Press releases, 15.10.2021

Switzerland is the first donor country to sign the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations and is thereby supporting efforts to make the humanitarian system more sustainable and climate-friendly.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has signed the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations. Switzerland is thus the first donor country to support the Charter, which was launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The Charter was drawn up with the collaboration of local and international NGOs, UN agencies and academia. «It is my great pleasure and honour to sign the Charter. Switzerland is hereby setting an example for more sustainable and climate-friendly humanitarian aid» explained Mr Cassis at the signing ceremony.

Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important in humanitarian aid. Switzerland has been involved in efforts to address climate change for years. Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24 provides for an increase in climate financing from CHF 300 million to CHF 400 million annually by 2024.

By signing the Charter, Switzerland supports efforts to make the humanitarian system more sustainable and climate-friendly. The Charter has received widespread support in recent months. Switzerland is the first donor country to sign the Charter.

It is signing the Charter as a Supporter and is thereby sending a strong signal of solidarity in keeping with Switzerland's humanitarian tradition.


Further information:

International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24
Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations


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Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53
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Twitter: @SwissMFA


Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Last update 19.07.2023

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