Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
With conferences such as the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held in July 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort, Switzerland creates the opportunity for dialogue on peace, security and stability.
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.
Making peace demands courage.
Priorities of the FDFA in 2025
War in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, civil war in Sudan: in many places around the world, people are suffering from the consequences of violence. Peace, security and stability will therefore be a priority for Swiss foreign policy in 2025. As part of that, Switzerland will work with other countries to establish framework conditions that can ensure peace, security and stability. Switzerland will also capitalise on the experience it gained over the previous two years as a member of the UN Security Council. In spring 2025, under a mandate from the UN General Assembly, it will host a conference on the situation in the Middle East as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions.
As a country that owes much of its prosperity to exports, Switzerland is dependent on functioning, regulated global structures. In particular, relations with the EU, Switzerland’s most important trading partner, are to be stabilised and further developed. The relevant negotiations with the EU were formally concluded at the end of 2024. The ordinary political process will continue in 2025 with the Federal Council’s decision on the signing of the negotiation package and the consultation.
181 states, 43 international organisations, around 750 NGOs: International Geneva offers a wealth of expertise in one location – and is also a hub for Swiss foreign policy, in areas ranging from peace and disarmament to human rights, humanitarian affairs, labour, health, science and sustainable development.
Expenses 2023 (CHF)
3.53bn
Staff (FTEs) 2023
5,461
Organisation chart FDFA
General Secretariat GS-FDFA
Secretary General: Markus Seiler
www.fdfa.admin.ch
State Secretariat StS
State Secretary: Alexandre Fasel
Directorate of International Law DIL
Director: Corinne Cicéron Bühler
Consular Directorate CD
Director: David Grichting
Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation SDC
Director: Patricia Danzi
www.fdfa.admin.ch/sdc
Directorate for Resources DR
Director: Tania Cavassini
