Bilateral relations Switzerland–Vanuatu
The Swiss Embassy in Canberra is also accredited to Vanuatu and maintains official contacts. Switzerland and Vanuatu have diplomatic relations since 1990. Relations are cordial with both countries united in their commitment to the principles of multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development.
Key points in diplomatic relations
Switzerland cooperates with all the Pacific Island States in the following areas:
- International Geneva: Switzerland provides financial and logistical support to Pacific Island States to help them establish Permanent Missions to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva. This supports their direct participation in key multilateral institutions and enables engagement in global discussions on trade, health, climate and development, ensuring that their perspectives are included in international decision-making processes.
- Environment and climate: For Pacific Island States, climate change threatens lives, livelihoods and long-term sustainability. By hosting institutions such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Switzerland offers a platform where science, policy, and cooperation converge, enabling the Pacific Island States to access expertise, share their experiences, and strengthen their voice in global climate action.
- Human rights and development: The Swiss Embassies in Wellington, Canberra and Manila implement small-scale projects in the fields of human security, human rights and development cooperation.
- Disaster risk management: Switzerland operates a Regional Thematic Hub in Bangkok which monitors emerging risks and disasters in the region and can mobilise support to the Pacific states in the event of major disasters that exceed national and regional capacities. The Hub also supports the Pacific Tsunami Warning System through the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
Consular services and visas
Consular services (registration and deregistration, issuing of Swiss passports and identity cards, civil status changes, etc.) are provided by the following Swiss representation:
Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney, Australia
Website of the Swiss representation in Australia
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Nationals of Vanuatu can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Applications are to be submitted to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars, SERI
Eligible undergraduate and master’s students in the Pacific may apply for the ThinkSwiss Research Fellowship, subject to the current call and published eligibility criteria.
ThinkSwiss Research Fellowships (en)
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Bilateral
The Embassy of Switzerland in Australia has supported projects benefitting Vanuatu in areas including education, water, sanitation and health, capacity building in human rights, and participation in multilateral climate negotiations.
In addition to projects facilitated by the Swiss Embassy in Australia, Switzerland has supported further cooperation in Vanuatu, focusing on disaster risk reduction, climate action, and humanitarian response.
Key areas of cooperation include:
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Strengthening Climate Adaptation through Food and Water Security
- Relief support provided following Cyclone Pam.
- Rehabilitation projects to restore subsistence farming after El Niño droughts.
Climate Action under the Paris Agreement
- Collaboration between Switzerland and Vanuatu to reduce CO₂ emissions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Response to Tropical Cyclone Harold
- Switzerland supported relief efforts after the cyclone, in coordination with Vanuatu authorities and humanitarian partners, including replenishing shelter supplies, promoting hygiene and health (with a focus on COVID-19 awareness), and supporting the early recovery of water and sanitation systems.
Regional
Switzerland contributes consiberably to regional and global resilience and recovery mechanisms that directly benefit Pacific countries:
- Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR): Supports countries to better understand and reduce their vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change.
- Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative*: Supporting enhanced climate risk and early warning systems.
- Green Climate Fund (GCF): Financing climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
- Adaptation Fund (AF): Assisting vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change impacts.
- Global Environment Facility (GEF): Funding biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- Santiago Network on Loss and Damage (UNFCCC)*: Supporting technical assistance for countries facing climate-related loss and damage.
- WMO HydroHub*: Advancing global hydrological monitoring and water management.
- International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP): Promoting women’s rights and gender equality across Asia and the Pacific.
Through these contributions, Switzerland helps Pacific countries strengthen disaster preparedness, access climate finance, improve water and environmental management, and promote inclusive, rights-based approaches to climate resilience.
*Secretariat based in Geneva
Swiss nationals in Vanuatu
In 2024 there were 18 Swiss citizens living in Vanuatu.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland established diplomatic relations with Vanuatu in 1990 and has maintained diplomatic relations with the country since then.
Vanuatu, Historical Lexicon of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Links
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