Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
Switzerland has a seat on the UN Security Council in 2023/2024, which it will use to work towards peace in the world.
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.
«It is Switzerland's role to promote dialogue and build bridges.»
Wars, conflicts, climate change, food security – Switzerland can only respond to global challenges if it acts together with other states. As a member of the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024, it can also contribute its expertise and credibility in peaceful settlement of disputes for the benefit of the global community.
The European security architecture has been shaken by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Switzerland is committed to upholding international law, strengthening security cooperation with the EU and NATO, providing assistance to Ukraine and supporting the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). It also prioritises effective bilateral relations with the EU, the country's most important trading partner by far. To this end, the continuation of the bilateral approach is a priority for the Federal Council.
Around 800,000 Swiss citizens live abroad. And each year, Swiss tourists make several million trips to foreign countries. The Consular Directorate can help in such cases as registering marriages held abroad, or if your passport gets stolen on holiday. More information is available on these two special apps: SwissInTouch for Swiss citizens living abroad and Travel Admin for Swiss tourists before and during a trip. And if something does go wrong, the Helpline is also available 24/7.
Expenses 2021 (CHF)3.34 bn
Staff (FTEs) 20215,447
General Secretariat GS-FDFASecretary General: Markus Seilerwww.fdfa.admin.ch
State SecretariatStSState Secretary: Livia Leu
Directorate of International Law DILDirector: Corinne Cicéron Bühler
Consular Directorate CDDirector: David Grichting
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDCDirector: Patricia Danziwww.fdfa.admin.ch/sdc
Directorate for Resources DRDirector: Tania Cavassini
