The International Cooperation Consultative Commission advises the Federal Council on international development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and cooperation with Eastern European countries. In particular, the Consultative Commission examines the goals, priorities and overall planning of such cooperation, and can make suggestions and recommendations. It meets six times and goes on one week-long working visit each year.
International Cooperation Consultative Commission Secretariat
The mandate of the International Cooperation Consultative Commission covers both Switzerland's bilateral and multilateral international cooperation. In particular, the Consultative Commission examines the goals, priorities and overall planning of international cooperation, and can submit suggestions and recommendations to the Federal Council. It meets six times (four individual days and one two-day retreat) and goes on one week-long working visit each year. The Consultative Commission was established in 1977 and has been active since 1978. It members (currently 15) represent civil society, business, and academia in equal numbers. The Federal Council elects them at the request of the FDFA and the EAER. The Consultative Commission's secretariat is part of the SDC's administrative structure and reports directly to the director general. Each of the Consultative Commission's letters to the FDFA and EAER heads receive a reply signed by the respective federal councillor. The Consultative 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.
