The Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), Mr. Arguj Kalantarli, held a meeting with a Swiss delegation at the Organization’s new Headquarters in Geneva on 16 September 2026. The delegation included H.E. Ambassador Dominik Stillhart, Deputy Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, Mr. Roland Bollin, Head of International Affairs at the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), and Ms. Laetitia Kirianoff Crimmins, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Section at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding relationship between the ICDO and Switzerland and to exchange views on its further development. The Secretary-General expressed his sincere appreciation to the Swiss Government for its continued support to the Organization, its role as the host country, and its continued commitment to cooperation with the ICDO.

The discussions highlighted the practical dimension of cooperation between the ICDO and Swiss institutions in civil protection, capacity-building, training, and other areas of mutual interest. Both sides discussed further opportunities for joint activities and initiatives, as well as possible avenues for expanding practical cooperation in the future.

The Swiss delegation was also briefed on the latest developments within the ICDO, including the Organization’s ongoing reform and modernization process and new initiatives aimed at enhancing its effectiveness and international engagement. Particular attention was given to efforts to strengthen relations with Member States and non-member States and to further diversify the Organization’s international cooperation.

The meeting also covered preparations for the ICDO’s forthcoming statutory sessions in Geneva, including relevant organizational and procedural matters. The invitation for Switzerland’s participation in the forthcoming General Assembly session in its capacity as an Observer State was also discussed, with due regard to the relevant arrangements and procedures.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their interest in maintaining close dialogue and identifying further opportunities for practical cooperation and engagement.