International organizations

The priorities of Switzerland’s action plan for 2022–25 are to develop a dialogue process with a view to an anniversary summit in Helsinki in 2025, to consolidate the foundations of the OSCE, strengthen arms control and increase mediation capabilities in conflict situations. We interviewed Thomas Greminger, former secretary general of the OSCE.

Switzerland has made a political commitment to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which establishes social, economic and environmental goals. All UN member states are called upon to regularly evaluate their progress and publish the results. In 2022 Switzerland will present its second voluntary comprehensive country report. FDFA IT and the FDFA State Secretariat developed a customised tool specially for the report.

International Geneva was in the spotlight on 1 November 2021. With the inauguration of the new Building H at the Palais des Nations and the opening of the eighth edition of Geneva Peace Week, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis ‘nurtured the seeds of peace’ in the city of Geneva.

Saype, a French artist living in the Swiss Jura, creates giant paintings out of grass and sand to call for world peace. Saype's eco-friendly grass paintings, like the one currently at the United Nations in New York, pop up and perish around the world in the space of a few days. The latest painting, which Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis presented to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stands for the joint effort to create a future for everyone.

What will it take to ensure that the world's population has an adequate supply of healthy food in future? The UN's Food Systems Summit in September 2021 will focus on sustainable food systems which also help to protect biodiversity and the climate. National discussions were held on this topic in Switzerland between March and June 2021 as part of the preparations. A progress review is now being undertaken in Rome. Christine Schneeberger is attending this event as a member of the Swiss delegation.

In 2021, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation celebrates its 60th anniversary. Instead of just looking back, it's staying active, inspiring young people to tackle future challenges together. Its language – like that of its partners – is the language of the 2030 Agenda. In its work, the SDC combines humanitarian aid with development cooperation and multilateral engagement. Patricia Danzi shares insights on international cooperation as it stands – and where it is headed.