The Advisory Commission for International Cooperation advises the Federal Council on international development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and cooperation with Eastern European countries. In particular, the Advisory Commission examines the goals, priorities and overall planning of such cooperation, and can make suggestions and recommendations. It meets four times and goes on one week-long working visit each year.
Advisory Commission for International Cooperation
The mandate of the Advisory Commission for International Cooperation covers both Switzerland's bilateral and multilateral international cooperation. In particular, the Advisory Commission examines the goals, priorities and overall planning of international cooperation, and can submit suggestions and recommendations to the Federal Council. It meets four times (two individual days and one two-day retreat) and goes on one week-long working visit each year. The Advisory Commission was established in 1977 and has been active since 1978. Its members (currently 12) represent civil society, business, and academia in equal numbers. The Federal Council elects them at the request of the FDFA and the EAER (Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. The Advisory Commission's secretariat is part of the SDC's administrative structure and reports directly to the director general. Each of the Advisory Commission's letters to Heads of Department of the FDFA and EAER receive a reply signed by the respective federal councillor. The Advisory Commission can invite members of the Federal Administration and external experts to its meetings. It maintains exchanges in particular with the SDC, SECO, and the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division.
