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International Geneva

Is Geneva still the capital of peace?

As multilateral diplomacy and Swiss neutrality come under pressure, Geneva’s reputation as a place of peace is also at risk.

By Dorian Burkhalter

International Geneva

‘Negotiating with the Devil’: What it takes to be a peace mediator

By Julia Crawford

Democracy

What is the future for neutrality?

By Bruno Kaufmann

The Ukraine peace conference will take place at the Bürgenstock hotel above Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland. The luxury resort has hosted previous peace talks on Sudan (2002) and Cyprus (2004),

Foreign affairs

Switzerland to host Ukraine peace conference in June

By Simon Bradley

Eurovision winner: Nemo and the fight for non-binary people

This content was published on May 13, 2024 Swiss musician Nemo, who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland on Saturday, is fuelling the debate about a third gender entry.

Switzerland wins Eurovision Song Contest 2024

This content was published on May 12, 2024 Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland’s third victory in the history of the music contest.

Explainer: Swiss to vote on healthcare ‘cost brake’

This content was published on May 12, 2024 The Centre Party wants to curb spiralling healthcare costs with a proposed cost brake mechanism – citizens will vote on June 9.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on May 10, 2024 Deadly avalanche, Eurovision dreams, cultured meat and fat loss.

Amusing travel journal reveals Switzerland of 1837

This content was published on May 11, 2024 German theologian Carl August Wildenhahn documented his journey through 19th century Switzerland with humorous observations and comic strip-style pictures.

How America shaped Geneva’s international role

This content was published on May 10, 2024 Thanks to Woodrow Wilson, the League of Nations came to Geneva. But even after the American Civil War the city was already the scene of a milestone in international law.

Switzerland navigates own course through inflation maze

This content was published on May 10, 2024 Predicting interest rates is complicated by different countries facing unique inflation pressures.

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Swiss Film Selection

SWI swissinfo.ch offers a selection of Swiss films in English chosen from the Swiss streaming platform Play Suisse.

Let’s talk

“Let’s Talk” is SWI swissinfo.ch’s format to discuss relevant topics with high-profile experts and political figures.

Special reports

Check out our long format stories on topics like the Swiss pharma industry, Switzerland’s struggles with dirty gold, and living in the Alps.

Switzerland: How To

How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? What are the visa requirements? It’s all here.

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We’d love to hear what you think about what’s going on in the world. You can find all of our debate questions here.

Lausanne students end night-time Gaza protest

This content was published on May 9, 2024 The night-time occupation of a building at the University of Lausanne that began on May 2 ended on Wednesday evening.

Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation

This content was published on May 8, 2024 After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.

A blowing flag with the emblem of the Red Cross on top of the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC in Geneva, Switzerland

Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October

This content was published on May 8, 2024 The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.

The hall of EPFL’s architecture building in Lausanne is currently occupied by around 50 Pro-Palestinian protesters.

University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave

This content was published on May 7, 2024 Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.

Pro-Palestinie sit-in at University of Lausanne.

University of Lausanne calls for end to pro-Palestine sit-in

This content was published on May 7, 2024 The pro-Palestinian occupation continues at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). On Monday evening, a group of students refused to agree to the deadline set by the rectorate.

Israel: president of Swiss universities rejects academic boycott

This content was published on May 4, 2024 Luciana Vaccaro, president of Swissuniversities, the umbrella group of Swiss universities, is not in favour of an academic boycott of Israeli universities.

Swiss parliamentary committee favours partial funding of UNRWA

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 A parliamentary committee has called for partially resuming support for UNRWA – but has imposed conditions.

Protesters hold a banner during a pro Palestine demonstration in Bern, Switzerland, Saturday, January 6, 2024.

More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.

ICRC Director: We will not replace the UNRWA

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 “We already have enough to do without trying to replace other organisations,” said ICRC Director Pierre Krähenbühl.

A camp for internally displaced Palestinians who fled from Rafah and northern Gaza Strip.

Switzerland delays UNRWA funding decision

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 Switzerland will fund Middle east humanitarian projects with loans.

Can UNRWA report restore confidence in the organisation?

This content was published on Apr 24, 2024 Whether an independent report into the neutrality of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, will reassure the US and Israel remains to be seen.

A young girl peers over a line of white UNRWA sacks of flour that have been repurposed as ‘fences’ at a Gaza Strip camp. Behind her are trees and washing lines of clothing.

Switzerland to ‘thoroughly analyse’ UNRWA report before funding decision

This content was published on Apr 23, 2024 The Swiss foreign ministry says it will “thoroughly analyse” an independent review of UNRWA before making any decision about funding.

Swiss franc strengthens amid Middle East tensions

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Large overnight gains against the dollar and euro were however partially reversed as markets calmed down somewhat.

Lufthansa suspends flights to Israel amid developing conflict

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Four flights have been affected thus far, as the situation between Israel and Iran continues to escalate.

A man holding papers and speaks into a microphone.

Switzerland abstains from vote to grant Palestine full UN membership

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Switzerland did not vote to grant Palestine full UN membership. The resolution ended up being blocked by a veto during the vote.

What measures have been taken to prevent flood in your area?

Have you ever experienced a flood event? Have you witnessed a significant increase in flooding where you live? What measures have been taken in your country to prevent recurrent flooding? Are these measures effective?

Join the discussion

May 9, 2024

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The small robot aiming to explore volcanic tunnels on the moon

This content was published on May 7, 2024 In the not-too-distant future, a hopping Swiss-developed robot could be bound for the moon to pave the way for future missions.

How drug prices are negotiated in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Apr 23, 2024 Switzerland’s pharmaceutical sector supplies drugs worldwide, but not all countries receive them with the same price tag. Here’s why.

woman in black shirt pointing at camera with blue background and emojis

How you view the problem of low birth rates in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 22, 2024 Why do you think the Swiss birthrate has fallen so low. What impact will this have?

Guerreiro do Divino Amor poses in front of the "Fountain of Helvetia", part of the installation at the Swiss Pavilion in Venice.

An Alpine carnival: Switzerland stars as a superfiction at the Venice Biennale

This content was published on Apr 20, 2024 The Swiss-Brazilian artist Guerreiro do Divino Amor will represent Switzerland for the 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale.

Switzerland’s long-standing love of cartography

This content was published on Apr 17, 2024 Long world-renowned, Swiss maps have in recent years managed to reach a wider public.

Moon robots learn to walk – in Zurich

This content was published on Apr 13, 2024 Scientists in Switzerland are developing robots that will one day explore the Moon or Mars.

a customs officer looking through luggage

Drug-busting with customs officers at Zurich airport

This content was published on Apr 12, 2024 Watch: Gino the sniffer dog helps in the search for cocaine smuggled into Switzerland via Zurich airport.

Flexible retirement could help plug labour gaps in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 3, 2024 At a stretch, people of retirement age could be persuaded to stay at work longer.

Former CERN director Herwig Schopper – a centenarian on the impact of physics

This content was published on Mar 22, 2024 The German physicist and former director of CERN looks back at some of the highlights and encounters of his career.

Tandem jumps are even more dangerous than BASE jumping.

Should tandem BASE jumping be banned in the Swiss Alps?

This content was published on Mar 19, 2024 A new type of extreme sport is making people see red in the Alpine town of Lauterbrunnen: tandem BASE jumping.

How we work: comment moderation

This content was published on Mar 13, 2024 Are comments on SWI swissinfo.ch censored? How do we moderate your contributions? In this video we make our moderation transparent.

‘Yes’ to more state pension in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 3, 2024 Watch the reaction to Sunday’s vote on raising Swiss state pensions.

A man looking at a vegan cheese wheel on a table.

Redefining what Swiss cheese can be

This content was published on Feb 29, 2024 New Roots has managed to grow from a market stall to a 4,000m2 factory in a span of eight years.

How we work: sources

This content was published on Feb 28, 2024 How does SWI swissinfo.ch track down and vet sources? Find out in the latest installment of our “how we work” series.

Swiss research uses VR to reduce pre-surgery anxiety

This content was published on Feb 25, 2024 The use of virtual reality (VR) in medicine is becoming increasingly popular. For example, to reduce preoperative anxiety.

External Content

Each day, SWI swissinfo.ch selects and presents content from our European public service media partners as part of a project of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Reuters International

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:34

Europe’s STOXX 600 opens higher as travel and leisure sector shines

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:31

London stocks edge up ahead of more earnings, BoE speak

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:29

Putin taps economist to run defence, replacing Shoigu in unexpected move

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:19

German court upholds extremist classification for far-right party

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:13

UK police charge three men with helping Hong Kong’s foreign intelligence service

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:12

Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:06

UK mountaineer logs most Everest climbs by a foreigner, Nepali makes 29th ascent

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 08:30

India’s election enters fourth phase as rhetoric over religion, inequality sharpens

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 08:10

Two Americans, one Russian citizen among 20 detained in Georgia, Russia’s TASS reports

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 08:07

Spain’s Socialists hail ‘new era’ in Catalonia as separatist support dims in elections

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:51

Ukrainian missile kills 15 at apartment block, Russia says

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:28

Floods kill 37 in Indonesia’s West Sumatra, 17 missing

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:14

Analysis-European banks’ Goldilocks rally tempts back buyers… and bears

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:09

Russia says it downs 16 Ukraine-launched missiles, 31 drones

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:06

Gazans strive to study as war shatters education system

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:05

Turkish and Greek leaders set for talks to maintain positive momentum

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 06:02

France gets $16 billion of foreign investments as part of ‘Choose France’ event

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 05:12

Former US Marine pilot arrested in Australia worked with Chinese hacker, lawyer says

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 04:56

Lithuania’s Nauseda wins first round of presidential election

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 04:32

Australian court lifts order blocking X on church stabbing video

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 09:27

Stock Rally Pauses Ahead of Key US Price Data: Markets Wrap

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 07:45

Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom Cash Swells: EMEA Earnings Week Ahead

This content was published on May 13, 2024 – 02:00

Nvidia Rivals Gold as Shield Against Inflation, Survey Shows

This content was published on May 11, 2024 – 17:53

Swiss Vice Chancellor Andre Simonazzi Dies at 55 While Hiking

This content was published on May 11, 2024 – 00:09

Stock Rally Fades With Fed on Tightrope After Data: Markets Wrap

This content was published on May 10, 2024 – 16:32

PAI Moves to Delay Exit From $10 Billion Nestle Ice Cream JV

This content was published on May 10, 2024 – 10:12

UBS Mulls Bonus for Investment Bankers Who Lure Rich Clients

This content was published on May 9, 2024 – 22:26

S&P 500 Is Back to 5,200 as Traders Ride Momentum: Markets Wrap

This content was published on May 9, 2024 – 17:48

European Stocks Set Fresh Record; FTSE 100 Gains on BOE Signals

This content was published on May 9, 2024 – 17:31

UBS Wins Fresh Delay in Filing Response to AT1 Wipeout Case

This content was published on May 8, 2024 – 22:13

S&P 500 ‘Bumps Into a Wall’ After Blistering Rally: Markets Wrap

This content was published on May 8, 2024 – 11:53

Riksbank Kicks Off Easing With First Rate Cut Since 2016

This content was published on May 7, 2024 – 22:16

Stock Rally Wavers as S&P 500 Briefly Tops 5,200: Markets Wrap

This content was published on May 7, 2024 – 17:54

AI Risks to Financial Stability Are Already a Central Bank Worry

This content was published on May 7, 2024 – 12:36

UBS Returns to Profit as CEO Ermotti Affirms Buyback Plans

This content was published on May 7, 2024 – 12:00

Riksbank Suspense Mounts Over Possible Rate Cut: Decision Guide

This content was published on May 7, 2024 – 10:50

UBS Becomes First Major European Bank to Flag Hit From Rate Cut

This content was published on May 6, 2024 – 22:18

S&P 500 Extends Gains in Final Minutes of Trading: Markets Wrap

This content was published on May 6, 2024 – 18:06

Poland’s Duda Will Attend Swiss Conference on Ukraine Peace Plan

This content was published on May 6, 2024 – 17:55

Swiss Army Knife Now Available Without the Knife

Children have fun on a playground surrounded by the water of Lake Neuchatel in the port of Cudrefin following heavy rainfall in recent days on Friday July 16, 2021 in Cudrefin in the canton of Vaud.

Urban flooding slowly becomes a priority issue for Switzerland

This content was published on May 10, 2024 Climate change is pushing Switzerland to change the way it handles urban flooding. As flood risks grow, cities are implementing innovative ways to mitigate the risks.

Ex-Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, right, and CERN director Fabiola Gianotti in Geneva, June 2019.

Removing Russia from CERN ‘helps Putin’, scientists fear

This content was published on May 8, 2024 The recent decision by Geneva-based CERN to stop working with Russia sets a dangerous precedent for science, say several researchers.

Visiting Switzerland? Overstaying can be painfully pricey

This content was published on May 9, 2024 At Zurich airport, a Canadian traveller was fined CHF350 (about $385) because her visa had expired a day earlier.

A man uses a laptop with bright keyboard, in Zurich, Switzerland, on March 5, 2019. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler) Ein Mann benutzt ein Laptop mit leuchtender Tastatur, am 5. Maerz 2019 in Zuerich. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Russian software used by Swiss federal departments raises security concerns

This content was published on May 8, 2024 A software decryption system used by two Swiss federal departments is linked to a Russian company active in the field of digital investigations.

Can Swiss rapper Nemo crack the Eurovision code?

This content was published on May 7, 2024 News that Switzerland is one of the favourites to win this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has got a country used to Eurovision disappointment thinking the unthinkable. But victory would raise several tricky questions.

Swarm of Swiss robots could take part in future space missions

This content was published on May 7, 2024 Researchers in Zurich propose using a swarm of small robots instead of a heavy rover for future space missions.

Ten Swiss traditions on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

This content was published on May 6, 2024 Yodelling might be the next Swiss tradition to make it onto the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list along side a ‘once in a generation’ festival and watchmaking.

Press freedom under attack: our journalists bear witness

This content was published on May 3, 2024 To mark World Press Freedom Day, SWI swissinfo.ch’s international journalists talk about the obstacles they have faced in their reporting.

Dominic Nahr named Swiss press photographer of the Year

This content was published on Apr 30, 2024 Dominic Nahr, known for his war reportages, is the big winner of the Swiss press photography awards this year.

From Bond to Bollywood: scene-stealing Switzerland on the big screen

This content was published on Apr 29, 2024 A scenic cinematic tour of films in which Switzerland’s natural beauty and landmarks have played an unforgettable role.

Jia Zhang-ke, Chinese filmmaker and member of the Concorso internazionale Jury, poses during a photocall at the 71st Locarno International Film Festival, Wednesday, August 1, 2018, in Locarno, Switzerland. The Festival del film Locarno runs from 1 to 11 August. (KEYSTONE/Alexandra Wey)

An outsider at home, a master abroad: Jia Zhangke’s struggles to film the real China

This content was published on Apr 21, 2024 The Chinese director was a guest of honour at the Visions du Réel festival. He explained to SWI how he manages to avoid censorship.

An Alpine carnival: Switzerland stars as a superfiction at the Venice Biennale

This content was published on Apr 20, 2024 The Swiss-Brazilian artist Guerreiro do Divino Amor will represent Switzerland for the 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale.

epa01096613 Director of 'Google Earth' in Zurich, Samuel Widmann, presents the new 'Google Earth' enhancement 'Sky' during a press conference at the planetarium in Hamburg, Germany, 22 August 2007. The updated version makes use of mounted recordings by the astronomical telescope Hubble and photographs by Palomar Observatory, showing about 100 million stars to the Sky-user. EPA/ULRICH PERREY

Google Maps – a Swiss story

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Few people know that behind Google Maps lies a Swiss entrepreneur’s intuition as well as the Alpine nation’s long history of cartography.

Read more: Google Maps – a Swiss story

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