Press releases
The media releases in chronological order by the Federal Departement for Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
OECD analysis of Switzerland’s economic policy: Switzerland is well positioned – reforms needed to ensure competitiveness
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its report on Switzerland’s economic policy on 15 September. The OECD commends Switzerland’s economic policy approach. In light of a wide range of challenges, the report also identifies the need for action to safeguard Switzerland’s competitiveness and innovative capacity over the long term. This includes further reforming the healthcare and pension systems, reducing the administrative burden on businesses, utilising labour potential more effectively and increasing competition.
International Geneva adapts to structural change, strengthens coordination and increases efficiency
International Geneva has proved resilient in the face of geopolitical shifts and the resultant impact on multilateralism. The urgent measures taken by the Confederation, Canton and City of Geneva in 2025 are bearing fruit: no international organisations have left Switzerland and two new institutions have arrived in recent months. Job losses in the international sector have also not been as heavy as feared. The Swiss and Geneva authorities are strengthening their cooperation to ensure these positive developments continue.
Sport for dialogue and peace in Lausanne
On 9 September 2026, Lausanne hosted a high-level meeting dedicated to the role of sport in diplomacy and peace. Representatives from politics, sports and science from the Sahel region and West Africa discussed how sport can build trust, maintain dialogue and create opportunities for engagement when political relations are strained. Following the round table, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with high-ranking representatives of the authorities of the Confederation of Sahel States and Senegal.
Swiss participation at opening of UN General Assembly in New York
Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the opening of the UN General Assembly from 20 to 23 September 2026. This 81st session (from 8 September 2026 to 7 September 2027) will focus on restoring confidence in multilateral institutions and the necessary transformation of the UN. The successor to António Guterres as head of the UN Secretariat will also be a key issue at the 81st session.
Federal Council sets out strategic direction for the Geneva AI Summit 2027 and appoints Fabiola Gianotti as Delegate
At its meeting on 12 August, the Federal Council set out the strategic direction and project organisation for the Geneva AI Summit 2027. It appointed Fabiola Gianotti as its Delegate. The former Director-General of CERN is tasked with implementing the defined objectives.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan from 3 to 5 August 2026. The head of the FDFA will hold official talks with the authorities of both countries at which he will particularly address bilateral relations. In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the OSCE he will also discuss the priorities of the Swiss chairpersonship in the current geopolitical context.
Forest fires in France: Switzerland to send two helicopters to assist with firefighting efforts
Switzerland is supporting France in tackling the severe forest fires. At the request of the French civil protection authorities, Switzerland is expected to make two Super Puma helicopters and their crews available for a firefighting operation. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the FDFA and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport to coordinate this support.
Ebola: Switzerland boosts support for fight against epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and wider region
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a new Ebola epidemic that began in May of this year. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to contribute an additional CHF 1.6 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support efforts to combat the spread of the virus in the DRC and the wider region.
2030 Agenda: Switzerland advocates results-based implementation of SDGs in New York
At this year’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), taking place from 7 to 16 July 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York, Switzerland will present its fourth voluntary national review (VNR) on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Local authorities can provide good examples of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being pursued with a focus on impact. For this reason, the cities of Basel, Bern and Geneva will also be represented at a high level in the Swiss HLPF delegation.
Switzerland upgrades its presence in Syria
Syria has been undergoing fundamental change since the fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024. This has prompted Switzerland to step up its efforts to promote a political transition and the country's socio-economic development. Its existing humanitarian office was therefore upgraded to a cooperation office at the beginning of 2026. SDC Director General Patricia Danzi and Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, head of the FDFA's MENA Division, officially opened the cooperation office in Damascus on 8 July 2026. They also saw for themselves what Switzerland is now doing on the ground.
Thomas Gass elected chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee
On 8 July, the members of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) elected Ambassador Thomas Gass as their next chair. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) supported his candidacy and welcome his election.
20 years in the service of human rights
The 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has concluded in Geneva. The Human Rights Council marked its 20th anniversary on 19 June 2026. Switzerland worked towards its foundation, thus helping to establish a body that furthers state-level accountability and helps drive the development of international human rights standards. The session that ended today focused on women's rights and gender equality. Switzerland advocated strongly for an end to forced marriage and violence against women and girls in various contexts.
At a critical juncture, Switzerland is making its mark in Lebanon through diplomatic and humanitarian efforts
Patricia Danzi, head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the FDFA State Secretariat, held political talks in Lebanon from 3 to 5 July 2026 and assessed the humanitarian situation. A few days after the conclusion of a trilateral framework agreement between the US, Lebanon and Israel, they emphasised Switzerland’s willingness to provide its good offices at a crucial moment for the region. They also reviewed how the emergency aid for Lebanon, which the FDFA had pledged in March, is being implemented.
OSCE press release: OSCE Chairman-in-Office addressed the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Annual Session
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, presented Switzerland’s priorities and guiding principles for its Chairpersonship to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on the opening ceremony of its 33rd Annual Session in the The Hague, Netherlands.
Earthquakes in Venezuela: Swiss Rescue operations conclude, humanitarian aid continues
In Venezuela the death toll from the two powerful earthquakes continues to rise. The destruction is extensive. Having worked since last Friday to free people trapped in the rubble, Swiss Rescue personnel have concluded their mission and are returning home. Switzerland is continuing to provide emergency aid and is sending specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to assist survivors.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to The Hague
Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Ignazio Cassis is to visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 3 and 4 July 2026. There he will meet his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen. Later, he will deliver a speech in his capacity as chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to the organisation's Parliamentary Assembly. Further discussions are planned with the Dutch authorities and with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly bodies, as well as with the Swiss parliamentary delegation.
Federal Council prioritises international cooperation and strengthens humanitarian aid
At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction
Switzerland will be represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) to be held in Gdańsk from 25 to 26 June by a delegation led by Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine. Launched in Lugano in 2022 at Switzerland’s initiative, the Conference has become the key international forum for the reconstruction of Ukraine. This year’s event will focus on the country’s economic recovery, support for critical infrastructure, strengthening security capabilities, and promoting reforms and the fight against corruption.
Visit to Nigeria by Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and the signing of an agreement on cultural property
Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will visit Nigeria from 28 June to 1 July. During this visit, the Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs will sign a cooperation agreement concerning the import, export and return of cultural property. Twenty-three items of cultural property will be returned on this occasion. The Federal Councillor will also take advantage of her trip to meet her counterparts responsible for women’s affairs and health, and to visit various sites.
President Parmelin attends EFTA Ministerial Conference in Reykjavik
On 22 June, President Guy Parmelin attended the Ministerial Conference of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Reykjavik. The ministers of the four EFTA states commended the significant progress made towards an imminent conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement with Viet Nam. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland signed updated bilateral agricultural agreements with the Palestinian Authority. On the fringes of the ministerial conference, a working meeting took place between President Parmelin and Icelandic Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir.
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern