Yesterday we visited the Bekaa Valley in #Lebanon to get a sense of the dynamics related to the Syrian crisis and the related pressure on public utilities such as water. Pleased to see that Swiss Development and Cooperation could make a difference for both host communities and displaced Syrians.

During a visit to Homs and Hama with World Food Programme we witnessed both the tremendous hardship that many Syrians are facing and the shift of the humanitarian response towards much needed early recovery, supported by Swiss Development and Cooperation .

When access to water💦 is ensured, water bills are paid. 👍🏼
Today, Deputy Director-General of Swiss Development and Cooperation Dominik Stillhart , met with the Bekaa Water Establishment & local authorities & discussed the results and challenges of the 🇨🇭 supported water project in Kherbet Rouha 🇱🇧.

Deputy Director-General of the Swiss🇨🇭 Development Cooperation on his last week’s visit to Syria🇸🇾 (rural Damascus, Homs & Hama):

Uncovering the fate of missing persons is crucial to achieve lasting #peace in #Syria 🇸🇾. This is why Swiss Peace and Human Rights 🇨🇭actively supported the creation of the IIMP.

👉 Listen to AMB Geissbühler explaining Switzerland's role in this initiative youtube.com/watch?v=H_AYy4…

As part of its commitment to 🕊️peace and #justice , 🇨🇭 will host in Geneva the independent institution to investigate the fate of missing persons in #Syria , as decided by the UNGA - a vital step towards closure for families, and #reconciliation .
👉bit.ly/4aO3rSt

16.7 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian aid.
All forms of aid are vital.
#UNSC #Syria briefing:🇨🇭
- Voiced concern about spiral of humanitarian & economic decline
- Called for implementing a nationwide ceasefire & resuming a credible & viable political process

Today, the United Nations General Assembly approved in a landmark decision the funding and the establishment in Geneva of an independent institution to investigate missing persons cases in #Syria .

As part of its #peacepolicy , Switzerland is firmly committed to clarifying the fate of…

2 days with colleagues from Amman🇯🇴, Ankara🇹🇷, Beirut🇱🇧, Bern🇨🇭 and Damascus🇸🇾 in Jordan, strategizing for a new Swiss cooperation program 2025-2028 for the #MiddleEast , a region shaken by political turbulences with unpredictable outcomes.

A successful week of rich policy discussions & experience sharing with 🇱🇧 Lebanese Women politicians in 🇨🇭!
Swiss Peace and Human Rights facilitated exchanges with 🇨🇭& international actors, including MPs, @CSS, ICRC and @UNHCR.
#WPS #NAP1325 UN Women Lebanon @NorwayInLebanon

#UNSC debate on MidEast.🇨🇭called for
-De-escalation
-Immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages & unhindered aid delivery throughout Gaza
-Continuous attention on record high violence in West Bank
-Respect for int’l law
-Relaunch of the political process
bit.ly/40zUKXF

The humanitarian situation in #Gaza is catastrophic.
At #UNSC UNRWA briefing,🇨🇭reiterated:
-UNRWA’s role as largest humanitarian actor in Gaza & for regional stability.
-Urgent need for ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid & respect for int'l law.
📜bit.ly/4aVn3nx

Did you know that #Switzerland represents the interests of the #USA in #Iran ? 🇺🇸🤝🇨🇭🤝🇮🇷

Learn more about the protecting power mandate in our #infographic 👇

In the Bekaa Valley #Lebanon 🇱🇧 , Swiss Development and Cooperation is running a project that utilises digitalisation and solar energy to improve #water management.

The project also aims to ease tensions surrounding water access.

More info➡️ eda.admin.ch/deza/en/home/s…

Switzerland's unique blend of federalism and direct democracy is the backbone of its identity. With 26 cantons and 4 languages, it's a testament to unity in diversity.
Imad Salamey Marion Weichelt

It was such a pleasure to introduce and attend the Lebanese 🇱🇧 Premiere of Swiss🇨🇭movie 'Back to Alexandria' in the presence of Swiss-Egyptian 🇪🇬 director Tamer Ruggli and Lebanese Director/Actress Nadine Labaki at the Beirut International Women Film Festival. Full house for a beautiful movie!
Beirut Film Society

Was pleasure learning from Her Excellency Marion Weichelt about the government and politics of Switzerland. Great opportunity for international affairs students LAU.

“Switzerland is one of the best representations of democracy, where people are part-time parliament members. Every 3-4 months, a vote is held on various issues on all three levels of federal, canton, and commune” Marion Weichelt Imad Salamey

Federalism, fiscal equalization, neutrality, citizen‘s initiatives & referenda were some of the topics I discussed today with political science students at the Lebanese American University LAU in #Beirut . Many thanks to Professor Imad Salamey for inviting me!

UNSG briefed  #UNSC  members following Iran’s coordinated attacks against Israel.🇨🇭strongly condemns these attacks & calls on all sides to exert utmost restraint. Regional de-escalation, respect for int'l law, & protection of civilians must be the priority
📜bit.ly/440Xuiv