Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
A weather station for farmers in Peru: the SDC supported the Climandes project to ensure good harvests.
The FDFA safeguards Switzerland's foreign policy interests. It maintains relations with other states and international bodies such as the EU and the UN. It provides services for Swiss citizens abroad. The FDFA is also responsible for Switzerland's development cooperation and humanitarian aid. There are around 170 Swiss representations around the world.
Member of the Federal Council since 2017.
«Swiss foreign policy reflects the traditions, diversity and innovative strengths of our country.»
Switzerland supports conflicting parties in finding political solutions. It provides emergency assistance in humanitarian crises, creates economic opportunities in developing countries, and supports Swiss companies operating abroad. It promotes the sustainable use of natural resources and works to ensure that human rights are also respected in the virtual world. These are just some examples of what the FDFA does to fulfil its main mission: promoting Switzerland's interests and values.
These interests and values are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. They include the freedom, autonomy and security of our country, the promotion of prosperity, the alleviation of need and poverty in the world, respect for human rights and the conservation of natural resources.
The Federal Council issues a foreign policy strategy every four years. The priorities for the 2020–23 period are peace and security, prosperity, sustainability and digital transformation. Other key concerns are the regulation of Swiss-EU relations and Switzerland's exchanges with priority countries such as the US and China. The strategy provides the framework for the FDFA's activities in Bern, Geneva and around 170 representations abroad. Both head office and the external network maintain contacts with Switzerland's partner countries and the EU, and represent Switzerland at organisations such as the UN. They also provide services for Swiss citizens living or travelling abroad.
Expenses 2019 (CHF)2.98 bn
Staff (FTEs) 20195,489
General Secretariat GS-FDFASecretary General: Markus Seilerwww.fdfa.admin.ch
State Secretariat StSState Secretary: Livia Leu
Directorate of International Law DILDirector: Corinne Cicéron Bühler
Consular Directorate CDDirector: Johannes Matyassy
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDCDirector: Patricia Danziwww.fdfa.admin.ch/sdc
Directorate for Resources DRDirector: Tania Cavassini
www.fdfa.admin.ch
