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.
15.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.
11.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.
21.03.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, officially concluded his multi-day trip to East Africa today with a visit to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, following earlier stops in Ethiopia and Djibouti. Mr Cassis' talks with the presidents and foreign ministers of the three countries focused on bilateral relations, regional challenges and opportunities, and multilateralism. The trip also provided important insights for the new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy that is currently being drawn up.
15.01.2024
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Press releases
EDA
During the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Bern on Monday 15 January, Switzerland and Ukraine acknowledged the depth and dynamism of their bilateral relations. The Swiss government delegation, led by President Viola Amherd, underscored Switzerland's continued solidarity with Ukraine. Another key item on the agenda was the follow-up to the meeting of national security advisers hosted in Davos on Sunday within the framework of the Ukrainian peace formula. Switzerland expressed its willingness to organise a high-level summit.
12.01.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending. President Viola Amherd will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 16 January.
20.12.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Facing the severe challenges of an unforgiving winter, millions in Ukraine find themselves in dire need of assistance. In response, Switzerland's federal government is supporting the beleaguered Ukrainian population this winter too with targeted action and an additional CHF 11.8 million in aid. This brings the total investment in winter relief measures up to around CHF 26 million.
12.12.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Switzerland will host the second Global Refugee Forum from 13 to 15 December 2023 in Geneva. The main objective of the forum is to bolster the effectiveness of aid provided to people fleeing from violence and crises, and to improve global coordination in this regard. The forum will take stock of the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees to date and seek to strengthen the commitment of the international community in this area. At the forum, Switzerland will reaffirm its support for the protection and integration of refugees both in Switzerland and abroad. In addition to the federal government, Swiss cantons, cities and civil society will contribute to this effort.
21.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Tuesday 21 November, federal councillors Alain Berset, president of the Swiss Confederation and Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received a courtesy visit from a delegation from Hungary headed by the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. The exchange centred on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy objectives, Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and current international issues.
18.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 18 October, a Federal Council delegation led by President Alain Berset received Moldovan President Maia Sandu on an official visit to Switzerland. Talks focused on the impact on Moldova of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine as well as bilateral cooperation. The programme for Thursday, 19 October, includes a visit to a pharmaceutical company in Basel and a panel event at ETH Zurich.
13.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland next Tuesday 17 October at the fourth ministerial conference of the Moldova Support Platform in Chisinau. This platform’s aim is to promote internationally coordinated assistance for the Republic of Moldova. Moldova faces numerous challenges and difficulties, especially owing to Russia's military aggression against neighbouring Ukraine.
15.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 September 2023, the Federal Council approved additional support for digitalisation in Ukraine. This will enable citizens, refugees and businesses to access public services and have a political say despite the ongoing war. The 'E-governance for Accountability and Participation' (EGAP) project will receive a contribution of CHF 15 million this year.
15.06.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Twelve years after the conflict broke out, humanitarian needs in Syria are greater than ever. At the Seventh Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' on 15 June 2023, Switzerland announced CHF 60 million in support for the affected population this year.
15.04.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.
11.04.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.
21.03.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, officially concluded his multi-day trip to East Africa today with a visit to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, following earlier stops in Ethiopia and Djibouti. Mr Cassis' talks with the presidents and foreign ministers of the three countries focused on bilateral relations, regional challenges and opportunities, and multilateralism. The trip also provided important insights for the new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy that is currently being drawn up.
15.01.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
During the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Bern on Monday 15 January, Switzerland and Ukraine acknowledged the depth and dynamism of their bilateral relations. The Swiss government delegation, led by President Viola Amherd, underscored Switzerland's continued solidarity with Ukraine. Another key item on the agenda was the follow-up to the meeting of national security advisers hosted in Davos on Sunday within the framework of the Ukrainian peace formula. Switzerland expressed its willingness to organise a high-level summit.
12.01.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending. President Viola Amherd will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 16 January.
20.12.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Facing the severe challenges of an unforgiving winter, millions in Ukraine find themselves in dire need of assistance. In response, Switzerland's federal government is supporting the beleaguered Ukrainian population this winter too with targeted action and an additional CHF 11.8 million in aid. This brings the total investment in winter relief measures up to around CHF 26 million.
12.12.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Switzerland will host the second Global Refugee Forum from 13 to 15 December 2023 in Geneva. The main objective of the forum is to bolster the effectiveness of aid provided to people fleeing from violence and crises, and to improve global coordination in this regard. The forum will take stock of the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees to date and seek to strengthen the commitment of the international community in this area. At the forum, Switzerland will reaffirm its support for the protection and integration of refugees both in Switzerland and abroad. In addition to the federal government, Swiss cantons, cities and civil society will contribute to this effort.
21.11.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
On Tuesday 21 November, federal councillors Alain Berset, president of the Swiss Confederation and Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received a courtesy visit from a delegation from Hungary headed by the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. The exchange centred on bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy objectives, Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and current international issues.
18.10.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 18 October, a Federal Council delegation led by President Alain Berset received Moldovan President Maia Sandu on an official visit to Switzerland. Talks focused on the impact on Moldova of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine as well as bilateral cooperation. The programme for Thursday, 19 October, includes a visit to a pharmaceutical company in Basel and a panel event at ETH Zurich.
13.10.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland next Tuesday 17 October at the fourth ministerial conference of the Moldova Support Platform in Chisinau. This platform’s aim is to promote internationally coordinated assistance for the Republic of Moldova. Moldova faces numerous challenges and difficulties, especially owing to Russia's military aggression against neighbouring Ukraine.
15.09.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 September 2023, the Federal Council approved additional support for digitalisation in Ukraine. This will enable citizens, refugees and businesses to access public services and have a political say despite the ongoing war. The 'E-governance for Accountability and Participation' (EGAP) project will receive a contribution of CHF 15 million this year.
15.06.2023 —
Press releases
EDA
Twelve years after the conflict broke out, humanitarian needs in Syria are greater than ever. At the Seventh Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' on 15 June 2023, Switzerland announced CHF 60 million in support for the affected population this year.
Twenty years since Rwanda was devastated by war in 1994, a certain amount of stability has returned in the country. Together with other donors, Switzerland has made major contributions to the ongoing reconstruction efforts. The current SDC operations in Rwanda seek to further improve the working of institutions to give the population access to good quality basic services and an environment conducive to employment.
Interview with Lukas Rüst, a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) who is working as a protection expert in Maban County, South Sudan on sec
Continued fighting in the states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan in the south of Sudan has caused more than 200,000 people to flee to neighbouring South Sudan. Many were forced to leave all of their possessions behind when they fled. Since June 2012, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been providing emergency aid to more than 115,000 people in the north of South Sudan (Upper Nile state). The UNHCR and its partners are offering these displaced people protection in four refugee camps in Maban County. This emergency aid operation is taking place in a very remote region, which makes it very demanding from a logistical perspective. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is supporting this humanitarian operation through multilateral contributions and the secondment of experts. Protection is one of the priorities for the SDC in South Sudan.
One year after the food crisis and the takeover of northern territories of the country by armed groups in Mali, the humanitarian situation is critical and its effects are making themselves felt throughout the region. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been in the country for 35 years, and has had to adapt to these successive crises. Since mid-February 2013, Lucas Riegger, a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, has been providing support for the activities of the SDC’s Cooperation Office (Coof). He was previously based in Dakar, Senegal, on secondment for humanitarian aid to the World Food Programme (WFP).
8 May is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and also the anniversary of the birth of its founder and Nobel laureate, Henry Dunant. This year, 2013, when several special organised events have also been included in the calendar to commemorate 150 years of the ICRC, Switzerland is setting out to pay tribute tothe partners who are keeping its humanitarian tradition and commitment alive. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is taking the opportunity offered by the 8 May to emphasise the excellent relations that Switzerland has with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and the close cooperation that exists between them.
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.
Emergency relief and food security are focal points of Swiss aid
A year ago, the Federal Council approved a special credit of CHF 20 million to help relieve the situation in the Horn of Africa where more than 13 million people were suffering from hunger. Extreme drought caused one of the most severe humanitarian crises in 30 years in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Swiss Humanitarian Aid allocated the funds mainly for life-saving measures and food security.
Martin Zirn is a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit with many years’ experience including several postings to Iraq as an expert in shelter construction, water and sanitation projects. Since the outbreak of the crisis in neighbouring Syria, tens of thousands of people have fled the country including several thousand to northern Iraq. Zurich-based Martin Zirn has been seconded to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) by the Humanitarian Aid of the Swiss Confederation as a senior technical co-ordinator and project head.
The Swiss Cooperation Office in Afghanistan celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012. Subject to fundamental changes, Afghanistan is one of the so-called «fragile» states. Given this complex and volatile context, the SDC is stepping up its commitment in an effort to prevent the achievements so far from being undone. Elisabeth von Capeller, head of the Division South Asia, visited the country from 6–11 June 2012 and shares her impressions. Furthermore, the exhibition “New Afghanistan through Afghan Eyes” proposes to discover the many facets of this country through the photographs of young Afghan artists.
The aim of the International Conference on Afghan Displacement, held in Geneva on 2-3 May 2012, was to find sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees. The new strategy endorsed by the conference primarily supports voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries. The conference can be regarded as a success for Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan in view of the support pledged by the international community, and for Switzerland as the host country and facilitator for implementation of the new strategy.
Thousands of people are still living in appalling conditions in the Horn of Africa – in squalid accommodation, without clean drinking water and without access to schooling. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, visited Somalia and Kenya in January 2012 to see the situation for himself. What he saw there confirmed him in his conviction that the Horn of Africa must remain a focus of Switzerland’s humanitarian aid.