then form the basis for a peace process. On 10 June, President Viola Amherd, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Nidwalden Cantonal Councillor Karin Kayser-Frutschi, together with Stephan Grieder, head of operations and chief of the Nidwalden Cantonal Police, and Major General Daniel Keller, Commander of Territorial Division 2, gave a briefing on the state of preparations and security measures.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 7 June, the Federal Council decided to continue supporting Ukraine in the areas of digitalisation and e-governance, approving CHF 58.7 million for this purpose over the next four years. Switzerland is thus promoting democratic reforms in Ukraine through digitalisation and at the same time increasing the transparency of state-provided services. Both areas are of crucial importance for Ukraine to rebuild.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place on 15 and 16 June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. A major security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event and those attending. At its meeting on 7 June 2024, the Federal Council decided to consider the summit an 'extraordinary event'. This means that the Confederation will contribute to the security costs borne by the canton of Nidwalden.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council appointed David Grichting as the new head of the Directorate for Resources (DR) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in its meeting on 7 June 2024. David Grichting currently heads the FDFA’s Consular Directorate (CD). He will take up his new post on 1 January 2025 succeeding to Tania Cavassini, who has been appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco by the Federal Council. The FDFA will appoint a selection committee to
to evaluate candidates to succeed David Grichting.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Erika Schläppi of Switzerland has been elected to an initial maiden term on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women for 2025–28. She will be the second Swiss woman to serve in this capacity.
07.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
After 2010, 2014 and 2019, Switzerland has been elected for the fourth time to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–26 term. ECOSOC is one of the UN's main bodies in the field of sustainable development.
04.06.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Heavy rain has caused flooding in northern Armenia, leading to considerable loss of life and destruction of property. Water and mud levels reached almost two metres in some areas and destroyed a large number of homes and infrastructure. At the request of the Armenian authorities, Switzerland is deploying specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to the affected areas. In particular, they will be responsible for assessing the structural soundness of bridges and other infrastructure. Switzerland has earmarked up to CHF 500,000 to support efforts on the ground.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
24.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.
23.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.
Every single minute a child dies of malaria. Committed to combatting malaria, the SDC concentrates its efforts on disease prevention and access to health care. Within the space of five years (2007-2012), a SDC-funded mosquito net programme has helped to slash the child mortality rate in Tanzania by 44%. Furthermore, a photo contest shows how people can protect themselves from malaria and how mosquito nets have become a key weapon in the global fight against the disease.
«The world needs a binding frame of reference for sustainable development»
On 5 April 2013, the countdown for the Millennium Development Goals begins, signalling 1000 days until the final deadline expires in 2015. What will happen after that? This is a question that is already the focus of intense interest amongst the international community, and Michael Gerber is actively engaged in the process of finding a new development framework. As Special Representative for Global Sustainable Development Post-2015 and a member of the SDC, he is formulating Switzerland’s position and will also represent it in international bodies. We asked him what goals the international community and Switzerland have set.
The SDC’s new cooperation programme in Cambodia focuses on local governance and citizens’ participation, vocational training and employment, agriculture and food security. The programme is part of a new cooperation strategy for the Mekong region (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) for 2013–2017.
Arab states are often confronted with natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods that cause severe damages and affect a great number of victims. These phenomena have highlighted the increasing vulnerability of cities in the Middle East and Northern Africa. To address this issue, representatives of Arab states and development agencies are gathering in Aqaba, Jordan, for the first regional conference on disaster and risk reduction in the Arab region. SDC is co-organizing this event together with Jordanian authorities and United Nations (UN) partners.
«Today’s conflicts differ dramatically from what Dunant witnessed»
To protect the lives and dignity of the victims of armed conflict: Even today, 150 years after it was founded, this still remains the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is not only the country where the ICRC has its headquarters; it is also its second-largest donor. The ICRC is the most important international partner of Swiss humanitarian aid. How do these humanitarian agencies work together? To mark the occasion of the ICRC’s 150th jubilee, this question and others are answered here by the Swiss Delegate for humanitarian aid.
Improving market access for small Andean farmers and making more out of the biodiversity of their crops – that is the basic challenge underlying the Papa Andina regional project, launched in 1998 by the SDC and the International Potato Center (CIP). This innovative and sustainable solution won a prize announced on the occasion of the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development held in 2012 in Uruguay.
To mark International Mountain Day on 11 December 2012, the World Mountain Forum (WMF) has organised a meeting in Verbier on the theme: «Water and Energy». Specialists from Switzerland and abroad will discuss questions concerning the impact of climate change on these key sectors as well as the subject of public-private partnerships. The Carafe Initiative, launched within the framework of the WMF in 2011 in support of the Blue Schools project, will also be presented at this meeting.
Burkina Faso is re-electing its legislative authorities on 2 December 2012, when around 8 million voters will be going to the polls. At the request of the authorities of Burkina Faso, several countries, including Switzerland, are supporting the organisation of these elections, which for the first time will combine voting at the municipal, regional and legislative levels. This process constitutes a test of stability for Burkina Faso and represents a major step in the process of democratisation, the rule of law and local governance.
From 17 to 20 November, and SDC delegation led by SDC Director Martin Dahinden visited two countries in East Africa. In Ethiopia, together with representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP), it assessed projects for improving food security. In Kenya the agenda included discussions with representatives of the government and partner organizations concerning Somalia and Kenya, as well as visits to projects financed by the SDC.
Conférence, débats et musique contre la discrimination des personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida: 14.11.2012 Zurich
«Lutter contre la stigmatisation et la discrimination, ici et ailleurs, à l’encontre des personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida!». Telle est la thématique qui a été discutée lors d’une manifestion organisée à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida à laquelle ont participé le conseiller fédéral Alain Berset et Jean-Claude Mignon, président du Conseil de l’Europe.
Interview with Manuel Bessler, Humanitarian Aid Delegate of the Swiss Confederation
Since the outbreak of the conflict in March 2011, the humanitarian situation in Syria has continued to deteriorate. The violent confrontations are causing severe suffering in the civilian population; there are shortages of medical care, food, and water. More than 300,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries. We asked Manuel Bessler, Humanitarian Aid Delegate of the Swiss Confederation, about the support being provided by humanitarian aid actors in the field.
A two-day conference is being held in Geneva at the end of October with the objective of mobilizing financial and political support for peace-building in Burundi. One of the representatives of Switzerland at this conference will be Paul Seger, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN in New York. As Chair of the so-called Configuration on Burundi, Ambassador Seger is vested with a key role in the consolidation of peace in Burundi.