Press releases
The media releases in chronological order by the Federal Departement for Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti attends Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris
On 10 March, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented Switzerland at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris. The international gathering focused on the civil use of nuclear energy in addressing major energy, climate and sovereignty related challenges. Mr Rösti recalled that nuclear energy is an important pillar of Switzerland's low-carbon energy mix, with safe, secure and sustainable waste management and disposal.
Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will represent Switzerland at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York
On 9 March 2026, the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will open in New York. Under the theme of access to justice for all women and girls, this year’s session will focus on promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems. The Swiss delegation will be led by Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Minister for Gender Equality.
Achievements under Switzerland’s chairmanship of the UN Statistical Commission
Switzerland has come to the end of its two-year chairmanship of the United Nations Statistical Commission led by Georges‑Simon Ulrich, Director General of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). Elected in 2024 and confirmed for a second term in 2025, Switzerland actively promoted global data governance and the modernisation of statistical systems.
IC Forum 2026 in Geneva: challenges for humanitarian aid amid radical geopolitical shifts
The fifth edition of the International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) began today in Geneva, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in attendance. The central theme is the future of humanitarian aid in an international context marked by a proliferation of crises and a significant reduction in funding. The event provides a platform for exchanges between political leaders, representatives of international organisations, humanitarian actors, academic experts and private sector partners, many of whom are based in Geneva.
UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis presents Switzerland's priorities for strengthening human rights
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced the publication of the new Guidelines on Human Rights 2026–29 during his opening address to the high-level segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. Before an international audience, he reaffirmed Switzerland's long-term commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.
President Parmelin meets Indian Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, announces 2027 AI summit for Geneva
President Guy Parmelin has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other heads of state and government at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where discussions focused on the use and international governance of artificial intelligence. Switzerland remains committed to this debate and will host an AI summit in Geneva in 2027.
IC Forum 2026 in Geneva – challenges and the future of humanitarian aid
More than 1,500 participants from 120 countries are expected to attend online or in person the 5th edition of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum), to be held in Geneva on 26 and 27 February 2026. The event will bring together key players in international cooperation to discuss current challenges and the future of humanitarian aid. Participants will include federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, as well as the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, and Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, who will exchange views with a range of international experts.
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti at the Ministerial Conference of the International Energy Agency
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti will attend the Ministerial Conference of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris from 18 to 19 February. While there, he will meet with his counterparts from the IEA's 32 member states. Topics will include the latest developments in energy markets and energy policy strategies, as well as the role of nuclear energy in the energy mix. Other items on the agenda are energy security, affordability and sustainability, and the long-term availability of critical raw materials.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Building on its close relations with the Western Balkans and commitment to European security and stability, Switzerland is pursuing its political dialogue in the region: from 18 to 20 February, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, will travel to Slovenia and then to Bosnia and Herzegovina for an official visit. Talks will focus on bilateral cooperation, European security, cultural diversity, and dialogue as factors for social cohesion and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The visit also takes place within the framework of Switzerland's role within the OSCE, that the head of the FDFA is chairing in 2026.
Ukraine: Federal Council approves aid package for the supply of urgently needed energy goods
Ukraine is currently facing its worst energy crisis since the start of the war. Swiss companies will be delivering high-performance generators and electricity modules to Ukraine in the coming weeks to provide support in this difficult situation. Following a request from the Ukrainian government, on 11 February 2026 the Federal Council approved aid up to a cost ceiling of CHF 32 million.
OSCE conference on combating antisemitism
With an appeal to fight antisemitism, hatred and discrimination, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, opened the OSCE conference on ‘Combating anti-Semitism: addressing challenges of intolerance and discrimination’ on 9 February 2026. The two-day conference is taking place in St Gallen and is the first of several international conferences to be held within the framework of Switzerland's 2026 OSCE chairpersonship.
OSCE press release: Meeting between OSCE Chairman Cassis and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow today. This was the first visit by an OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Russian Federation since February 24, 2022.
OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Cassis to visit Moscow
OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu will travel to Moscow on 5-6 February for meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov.
President Parmelin attends World Governments Summit in Dubai
On Tuesday, 3 February, President Guy Parmelin attended the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai. The summit was dedicated to shaping future governments. Mr Parmelin used the occasion to foster bilateral contacts with heads of state and government. He also met with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economy and other government representatives.
OSCE press release: OSCE chairman-in-office Ignazio Cassis in Ukraine
In his role as OSCE chairman-in-office, Ignazio Cassis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 2 February 2026.
Switzerland and Kuwait celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations
On Monday, 2 February, President Guy Parmelin joined Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in Kuwait to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also held talks with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and met representatives of Swiss companies.
Security and multilateral cooperation in today's changing world at the forefront of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' talks in Davos
During his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, focused his discussions on security and stability in Europe and the Middle East, multilateral cooperation and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Davos: Trade ministers lay the groundwork for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference
At the invitation of President Guy Parmelin, trade ministers responsible for World Trade Organization (WTO) issues and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met in Davos on 22 January. They discussed the role of the WTO in addressing global trade policy challenges. In particular, they discussed possible avenues for compromise on certain negotiating topics and priorities for WTO reform. These issues will be at the heart of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in Cameroon in March.
Mirjam Staub-Bisang appointed new Chair of the Board of Directors at SIFEM
At its meeting on 14 January, the Federal Council decided that Mirjam Staub-Bisang will become Chair of the Board of Directors of the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets on 1 June of this year. She succeeds Jörg Frieden, who is stepping down at the end of May.
Switzerland launches second call for proposals for reconstruction projects in Ukraine in cooperation with Swiss companies
On 9 January, SECO published the second call for proposals to mobilise reconstruction projects in Ukraine in cooperation with Swiss companies. The federal government is contributing up to CHF 150 million towards such projects.
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