Munich Security Conference: Didier Burkhalter rates OSCE as a major actor for rebuilding trust in Europe

18.02.2017 — EDA
At the Munich Security Conference last Saturday, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter expressed the view that the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) now more than ever had a key role to play in strengthening security in Europe. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) called on members of the OSCE to advance common action to reduce uncertainty and rebuild trust through a structured dialogue within the framework of the OSCE.

Bundesrat Parmelin und Bundesrat Burkhalter an der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz

16.02.2017 — Press release EDA
Bundesrat Guy Parmelin, Chef des Eidgenössischen Departements für Verteidigung, Bevölkerungsschutz und Sport, und Bundesrat Didier Burkhalter, Vorsteher des Eidgenössischen Departements für auswärtige Angelegenheiten, nehmen an der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz teil, die vom 17. bis am 19. Februar 2017 dauert. Die jährlich stattfindende Sicherheitskonferenz ist weltweit eines der wichtigsten Foren für Sicherheitspolitik.

UN World Data Forum: Switzerland supports launch of action plan on role of statistics in sustainable development

19.01.2017 — Press release EDA
The first UN World Data Forum was held in Cape Town, South Africa on 15-18 January. It concluded with the presentation of a global action plan in which Switzerland has been actively involved. Switzerland was represented by a mixed delegation from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Chinese President XI Jinping ends state visit to Switzerland

18.01.2017 — Press release EDA
The Chinese president, XI Jinping, ended his state visit to Switzerland on Wednesday and was seen off by Federal Councillor Alain Berset, the vice president of the Federal Council, in Geneva. Earlier Federal Councillor Berset and President XI Jinping met for informal talks with the new UN secretary general, António Guterres.

Sustainable Development Goals

16.01.2017 — Article Agenda2030

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their 169 targets are the cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda, which gives equal priority to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The new goals combine eliminating poverty with sustainable development for the first time in a shared agenda.

The environment at the heart of cooperation between the SDC and China

13.01.2017 — Article DEZA

The SDC is present in China. It is currently undertaking six programmes targeting climate change and pollution. A Sino-Swiss programme aims to promote the efforts of Chinese cities to adopt a climate-friendly approach.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Geneva

12.01.2017 — Press release EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a bilateral meeting on the margins of the UN Cyprus talks in Geneva. During their discussions, they exchanged views on a range of topical issues and reiterated the positive working relationship between Switzerland and the UN.

Swiss professor to co-chair group of experts for the first Global Sustainable Development Report

12.01.2017 — Press release EDA
Switzerland welcomes the appointment of Professor Peter Messerli of the University of Bern as co-chair of a panel of experts selected to draft the first Global Sustainable Development Report on the 2030 Agenda. His candidacy as an independent expert was supported by Switzerland.

Federal Council approves 2016 Foreign Policy Report

11.01.2017 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2016 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 11 January 2017. The report gives an overview of Swiss foreign policy and provides an account of Switzerland’s most important foreign policy activities in 2016, in particular in the areas of development cooperation, humanitarian aid and good offices. This year’s report contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace and development in the crisis regions stretching from Syria to the Sahel.

Switzerland presents initial steps towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

16.12.2016 — Position Agenda2030

At the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations in New York, Switzerland was one of 22 countries to present its initial steps towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  In so doing, Switzerland emphasised its pioneering role in sustainable development.

Switzerland's Sustainable Development Strategy 2016-2019 sets out the goals that are to be met by 2030

08.12.2016 — Article Agenda2030

The Federal Council adopted the 'Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019' in 2016. It presents a vision of sustainable development and sets out specific goals to be reached by 2030. It also states how Switzerland will contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda during the current legislative period.

Switzerland puts strengthening women's rights on UN Security Council agenda

05.12.2016 — Press release EDA
At a meeting in New York today, the UN Security Council will discuss how cooperation between the Geneva-based Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the UN Security Council in New York can be improved in the area of women, peace and security. The initiative for this discussion came from Switzerland, which has made strengthening women's rights a priority and is also committed to forging closer cooperation between the international institutions based in Geneva and those in New York.

57 Ambassadors in New York sign letter calling for a Sustainable Development Goal on Water and Sanitation

22.03.2014 — Press release Agenda2030

Swiss delegation at the UN session on the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls

05.03.2014 — Press release Agenda2030

THE WORLD YOU WANT? HAVE YOUR SAY!

24.02.2014 — Press release Agenda2030

Post-2015 agenda: Interim balance sheet on Switzerland’s efforts to fulfil the global objectives on sustainable development

12.12.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

23 October 2013 – Side event: Swiss stakeholders' meeting

25.10.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

24–25 October 2013 – Symposium in Montreux: Development Cooperation Forum

18.10.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

3-4.10.2013 – 68th General Assembly of the United Nations (de)

08.10.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

25.9.2013 – 68th General Assembly of the United Nations

25.09.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

ECOSOC in Geneva

10.07.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

Post-2015 Development Agenda – Swiss position

26.06.2013 — Press release Agenda2030

Switzerland's Sustainable Development Strategy 2016-2019 sets out the goals that are to be met by 2030

08.12.2016 — Article Agenda2030

The Federal Council adopted the 'Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019' in 2016. It presents a vision of sustainable development and sets out specific goals to be reached by 2030. It also states how Switzerland will contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda during the current legislative period.

Which effectiveness models could make the greatest contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals?

29.11.2016 — Article DEZA

Between 30 November and 2 December, more than 150 donor nations and development aid recipients will meet in Nairobi, Kenya, to work out the best way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, and to discuss the principles that make development cooperation more effective and sustainable.

Advancing sustainable development through research

09.11.2016 — Article DEZA

Research and innovation are important factors in reducing poverty and global risks. In collaboration with the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries, the SDC held a second research fair on 9 November in Bern. The 2016 Research Fair was an opportunity for exchange between science, policy, and practice on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants: the international community's responsibility – Switzerland's commitment

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

The first United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants is taking place on 19 September 2016 in New York and will see the international community adopt joint measures in response to the large movements of refugees and migrants. Switzerland will be focusing in particular on improving protection on the ground, preventing forced displacement and finding sustainable solutions for directly affected populations.

Switzerland aims to protect refugees and give them the chance of a brighter future

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

Switzerland is taking part in the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September. Eduard Gnesa, Special Ambassador for International Cooperation on Migration Issues, talks about the challenges facing the international community as a result of the refugee situation. 

Didier Burkhalter takes part in the filming of a documentary on child soldiers

24.08.2016 — Article EDA

Bern, 24 August 2016 – The head of the FDFA takes part in the filming of a documentary on child soldiers. Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to the protection of children recruited into armed groups in conflicts.

Horn of Africa: two SDC humanitarian workers tell us about their work

19.08.2016 — Article DEZA

The international community celebrates World Humanitarian Day on 19 August. To mark the occasion, the SDC pays tribute to its own humanitarian workers. Natacha Pugin and Abdi Kunow work day in day out providing food assistance in the Horn of Africa.

Supporting independent cinema in Myanmar

04.08.2016 — Article DEZA

Director Maung Okkar and producer May Zin Myo, both from Myanmar, will be newcomers at the Open Doors section of the Locarno Festival, which is backed by the SDC. This is a chance of a lifetime to meet international professionals from the film world and contribute to the development of contemporary cinema in Myanmar, a country undergoing a transition to democracy.

Food vouchers to ensure free choice for beneficiaries and a dynamic local economy

18.05.2016 — Article DEZA

The World Food Programme is assisting four million people in Syria – the vast majority of them internally displaced – who are struggling to find enough food to feed themselves and their families. The SDC is supporting the WFP in Syria with CHF 1.3 million in 2016 and through the secondment of technical experts, one of whom is coordinating the cash transfer programmes devised by the WFP as an alternative to the direct distribution of food.

Switzerland underscores the importance of the private sector in achieving gender equality

17.03.2016 — Article EDA

Gender equality is one of Switzerland's priority areas in its international cooperation. Switzerland believes the private sector has a key role to play in fostering equality. "Smart economics means empowering women, promoting girls and bringing about gender equality". These were the words of Benno Bättig, Secretary General of the FDFA, in his speech opening a panel discussion with business representatives from all over the world. The event on the role of business in achieving gender equality, which was organised by the UN Global Compact and UN Women as a side event at the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), focused on the multiplier effect of women's economic empowerment for sustainable development.

"The SDC has a key role to play in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda worldwide"

22.01.2016 — Article Agenda2030

Ambassador Michael Gerber is the special representative of the Federal Council for global sustainable development and represented Switzerland during the intergovernmental negotiations on the 2030 Agenda at the UN. In this interview he explains what the next steps are in terms of implementation and what role the SDC has to play in this.

"The Sustainable Development Goals are the basis of a new social contract"

22.01.2016 — Article Agenda2030

The 17 goals for sustainable development and 169 targets form the core of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Thomas Gass, speaker at the Annual Swiss Development Cooperation Conference 2016 and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, explains what the Agenda actually means and why it is necessary.