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The 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, which has concluded in Geneva, focused on examining artificial intelligence (AI) and the risks it poses to human rights, as well as the opportunities it offers for strengthening their protection. Switzerland led a coalition of states that brought about the adoption of two resolutions on transitional justice, an area in which AI has the potential to make a major difference.

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

In its role as chair of the OSCE for 2026, Switzerland today is presenting a roadmap at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, setting out how torture can be prevented more effectively, how ill-treatment can be consistently prosecuted, and how victims can be better protected.

Chronic wounds place a burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Researchers at Empa are therefore working on an innovative material that releases active ingredients when exposed to visible light. As a component of a wound patch, this technology could improve wound treatment and pave the way for a new generation of smart wound therapies.

On Monday 5 October, President Guy Parmelin met India’s President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of the Indian government in New Delhi. Discussions held with Mr Modi focused on economic relations and cooperation in the fields of education and research. Switzerland and India also concluded two agreements, one on migration and one on training exchanges for young professionals.

The conference provides a platform for participating States, OSCE institutions and structures, national human rights institutions and civil society to take stock of the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments and discuss developments affecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the OSCE region. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ignazio Cassis (via video message), the OSCE Secretary-General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, and the FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel also took part in the conference.

Opening remarks by FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel at the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. The speech was given in English. Check against delivery.

The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2024, 2025 and 2026.

The meeting took place today as part of annual political consultations between Switzerland and Turkey. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and the challenges faced by the OSCE. They also covered a variety of regional and international issues.

National Armaments Director Urs Loher received representatives from the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) from 1 to 2 October 2026 for bilateral work discussions. The discussions focused on current defence policy developments as well as bilateral cooperation.

On 2 October, the Federal Council decided to fund eight projects by Swiss companies to support reconstruction in Ukraine. The projects were selected through a competitive selection process.

Ambassadorial titles have been awarded and the following personnel changes have been decided on for 2026 and 2027 in the external network as well as at FDFA head office and the Federal Chancellery. This comes as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and is based on appointments made by the Federal Council.