19 August is World Humanitarian Day – a time to shine a spotlight on the people working to help communities in need. Larsan Traore in Mali and Michelle Jalkh in Lebanon belong to the ranks of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)'s local staff. Here they talk about their work and commitment in the humanitarian field.

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) was set up in 1998 on the initiative of Switzerland, which has supported it financially ever since. Active in some forty countries, it transfers its expertise to mine-affected countries to help them in the fight against landmines. In Ukraine, the GICHD is helping to identify and plan humanitarian demining operations, explains its director, Stefano Toscano. Interview.

The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is a key component of Switzerland's international cooperation. Founded half a century ago, it now counts some 550 specialists, who can be deployed anywhere in the world to provide assistance in the event of natural disasters or other crises. Discover through pictures and videos some of the programmes and operations that have marked the history of the SHA.

Following the search for survivors by Swiss Rescue in Turkey, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit of the FDFA has entered a second phase of support. Experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, including doctors and engineers, are now on the spot to continue helping the Turkish and Syrian population. Relief supplies have also been transported to the affected areas.

A chapter of history between Switzerland and Brazil was highlighted during the official meeting of Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on 30 April 2024. Mr Vieira is indeed a descendant of Swiss emigrants who settled in the Swiss colony of Nova Friburgo at the beginning of the 19th century. Let's revisit the history and circumstances of Swiss emigration to South America, and how it unfolded.

Forty-nine employees work tirelessly at the Swiss embassy in Kyiv to implement and promote Swiss programmes to support the Ukrainian population. The overview on the map shows a wide range of projects, from humanitarian mine action and tracing missing persons to trams for public transport and the digitalisation of public services.

The Federal Council adopted the Americas Strategy 2022–25 in February 2022. Ambassador Mirko Giulietti, who heads the FDFA's Americas Division, takes stock of the new strategy's first year and focuses on two countries with developments of particular interest to Switzerland: leading the advisory group for the Colombian peace talks and transforming the embassy in Haiti into a humanitarian office.

Switzerland and Belgium have more in common than a word in French for the number 70 – they both have a federalist system, share two of the same national languages, and have remarkably similar territory and population sizes. In the run-up to President Cassis' visit to Belgium, let's take a look at some of the more curious facts that unite these two countries, which share rich and close ties in a number of fields.

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. In this interview, Irene Grohsmann from the International Security Division at the FDFA, together with Andrea Candrian and Sara Pangrazzi, who both work at the Federal Office of Justice within the FDJP, give us their take on the negotiations and their outcome.

Switzerland's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Jürg Lauber, was elected president of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) on Monday 9 December, two months after Switzerland was elected a council member. The HRC is the UN's main human rights body.

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.

At a time when scientific and technological advances are fundamentally changing our lives and global security, the international community faces a double challenge: how do we utilise the opportunities without underestimating the risks? On 21 October 2020, chaired by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the UN Security Council addressed precisely these issues and adopted a presidential statement. The debate will focus on the necessity of anticipating the impact of scientific breakthroughs in terms of peace and security, and to determine the potential need for regulation and other fields of action.

It could be armed conflict, an earthquake or an accident – even Swiss nationals can find themselves in an emergency situation when travelling abroad. In such cases, the FDFA's Travel Admin app has proven to be a useful tool. The new, extra user-friendly Travel Admin app 3.0 is now available. The FDFA recommends that travellers update their Travel Admin app or – if they have not already done so – install it, register and enter trips abroad directly in the app.

As part of a working visit to Asia and Oceania, which includes stops in Jakarta, Singapore, Sydney, and Wellington, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will celebrate this year's Swiss national day with members of the country's diaspora. At the end of 2022, there were more than 800,000 Swiss citizens living abroad.

Due to the severe drought and strong winds, several forest fires have broken out on Rhodes. Many tourists are therefore leaving the Greek island. A Swiss desk has been opened at Rhodes International Airport to assist people with Swiss nationality on site.

The number of Swiss nationals living abroad has passed the 800,000 mark. The number of Swiss nationals living abroad continued to grow in 2022, but fewer and fewer are choosing to live in Central or Southern Africa. Gianni Zezza, 66, is among those with a strong personal stake in the region. Like many Swiss people, he decided to emigrate and settle down in another country.

One year after the Taliban's abrupt return to power, living conditions for many people – particularly women and girls – have deteriorated under the new regime. Although the Swiss cooperation office in Kabul was forced to close its doors due to security reasons, the SDC is still active in Afghanistan and can rely on its existing networks there, says Walburga Roos.

"I unleash the potential of young people from the slums," explains Gianmarco Marinello, the driving force behind professionally organised city tours of Nairobi. At the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland in Geneva at the end of March, the SDC and SECO will award the 'Together we're better' prize for projects like this one in Kenya. The more than 60 projects are an impressive testament to the inventiveness of young people in development cooperation.

During his trip to the West African country of Niger with National Council President Irène Kälin and ICRC President Peter Maurer, President Ignazio Cassis stopped in the city of Agadez, among other places. The large region is marked by a migration crisis because it is situated on the transit route for refugees and people seeking protection in Europe. The Swiss delegation visited a migration centre in Agadez and a project financed by the ICRC to support people with disabilities.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs are announcing the second edition of the Swiss Youth and Future Prize. The 'Together we're better' competition is asking young people up to age 35 to submit projects that promote sustainable development and help fight poverty in the Global South. Another goal of the competition is to offer young people the opportunity to become involved in international cooperation work.

On 16 June, more than 80 countries and organizations expressed their support for the Bürgenstock Communiqué. Since then, more states have endorsed the Summit's final declaration. This shows that the process for peace in Ukraine initiated at the Bürgenstock continues. Several debriefings and exchanges are planned. The meeting between Ambassador Gabriel Lüchinger and the Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, in Beijing on Friday, June 28, 2024, is another example.

The world has not faced such a large number of conflicts since the end of the Second World War.One such conflict began exactly one year ago in Sudan, with catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. Hunger is widespread and millions of people have been displaced. Switzerland is working to mitigate the consequences of the conflict both through its international cooperation and peacebuilding programmes and within the UN Security Council.

Sub-Saharan Africa, a region of both challenges and opportunities, is playing an increasingly important role on the global political and economic stage. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will visit Sub-Saharan Africa from 17 to 22 March, with stops in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. These three countries are key to creating stability and prosperity in the region.

From 5 to 8 February 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Asia, a region that is becoming increasingly significant for Switzerland. His journey will take him to four nations – India, South Korea, China, and the Philippines – where he will conduct numerous ministerial meetings. Mr Cassis' trip marks the resumption of the annual strategic dialogue between the foreign ministers of Switzerland and China. This article presents five questions and answers that provide insights into Swiss–Chinese relations, followed by facts and figures on Switzerland's long-standing ties with India, the Philippines and South Korea.

On 31 August 2022, the Federal Council approved the bilateral implementation agreements for Switzerland's second contribution to selected European Union (EU) states. This is an investment in stability, security and prosperity in Europe, as well as a further step on the bilateral path. We discussed this cooperation with Debora Kern (SDC) and Daniel Birchmeier (SECO), who, among other things, work together on the programmes that the contribution will fund in the field.

5 May is Europe Day – in memory of the founding of the Council of Europe on 5 May 1949, when Europe lay in ruins. Since then, the Council of Europe has promoted human rights, the rule of law and democracy. In the face of war, these values are of particular importance, writes President Ignazio Cassis in his message for this year's Europe Day.

President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, visited Switzerland between 30 April and 3 May. The aim of the visit was to present Swiss federalism in situ. Are there any experiences from his visit that he could now apply profitably in the Netherlands and in the Congress? He answers our questions.

President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, is visiting Switzerland between 30 April and 3 May. The aim of the visit is to present Swiss federalism in situ. David Eray, president of the Cantonal Council of Jura and head of the Swiss delegation to the Congress, is accompanying Mr Verbeek on his trip, which will also include a visit to the Landsgemeinde in Glarus. Interview.

Those involved in humanitarian demining strive to stay at the cutting edge of technological developments. The efficiency, accuracy and safety of demining operations depend on it. The integration of scientific and technological advances is particularly important in Ukraine, one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

The threat posed by mines and unexploded ordnance is forcing smallholder farmers and their families to reduce or cease production, thereby compromising the quality, variety and availability of food. This situation undermines the food security of local communities, making them more dependent on humanitarian aid, and is leading some farmers to risk their own lives in order to farm their contaminated land. Switzerland and its partners continue to work to ensure that the affected farmers can get back to work safely and quickly.

At the end of 2023, Switzerland pledged CHF 100 million to support humanitarian demining in Ukraine until 2027. This decision has enabled Switzerland to position itself as one of the main donor countries. Switzerland has rigorously selected a limited number of Swiss and international partners to achieve a substantial impact in Ukraine. The FSD, its main partner, exemplifies Switzerland's expertise in this field.

On 17-18 October 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine are jointly organizing the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024 in Lausanne. In the run-up to the Conference, the Swiss activities in humanitarian demining in Ukraine are presented, starting with one of its closest partners, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). The GICHD supports the Ukrainian authorities in adapting its mine action programme to the new realities and planning ahead.

On 13 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted the updated national action plan on business and human rights ('NAP'). Existing measures have been strengthened and updated and 10 new measures added, which are intended to help achieve the objectives of the NAP.

Switzerland will take part in the World Expo in Belgrade in 2027, with 120 participating countries and over 2.6 million visitors expected. Under the motto "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All", the event will showcase ideas and solutions in response to the question: "How to prepare the human body, mind and logic for a technology-led world full of insecurities and make humans more resilient for the coming decades?"

On 15 and 16 June 2024, Switzerland organised a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock. The aim of the summit was to develop a common understanding of a possible path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. All news on the summit can be found here in the ticker.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls on all 193 UN member states to join forces in tackling a comprehensive list of pressing challenges, from poverty to cooperation and beyond. In Switzerland, two Federal Council delegates are responsible for the Agenda's implementation: Markus Reubi, deputy head of the Prosperity and Sustainability Division (PSD) within the FDFA's State Secretariat and Daniel Dubas, head of the Sustainable Development Section at the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) of DETEC. Following the ARE's two-year term as chair, the FDFA is now presiding over the Federal Administration's steering committee, which is responsible for guiding the Agenda's implementation. We interviewed Mr Reubi, who provided insights into the challenges, priorities, and projects for the coming two years.

The nuclear threat was omnipresent during the Cold War. But it is still real, as developments in context of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine demonstrate. The 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the basis for disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. At the Treaty Review Conference taking place in New York from 1 to 26 August 2022, President Ignazio Cassis calls for concrete measures in view of slow pace on nuclear disarmament.

The global power structure is in flux. New technologies and the nature of conflict are changing radically. This is highlighted by the crisis in Ukraine and unresolved issues concerning Europe's security architecture. In the Federal Council's Arms Control and Disarmament Strategy, President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis indicates that Switzerland wishes to continue tried-and-tested approaches while also adopting innovative new ones. This contributes to greater security and strengthens Switzerland’s role.

The priorities of Switzerland’s action plan for 2022–25 are to develop a dialogue process with a view to an anniversary summit in Helsinki in 2025, to consolidate the foundations of the OSCE, strengthen arms control and increase mediation capabilities in conflict situations. We interviewed Thomas Greminger, former secretary general of the OSCE.

As Switzerland presides over the Second Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the time is right to give voice to victims.

The Climate Change Conference in Glasgow includes a pavilion devoted to Earth's frozen surfaces. This initiative is backed by Switzerland, whose world-renowned scientific expertise in the cryosphere may help to advance the climate negotiations. Part of the pavilion will feature virtually in Geneva.

Mining asteroids for their natural resources and downloading the contents of the human brain are quickly moving from the realms of science fiction to reality. The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator builds capacities to spot future scientific and technological breakthroughs before they happen. The independent foundation, which enjoys FDFA support, is set to unveil its Breakthrough Radar at its upcoming inaugural summit.

Xavier Mertz was the first Swiss polar explorer to set foot in Antarctica in 1911, but his drive to explore the region came at a bitter price. Although polar exploration today is less dramatic, it is even more urgent than ever before. To mark Swiss Polar Day, the head of the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division, Stefan Estermann, talks about the role Swiss polar research has to play and how Switzerland is stepping up its commitment to scientific diplomacy.

The establishment of CERN in Geneva in 1954 played its own part in the reconstruction of post-Second World War Europe. The man behind the initiative was Professor Herwig Schopper. Now, at the age of 97, this wise man is still a champion of peace and scientific development and is working on the creation of new institutes in different strategic regions of the world.

COVID-19 has an impact on our lives in Switzerland and abroad. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) summarises the most important information regarding travelling and living abroad in its COVID-19 news ticker. The information is constantly being added to.

In this guest article for the NZZ, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis takes his own look back at an extraordinary year – a whirlwind 12 months that left little time for reflection amid ever-changing case numbers. Cassis addresses a number of questions. Who decides how much a human life is worth? How important are open borders? And how will we make sense of it all whenever normality returns?

On Monday evening, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was a guest on the programme "60 Minuti" on RSI. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) spoke about the importance of federalism in Switzerland and the measures adopted by the Federal Council to combat the COVID 19 pandemic. Among other things, personal responsibility and mutual solidarity are decisive factors in the fight against the pandemic.

Poor sanitary conditions pose a health risk. This is a major problem, particularly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But even today, one third of the world's population has no adequate access to clean water. To help people living poverty protect themselves during the current pandemic, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is supporting hygiene awareness campaigns and the creation of more handwashing stations.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) monitors the political and social situation abroad and issues specific position statements. The FDFA's positions are guided by the objectives, and priorities of Swiss foreign policy as set out, for example, in the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy, and other thematic and geographical strategies.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) monitors the political and social situation abroad and issues specific position statements. The FDFA's positions are guided by the objectives, and priorities of Swiss foreign policy as set out, for example, in the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy, and other thematic and geographical strategies.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) monitors the political and social situation abroad and issues specific position statements. The FDFA's positions are guided by the objectives, and priorities of Swiss foreign policy as set out, for example, in the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy, and other thematic and geographical strategies.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) monitors the political and social situation abroad and issues specific position statements. The FDFA's positions are guided by the objectives, and priorities of Swiss foreign policy as set out, for example, in the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy, and other thematic and geographical strategies.