Notes from the Federal Palace A strong voice for the “Fifth Switzerland” network Some 800,000 Swiss nationals live and work abroad – and their numbers are growing. The “Fifth Switzerland” has many different concerns and needs. Swiss Abroad want to keep track of what is happening in Switzerland from a Swiss perspective. They look to engage and share insights with each other and have questions answered on the OASI state pension, e-voting, military service, and whether their qualifications will be recognised in Switzerland. They are interested in getting to know their home country (better) and playing a passive or active role in our country’s unique democratic system. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) – also referred to as SwissCommunity – and its highest body, the Council of the Swiss Abroad, have been working on the behalf of the “Fifth Switzerland” since 1916 in collaboration with numerous partner organisations, including the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Our independently produced magazine “Swiss Review”, our free legal advice, the Congress of the Swiss Abroad, youth holiday camps for young Swiss Abroad, our collaboration with the Swiss Abroad parliamentary group – these are some of the ways in which we inform, support, represent and engage with the Swiss Abroad. The online media outlet for the “Fifth Switzerland” SWI swissinfo.ch is Switzerland’s multilingual public-service online media outlet dedicated to the Swiss Abroad and to international audiences who are interested in Swiss affairs. We play an opinion-forming role for the Swiss Abroad, helping them to exercise their political rights in elections and popular votes as well as strengthening their attachment to Switzerland. Our platform summarises what is happening in your home country and everything you need to know about it. We have been collaborating with OSA for many years to reach our shared audience more effectively. Selected SWI swissinfo.ch content is now available via the OSA website. The SWIplus app and swissinfo.ch website provide in-depth information and analysis of Swiss politics, background stories for and about the “Fifth Switzerland”, Swiss news in brief, and daily briefings featuring input from other Swiss media outlets. Our new “Let’s Talk” format gives Swiss Abroad and representatives of opposing camps the opportunity to debate specific issues that are being brought to the ballot box. We also report on the deliberations of the Council of the Swiss Abroad and the Congress of the Swiss Abroad with news and analysis. Soliswiss – Your Switzerland abroad Do I need to deregister from Switzerland before travelling around the world? Can I continue to pay into the OASI state pension scheme if I emigrate? Where can I open a bank account? We field questions like these every day. Since our foundation in 1958, we have been working to secure the livelihood of Swiss people abroad. Soliswiss is a cooperative with more than 4,000 members in over 130 countries. Membership is open all Swiss citizens abroad. Our primary focus is on providing individual advice on emigration, globetrotting, living and working abroad, and returning. We are committed to solidarity, and our advice for members is free of charge. In times of crisis, we can also provide members with quick, unbureaucratic support through our lump-sum compensation scheme and Auxiliary Relief Fund. Our website blog contains all sorts of useful information. You can also book a consultation easily online. We have a working agreement with the FDFA and are delighted to engage with any organisations assisting Swiss citizens abroad. Website: www.swisscommunity.org Address: Swisscommunity, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Switzerland Website: www.swissinfo.ch is a branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) Website: www.educationsuisse.ch Address: educationsuisse, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Switzerland Website: www.soliswiss.ch Address: Soliswiss, Effingerstrasse 45, Postfach, CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland educationsuisse umbrella organisation and advisory service educationsuisse is the umbrella organisation of the 18 Swiss schools abroad that are recognised by the Swiss Confederation. educationsuisse advises and supports both young Swiss Abroad in addition to students from Swiss schools abroad, who wish to pursue their education or training in Switzerland. These topics have been at the heart of our association since 1942. Both functions are based on the Federal Act and Ordinance of Swiss Education Abroad. Our office provides a wide range of services for the schools abroad, organises further training and supports the Swiss schools in recruiting Swiss teachers. Our advice on the topic of education in Switzerland is offered free of charge. Networking in the Swiss education environment and public relations are important to us. We organise information events at the schools abroad and take part in events for the Swiss Abroad. We regularly publish articles on our topics in the magazine “Swiss Review” and in the “Gazzetta Svizzera”. The synergies and the exchange of information with the partner organisations are extremely valuable. 27 Swiss Review / May 2023 / No.3
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