Press release

UN Security Council: Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of Geneva Conventions and withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine

24.02.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, took part in a high-level UN Security Council debate in New York on 24 February 2023. Mr Cassis called for the withdrawal of Russia's armed forces present on Ukraine's sovereign territory for a year and for respect of the Geneva Conventions. He also underscored Switzerland's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

UN General Assembly: Ignazio Cassis condemns Russian aggression and calls for path to lasting peace in Ukraine

23.02.2023 — Press release EDA
On 23 February 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, attended an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The deliberations focused on Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, which began a year ago. Mr Cassis voiced his support for the General Assembly's resolution calling for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

13.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Washington, D.C. on 13 January and met with his US counterpart Antony Blinken. The meeting centred on cooperation within the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of the UN Charter in the Security Council

12.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a UN Security Council ministerial debate on the rule of law in New York on 12 January. The head of the FDFA recalled that respect for the principles of the UN Charter is pivotal to peace and security in the world. Tomorrow, Mr Cassis will travel on to Washington, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participates in rule of law debate at the UN Security Council in New York

11.01.2023 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 January 2023, the Federal Council was briefed on Switzerland's initial work within the UN Security Council and key upcoming issues. Tomorrow, Thursday 12 January, head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York to participate in a UN Security Council debate at the invitation of Japan, the current president. This ministerial-level debate will focus on promoting the rule of law among nations.

UN Security Council renews cross-border humanitarian aid into Syria

09.01.2023 — Press release EDA
On 9 January 2023, the United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the mandate for cross-border humanitarian aid in Syria until 10 July. Switzerland introduced the respective resolution in the Security Council as co-penholder of the Syria humanitarian file. The Council's decision allows humanitarian aid to reach a region in north-west Syria where over four million people are in need of support. Protecting the civilian population in conflicts is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Council membership.

Switzerland took up its work on the UN Security Council

03.01.2023 — Press release EDA
On 1 January, Switzerland became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the years 2023 and 2024. Its seat on the Security Council is an opportunity for Switzerland to make its contribution to peace and security in the world, especially in the current tense global political context.

President Cassis underlines Switzerland's strengths in multilateral work before UN General Assembly

20.09.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has added value to contribute in tackling global challenges, stated President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday 20 September 2022. He outlined how Switzerland's strengths are more important than ever in today's geopolitical situation. In future, Switzerland aims to work even harder for open dialogue, confidence-building and closer cooperation between states. President Cassis will attend various events and hold bilateral talks with several heads of state and government on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Swiss President to travel for state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and to UN General Assembly

15.09.2022 — Press release EDA
On 19 September 2022, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis will attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. Mr Cassis will then travel on to New York to represent Switzerland at the high-level opening week of the 77th UN General Assembly.

20 years of UN membership: President Cassis inaugurates Palais des Nations model in Ticino

10.09.2022 — Press release EDA
On 10 September 2022, President Cassis praised Switzerland's decision to join the UN 20 years ago and inaugurated a model of the Palais des Nations at Swissminiatur in Melide (canton Ticino) as a tribute to International Geneva and a symbol of effective multilateralism. The ceremony took place in the presence of the foreign diplomatic corps.

UN Security Council: Federal Council adopts Swiss priorities

31.08.2022 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 31 August 2022, the Federal Council was informed of the outcome regarding the consultation of the Foreign Affairs Committees on the thematic priorities for Switzerland's seat in the UN Security Council. The priorities have thus been definitively adopted. During its term in the Security Council, Switzerland will focus on sustainable peace, the protection of civilians, more effectiveness and climate security.

Federal Council presents priorities for serving on the UN Security Council to the Foreign Affairs Committees

25.05.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2023–24 period, with the election taking place on 9 June. On 25 May 2022, the Federal Council discussed the priorities for Switzerland's two-year term, which will now be presented to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committees (FACs) for consultation.

UN Security Council: Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of Geneva Conventions and withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine

24.02.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, took part in a high-level UN Security Council debate in New York on 24 February 2023. Mr Cassis called for the withdrawal of Russia's armed forces present on Ukraine's sovereign territory for a year and for respect of the Geneva Conventions. He also underscored Switzerland's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

UN General Assembly: Ignazio Cassis condemns Russian aggression and calls for path to lasting peace in Ukraine

23.02.2023 — Press release EDA
On 23 February 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, attended an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The deliberations focused on Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, which began a year ago. Mr Cassis voiced his support for the General Assembly's resolution calling for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

13.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Washington, D.C. on 13 January and met with his US counterpart Antony Blinken. The meeting centred on cooperation within the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of the UN Charter in the Security Council

12.01.2023 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a UN Security Council ministerial debate on the rule of law in New York on 12 January. The head of the FDFA recalled that respect for the principles of the UN Charter is pivotal to peace and security in the world. Tomorrow, Mr Cassis will travel on to Washington, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participates in rule of law debate at the UN Security Council in New York

11.01.2023 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 January 2023, the Federal Council was briefed on Switzerland's initial work within the UN Security Council and key upcoming issues. Tomorrow, Thursday 12 January, head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York to participate in a UN Security Council debate at the invitation of Japan, the current president. This ministerial-level debate will focus on promoting the rule of law among nations.

UN Security Council renews cross-border humanitarian aid into Syria

09.01.2023 — Press release EDA
On 9 January 2023, the United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the mandate for cross-border humanitarian aid in Syria until 10 July. Switzerland introduced the respective resolution in the Security Council as co-penholder of the Syria humanitarian file. The Council's decision allows humanitarian aid to reach a region in north-west Syria where over four million people are in need of support. Protecting the civilian population in conflicts is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Council membership.

Switzerland took up its work on the UN Security Council

03.01.2023 — Press release EDA
On 1 January, Switzerland became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the years 2023 and 2024. Its seat on the Security Council is an opportunity for Switzerland to make its contribution to peace and security in the world, especially in the current tense global political context.

President Cassis underlines Switzerland's strengths in multilateral work before UN General Assembly

20.09.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has added value to contribute in tackling global challenges, stated President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday 20 September 2022. He outlined how Switzerland's strengths are more important than ever in today's geopolitical situation. In future, Switzerland aims to work even harder for open dialogue, confidence-building and closer cooperation between states. President Cassis will attend various events and hold bilateral talks with several heads of state and government on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Swiss President to travel for state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and to UN General Assembly

15.09.2022 — Press release EDA
On 19 September 2022, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis will attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London. Mr Cassis will then travel on to New York to represent Switzerland at the high-level opening week of the 77th UN General Assembly.

20 years of UN membership: President Cassis inaugurates Palais des Nations model in Ticino

10.09.2022 — Press release EDA
On 10 September 2022, President Cassis praised Switzerland's decision to join the UN 20 years ago and inaugurated a model of the Palais des Nations at Swissminiatur in Melide (canton Ticino) as a tribute to International Geneva and a symbol of effective multilateralism. The ceremony took place in the presence of the foreign diplomatic corps.

UN Security Council: Federal Council adopts Swiss priorities

31.08.2022 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 31 August 2022, the Federal Council was informed of the outcome regarding the consultation of the Foreign Affairs Committees on the thematic priorities for Switzerland's seat in the UN Security Council. The priorities have thus been definitively adopted. During its term in the Security Council, Switzerland will focus on sustainable peace, the protection of civilians, more effectiveness and climate security.

Federal Council presents priorities for serving on the UN Security Council to the Foreign Affairs Committees

25.05.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2023–24 period, with the election taking place on 9 June. On 25 May 2022, the Federal Council discussed the priorities for Switzerland's two-year term, which will now be presented to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committees (FACs) for consultation.

Human rights, UN reforms and science diplomacy: Switzerland's priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly

13.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland adopted its priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly. The Federal Council was informed, at its meeting on 13 September 2019, of the result of the consultations with the Foreign Affairs Committees. The priorities concern the protection of human rights, support for the UN reform processes, and the promotion of science diplomacy. Switzerland will be represented at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly at the end of September by President of the Confederation Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

Famine in Africa: Switzerland pledges CHF 15 million to support emergency relief

24.02.2017 — EDA
Switzerland has pledged to take direct action to help populations facing starvation, especially in South Sudan. The decision follows a call issued by the United Nations Secretary-General on 22 February 2017. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, a department of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is to release CHF 15 million from its fund for humanitarian emergencies for countries hit by famine in the beginning of this year.

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. 

"The Paris agreement aims to reverse the trend in CO2 emissions"

26.11.2015 — Article DEZA

The COP21 climate conference is taking place in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015 and will be attended by a Swiss delegation. Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General of the SDC, describes Switzerland's contribution to the conference and its activities in the field of climate change, and explains why climate change is a particular challenge for developing countries.

No women, no peace – 15 years of UN resolution 1325

09.09.2015 — Article DEZA

Adopted 15 years ago, UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security is based on the belief that the participation of women in peace processes is conducive to achieving pragmatic solutions and offers a more sustainable route to peace and individual security. Switzerland was one of the first countries to work towards implementing the resolution and wishes to reaffirm its pioneering role in this regard. An international review conference held in Geneva on 9 September 2015 provided an opportunity to take stock.

World Humanitarian Day comes to Expo Milano 2015

19.08.2015 — Article DEZA

In conflict situations, the food security of victims goes hand in hand with the safety of aid workers. This in a nutshell is the message that Switzerland and the United Nations wanted to get across at the event they co-organised at Expo Milano on Wednesday 19 August 2015. A "humanitarian parade" was the highlight of the day.

Development as seen by young people

05.08.2015 — Article DEZA

International Youth Day has been celebrated globally since 2000. It provides an opportunity to hear what the young men and women who benefit from and partner the SDC have to say. In Lebanon, Central America, Zimbabwe and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, young people are committed to bringing about a better, more equitable and more secure world.

"Addis Ababa has left me confident with regard to the post-2015 agenda"

29.07.2015 — Article DEZA

The Third International Conference on Financing for Development took place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa from 13 to 16 July 2015. The international community agreed on a framework to implement and finance sustainable development. Ambassador Michael Gerber was chief negotiator in the Swiss delegation. In an interview he describes the negotiations and their results.

Showdown on development financing in Addis Ababa

10.07.2015 — Article EDA

Article by Ambassador Michael Gerber, «Mehr und «besseres» Geld» (NZZ, 10 July 2015 © NZZ AG)

A hard road ahead to full gender equality (de)

09.03.2015 — Article EDA

Maya Tissafi, Deputy Director of the SDC and Head of South Cooperation Department, on International Women's Day.

Jacob, 34 years old – HIV-positive and volunteer

01.12.2014 — Article DEZA

The SDC-funded Newlands Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, has given Jacob M. – who is HIV positive – a new perspective. Today he helps other people infected with HIV so that they can benefit from the same support.