Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
13.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 13 October, the head of the FDFA announced the launch of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a joint initiative of the FDFA, GESDA, CERN and UBS. Based in Geneva, its aim is to put quantum technologies at the service of the common good. Among other objectives, the OQI will help to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
13.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council ended on Friday 13 October after five weeks in session. Switzerland, in association with seven other countries, scored a diplomatic success in achieving the adoption of a resolution on the death penalty by a large majority.
11.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 11 October 2023, the Federal Council adopted a report on collaboration with Swiss NGOs in the context of international cooperation (IC). The report, covering the strategy period 2017–20, was drawn up in fulfilment of Schneider-Schneiter Postulate 20.4389 of 2 December 2020. The report sets out the legal bases and funding mechanisms for collaboration with Swiss NGOs and identifies the criteria they must fulfil in order to receive federal funding. It also provides examples illustrating the added value of the collaboration with Swiss NGOs in achieving the goals of Switzerland's IC and thus the 2030 Agenda.
11.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Marrakesh, Morocco, from 11 to 14 October 2023. A meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings.
11.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 11 October 2023, the Federal Council discussed the recent outrageous attacks carried out by Hamas from the Gaza Strip against civilians in Israel. It condemns these terrorist acts in the strongest terms and calls for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas. In view of the situation, Switzerland must be able to act effectively and in a coordinated fashion. To this end, the Federal Council has decided to expand the task force set up by the FDFA, and convert it into a Federal Council task force. The Federal Council takes the stance that Hamas should be considered a terrorist organisation.
11.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The third summit of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, co-founded by the Swiss Confederation, is taking place from 11 to 13 October in Geneva. As part of the event, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will lead political discussions on science diplomacy – more specifically on the global governance of quantum computing. Nine ministers and other high-level government representatives will be taking part.
10.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has confirmed he will attend the upcoming donors' conference on humanitarian demining in Ukraine, to be held on 11 and 12 October in Zagreb. It is also an opportunity for the Swiss Foreign Minister to invite participants to the next edition of this conference, to be held in Geneva in October 2024.
09.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
In view of the volatile situation in the Middle East, Switzerland must be able to act swiftly and in a coordinated fashion. Two days after Hamas launched its attacks on Israel, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) decided to set up a task force to monitor the situation as closely as possible and take whatever decisions are necessary.
04.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated significantly amid the ongoing fighting. More than 5.3 million people have fled their homes, with a million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. As a result, Switzerland is providing a further 5 million francs to support Sudan, South Sudan and Chad.
03.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland is stepping up its support for civilians in Armenia and the region by releasing almost CHF 1.5 million in funding, to be shared among the main humanitarian actors on the ground.
02.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting today, the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of police forces by third countries to Haiti. The security situation in Haiti is precarious due to high levels of gang-related crime. With this measure, the Security Council seeks to help maintain public safety and protect the population. At its meeting on 6 September, the Federal Council had adopted guidelines for negotiations within the Security Council concerning this resolution.
29.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 29 September 2023, the Federal Council adopted the draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. This strategy outlines Switzerland's stance in a rapidly evolving global landscape and establishes key foreign policy priorities and objectives for the upcoming legislative period. The draft will be submitted to the cantons and the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation before the final version is adopted in early 2024.
Last update 19.07.2023
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