Press releases

Annual press conference: measuring the effectiveness of SDC projects

27.01.2017 — Press releases EDA
During its autumn session, Parliament adopted the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017-2020. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is currently implementing the objectives set out by the dispatch for the first year. What are the new areas of focus? At the SDC’s annual press conference, SDC director general Manuel Sager explained the five strategic priorities, additional mandates set by Parliament and the core objectives of the SDC’s various departments in the current year. In the second part of the press conference, SDC specialists addressed the issue of measuring effectiveness, which is of central importance for development cooperation.

Switzerland is endeavouring to tackle the causes of displacement

29.11.2016 — Article DEZA

Didier Burkhalter will be speaking at a panel discussion entitled ‘Displacement – the global challenge of the 21^st century’, which is being held at the University of Zurich in connection with the ‘DISPLACED’ exhibition at the National Museum Zurich. In this interview he talks about Swiss foreign policy in the area of migration.

Perspectives on displacement at the National Museum Zurich

28.10.2016 — Article DEZA

DISPLACED opens on 29 October 2016 at the National Museum Zurich. The exhibition gives visitors a glimpse of what it means to have to give up one's home, family, work and country. The SDC is taking part in the exhibition.

UN issues declaration on refugees and migration

19.09.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga represented Switzerland on Monday at the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York. The states want to meet the challenges posed by large movements of refugees and migrants more effectively and issued a political declaration on this issue. Federal Councillor Sommaruga stressed that Switzerland wants to play an active role in implementing the goals agreed at the summit in New York.

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’s priorities at the UN’s 71st General Assembly

07.09.2016 — Press releases EDA
Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, President of the Swiss Confederation, will set out Switzerland’s priorities in relation to the UN for the coming year on 20 September at the opening of the UN’s 71st General Assembly. He will also take part in various events and meet with heads of state and government. During this ministerial week in New York, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will also represent Switzerland at various events, focusing in particular on international security, and will conduct bilateral talks. Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga will also take part in the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants to be held on the eve of the opening of the General Assembly.

Prevention, mediation and future prospects: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter urges comprehensive action to help people in need

23.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
At the World Humanitarian Summit taking place in Istanbul from 23 to 24 May, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stressed the importance of finding political solutions to an increasing number of crises, conflicts and natural disasters. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), announced Switzerland's intention to step up its commitment to mediation and prevention work, calling for effective relief efforts and greater respect for international humanitarian law. Switzerland works actively to provide aid, find political solutions and tackle the root causes of conflicts so that people are not only given emergency assistance but prospects for the future, reducing the need for forced migration.

Switzerland to attend IMF and World Bank 2016 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

14.04.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer as Head of the Swiss delegation and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will take part in the joint Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C., from 15 to 17 April 2016. In the run-up to the meetings, Switzerland will additionally take part in the second meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors under China’s Presidency. The global economic outlook and the situation on financial markets will be the key topics. In the case of the World Bank Group, the spotlight will be on the institution's role with regard to addressing new global development challenges.

Federal Council adopts Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20

17.02.2016 — Press releases EDA
A world without poverty and in peace, for sustainable development. This is the goal of the Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017–20, which the Federal Council submitted to Parliament today. The dispatch covers development cooperation strategy, including economic and trade-policy measures, and in particular strengthens humanitarian emergency aid and Switzerland's contribution to conflict resolution. Civilian peacebuilding is also incorporated into the strategy for the first time. By combining these means effectively, Switzerland will address current emergencies and help to alleviate crises, conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and lack of economic prospects and prevent the accompanying displacement of populations.

Switzerland's support for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East: Federal Council approves a contribution of CHF 18.5 million to UNRWA

11.12.2015 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 11 December 2015, the Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF 18.5 million to the General Fund of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This financial package will support UNRWA's humanitarian activities and its development assistance to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory in 2016.

Federal Councillor Burkhalter appeals for creative Swiss commitment to managing current crises and building a common future

16.11.2015 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland must take responsibility in managing the major international challenges of our age, and is able to contribute on the basis of its independent, creative and bridge-building foreign policy. This was the message underlined by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, in his speech at the 'Forum for Economic Dialogue' in Zurich on 16 November 2015, in which he particularly emphasised the importance of prevention.

Switzerland calls for preventive measures for people displaced by natural disasters and the effects of climate change

12.10.2015 — Press releases EDA
Better protection is needed for people who are forced to flee their homes as a result of disasters or the effects of climate change. That is why in 2012 Switzerland and Norway launched a global consultation process (the Nansen Initiative), in order to better understand population movements caused by disasters and the effects of climate change and to identify measures to provide better protection for those affected. The results of this consultation process – the Protection Agenda – are being presented in Geneva on 12 and 13 October 2015. In his opening address at the Nansen Initiative Global Consultation, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter expressed satisfaction that the consultation process was able to heighten awareness of the situation these people face. The important thing now, he said, is for states to implement the agenda.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023

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%.

Middle East conflict: Federal Council reiterates urgent need to respect international humanitarian law and proposes additional CHF 90 million in humanitarian aid

01.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas since 7 October and calls for the immediate release of all hostages. It recognises Israel's right to ensure its defence and security, and stresses that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties. In view of the extremely alarming humanitarian situation, the Federal Council is proposing to allocate a further CHF 90 million in aid to the region.

Swiss Official Development Aid (ODA) in 2022 reaches record high of 0.56% of Gross National Income (GNI) due to war in Ukraine

12.04.2023 — Press releases EDA
Swiss ODA amounted to CHF 4.274 billion, with asylum-related costs in Switzerland accounting for more than a quarter of that total. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.40%.

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

23.02.2023 — Press releases 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.

Switzerland renews support to UNHCR

01.02.2023 — Press releases EDA
In response to the unprecedented flow of people forced to abandon their homes due to armed conflict, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 1st February 2023 to allocate CHF 68 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the years 2023–24. The UNHCR provides dignified hosting conditions and medical assistance to those forced to flee as well as access to education for their children. It is a key partner in the implementation of Switzerland's foreign policy.

Education in crisis situations: Switzerland reinforces its commitment

09.11.2022 — Press releases EDA
Armed conflicts, forced displacement, natural catastrophes and other crises have left 222 million children around the world with little or no access to education. On 9 November 2022 the Federal Council decided to continue its commitment to education in crisis situations, authorising a contribution of CHF 25 million to the Education Cannot Wait fund for the period 2022–24.

Switzerland's official development assistance reached 0.51% of GNI in 2021

12.04.2022 — Press releases EDA
In 2021, Swiss official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 3.589 billion, CHF 243 million more than in 2020. As a share of gross national income (GNI), Swiss ODA totalled 0.51%, compared with 0.49% in 2020.

Switzerland to help protect children and adolescents on the West and North African migration route

30.03.2022 — Press releases EDA
Every year, 5 million children and adolescents travel along the migration routes from and within West and North Africa. Many are unaccompanied minors who are exposed to considerable risk. At its meeting on 30 March, the Federal Council decided to provide around CHF 21.8 million in funding over the next four years to help protect underage migrants and create better local prospects for them.

Drought in Madagascar: Switzerland provides additional contribution of CHF 900,000

29.12.2021 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is making an additional contribution of CHF 900,000 to help deal with the serious food crisis in Madagascar. In releasing this sum, which is intended to support the activities of the World Food Programme (WFP), Switzerland is responding to a recent joint appeal by the government of Madagascar and the UN for international aid. Alarming situations are also unfolding in many other countries where millions of people lack food because of armed conflict, economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of climate change. In 2021, Switzerland provided a total of CHF 100 million – a new record – to support the WFP's activities, primarily in Africa.

Global Compact on Refugees: Switzerland keeps its word

14.12.2021 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis today opened the High-Level Officials Meeting on the Global Compact on Refugees. Speaking remotely, he emphasised the initiatives implemented by Switzerland to follow up on commitments made at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum. The meeting was co-organised by Switzerland and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and aims to review actions undertaken to bolster support for displaced persons and their host countries. The vast majority of the world's 26 million refugees live in countries bordering crisis areas.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Paris for Libya Conference

12.11.2021 — Press releases EDA
On 12 November 2021, the city of Paris hosted the most recent international conference on Libya, attended by members of the Berlin Process Political Working Group as well as representatives from Libya's neighbouring countries and interim government. The conference, which is co-chaired by France, Germany, Italy and the UN, supports the political transition in Libya. In his speech, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called for free and fair elections. Switzerland contributes to resolving the conflict in Libya through its peace building efforts and role as host state for the negotiations.

More coordinated emergency humanitarian action

25.06.2021 — Press releases EDA
Finding new ways to respond to challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. This was one of the key issues discussed at the humanitarian affairs segment (HAS) of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which was held in Geneva from 23 to 25 June 2021 and was chaired by Switzerland. A resolution to strengthen coordination of humanitarian aid was adopted, sending an important political signal.

Walter Kälin appointed to UN High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement

04.12.2019 — EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes UN Secretary-General António Guterres' decision to appoint Swiss law professor Walter Kälin as one of the experts of the UN's newly established High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, which is tasked with finding solutions to internal displacement and alleviating its impact.

Switzerland is endeavouring to tackle the causes of displacement

29.11.2016 — Article DEZA

Didier Burkhalter will be speaking at a panel discussion entitled ‘Displacement – the global challenge of the 21^st century’, which is being held at the University of Zurich in connection with the ‘DISPLACED’ exhibition at the National Museum Zurich. In this interview he talks about Swiss foreign policy in the area of migration.

Perspectives on displacement at the National Museum Zurich

28.10.2016 — Article DEZA

DISPLACED opens on 29 October 2016 at the National Museum Zurich. The exhibition gives visitors a glimpse of what it means to have to give up one's home, family, work and country. The SDC is taking part in the exhibition.

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.

Disasters: what can be done to protect displaced people?

05.10.2015 — Article EDA

The Nansen Initiative, launched by Switzerland and Norway in 2012, will present its findings on 12-13 October in Geneva. For three years its members collected best practices from states that have faced an influx of people displaced by disasters. Walter Kälin, a professor of public international law at the University of Bern who also serves as Envoy of the Chairmanship of the Nansen Initiative, describes the consultation process and discusses the next steps.  

Just as water can contribute to conflict, it can also be a source of reconciliation

09.09.2014 — Article DEZA

The water crisis and its consequences on access to drinking water, food security and the rural economy are one of the causes of the Syrian conflict. But shared and efficient management of water resources could be a factor for reconciliation. With this in mind, the SDC in partnership with the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies has prepared a report on the water situation as well as that of displaced people in the strategic region of the Orontes River basin.

Swiss people mobilised to help South Sudan's displaced populations

18.06.2014 — Article DEZA

Andrea Cippa, Barbara Egger Maldonado, Arnold Egli and Dominique Reinecke each worked for the UNHCR or the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan and Ethiopia for several months. What they have in common is that they are all members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) and they have all worked to improve the lives of displaced persons and refugees in the region. Having returned from their missions, they explain the significance of their respective commitments.

Repatriation and reintegration of Afghan refugees

10.05.2012 — Article DEZA

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.