Foreign policy

The world has not faced such a large number of conflicts since the end of the Second World War. One of these has been ongoing in Sudan for over two years, with catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. More than half of the population is now affected by hunger. Millions of people have been displaced. Switzerland is committed, within the framework of its international cooperation, peace promotion and within the UN, to ending the war and mitigating its humanitarian consequences.

In 1925, Locarno found itself at the centre of international events. Between 5 and 16 October, the town hosted the negotiations for the Locarno Pact, a series of seven international treaties aimed at stabilising peace in Europe following the First World War. Switzerland's role as neutral host country was pivotal. Through its good offices, it offered the ideal location for a rapprochement between former wartime enemies.

Women's EURO 2025 – providing a platform: both sport and the media play a crucial role in bringing about social change. Six journalists from the Sahel region gain insights into international sports and human rights institutions during their visit to Switzerland. The project was organised by FDFA special envoy for the Sahel Cédrine Beney, the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division and Fondation Hirondelle. Two of the participants give their impressions.

Switzerland is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and calls on all parties to exercise restraint. It warns of the devastating consequences of a further escalation of the situation and emphasises the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution. It calls for the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law. All the latest news can be found here in the news ticker.

Just ahead of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, the FDFA's Equal Opportunities Section is hosting an event entitled Fair play and diversity: the FDFA meets Women's EURO. Lara Dickenmann, ambassador for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, and Miriam Ganzfried, delegate for equal opportunities at the FDFA, explain the role that football plays when it comes to social transformation.

24 June is the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, making this the ideal time to ask how women are faring in diplomacy and where we stand today in terms of gender parity. A Swiss diplomat shares her experiences.