All news (3512)
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries in Luxembourg
14.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries met today in Luxembourg to discuss cross-border and multilateral cooperation. They also discussed the role of the United Nations Security Council, which Switzerland is chairing for the second time this October, in the current geopolitical context.
Seagoing vessels flying the Swiss flag: Federal Council relaxes regulations
09.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The hurdles for registering a ship under the Swiss flag are high. To enable more ships to sail under the Swiss flag, the Federal Council relaxed the registration requirements at its meeting on 27 September 2024. The corresponding ordinances have been amended, as part of the planned revision of maritime shipping legislation.
Federal Council proposes to allocate CHF 7 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon and Syria
09.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
In view of the humanitarian impact of the escalating violence in the Middle East, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 9 October 2024 to allocate an additional CHF 7 million in aid for Lebanon and Syria. This sum will be taken from the funds set aside for emergency aid by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). In line with Parliament's decision in December 2023, the foreign affairs committees will be consulted on this decision. These funds are in addition to the CHF 79 million allocated for humanitarian operations in the Middle East in 2024.
Humanitarian demining in Ukraine: Federal Council reinforces cooperation with the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD)
09.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss government is to provide CHF 30 million to support the work of the Geneva-based Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) in Ukraine until 2027. The decision, which was made at the Federal Council's meeting on 9 October 2024, underscores the importance of humanitarian demining in Ukraine's reconstruction.
Successful election: Switzerland to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–27 term
09.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland was elected today to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York with 175 votes. It will serve as a member of the UN's most important intergovernmental human rights body for three years starting in early 2025.
Democratising access to tomorrow's scientific breakthroughs
08.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, co-founded by the Swiss Confederation, will hold its fourth summit from 9 to 11 October in Geneva, in presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The high-level political segment, focused on anticipatory science diplomacy, will centre on the theme of ensuring widespread access to the groundbreaking scientific advances that will shape our future.
Switzerland delivers 30 rubble-clearing machines and 30 fire pumps to Ukraine
04.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland is organising a new shipment of equipment for Ukraine. This includes machines to clear rubble and debris, as well as firefighting equipment, which will be handed over to Ukraine's civil protection agency.The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA will finance and coordinate the transport. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) has donated the equipment, valued at CHF 5.6 million.
Second Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council
01.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Today, Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will place its priorities at the centre of the Security Council's work, in particular promoting sustainable peace and protecting civilians –Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be traveling to New York for this purpose.
Federal Council requests CHF 13 million for humanitarian aid in Middle East
27.09.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council took a decision concerning the final instalment of the credit for humanitarian operations in the Middle East. A total of CHF 13 million will be used to support national and international organisations working in the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been instructed to consult the foreign affairs committees. In this context, the FDFA informed the Federal Council about how it intends to implement Parliament's decision to reduce the humanitarian credit for 2024. The Federal Council reiterates its call for a diplomatic solution that upholds international humanitarian law and leads to de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.
Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd at the UN Security Council
25.09.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the UN Security Council, open debate ‘Leadership for Peace’, New York, Wednesday, 25 September 2024.
SDG Flag Day in Lugano: Cities play a key role in implementing sustainable development goals
25.09.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Since 2019, SDG Flag Day has been held every year on 25 September on the initiative of the business community (via the UN Global Compact). Schools, communes, organisations, companies and governments fly flags to symbolically express their support for the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the SDG Flag Day event in Lugano, the two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi and Daniel Dubas, emphasised the key role of cities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Statement of the Swiss Embassy on the Conviction of Dr. Suwilanji Situmbeko and the Protection of LGBTIQ+ Rights
24.09.2024
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Position
Zambia
The Embassy of Switzerland would like to thank all individuals and organizations who have expressed their concerns regarding the conviction of Dr. Suwilanji Situmbeko in Zambia. We acknowledge the importance of this matter, which touches upon fundamental human rights, including the protection of LGBTIQ+ persons.
