Platforms abroad

Switzerland's participation at major international events like the World Expos and major sporting events is organised by Presence Switzerland. Such events do a lot for Switzerland's image. Together with the Swiss representations, Presence Switzerland supports and runs targeted communication projects locally.

Switzerland is present at various international events, for example the Swiss pavilion at the London Olympic Games in 2012.
Switzerland is present at various international events, for example the Swiss pavilion at the London Olympic Games in 2012. © FDFA, Presence Switzerland

Swiss Pavilions at World Expos and the House of Switzerland at major sporting events

World Expos and major sporting events such as the Olympic Games and the European Football Championships are important representational platforms for Switzerland today. They play a major political, economic, scientific and cultural role in promoting the transfer of knowledge and enabling networks to be created and intercultural exchanges to take place. These major events reach out to a broad public and strengthen Switzerland’s image abroad by showcasing specific themes.

Many partners but a single presence

The success of a major international event not only depends on co-ordination but also the many different forms of support for the project both in Switzerland and in the host country concerned. As an official body, Presence Switzerland has a wide network and the necessary skills to bring together various actors from politics, business, academia and cultural circles.

The project strategies are developed in close collaboration with other federal services responsible for Switzerland’s communication at the international level, with relevant partner organisations such as Swiss Tourism, Swiss Olympic, Switzerland Global Enterprise and Pro Helvetia, and with Switzerland’s representations abroad. 

The House of Switzerland is designed to be a comprehensive platform for Switzerland's communication abroad:

  • official Swiss guesthouse at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games

  • marketing and events platform for Swiss business, tourism, culture and academia

  • a place for decision-makers from the worlds of sport, business and politics to meet 

A Swiss Pavilion is traditionally present at all category 1 World Expos (every five years). If there is an interesting topic, it is also present at category 2 expos. Our attractive, innovative pavilions and programmes have succeeded in attracting great interest and a high level of acceptance. Swiss pavilions have received a number of awards, including the Gold Award for 'Best Interpretation of Theme'.

International communication projects

Communication projects abroad present the issues prioritised in the Switzerland's strategy for its communication abroad. Presence Switzerland develops programme content and event platforms tailored to each country. For this purpose, Switzerland's network of representations can choose from a selection of standard events (themed evenings or debates) each with specially-designed visual elements (information and promotional materials).

These programme contents and events make it possible to reach a relatively high number of opinion leaders in the world of politics and business.

Presence Switzerland also uses interactive communication methods, e.g. on social networks, in the context of major events and for individual projects and communication programmes.

Last update 08.03.2022

Contact

FDFA Presence Switzerland

Bundesgasse 32
3003 Bern

Phone

+41 58 462 01 83

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