Berta Fernández-Alfaro

Chief of Mission, Coordination Office For🇨🇭and 🇱🇮. Strategic direction & innovation on migration governance, cultural diplomacy, @IOMSwitzerland

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

Happy Swiss National Day! 🇨🇭
IOM celebrates its longstanding partnership with Switzerland, advancing migration governance, combating trafficking in persons & supporting multilateral cooperation from Geneva.

#SwissNationalDay #InternationalGeneva #Multilateralism #Migration #IOM

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

We welcomed today Amb. @SvetlanStoev and Advisor Dessislava Tchakarova @MFABulgaria to exchange on #AVRR and referral options for #trafficking victims as well as on #EUPact, solidarity measures and 🇨🇭 Cohesion Funds. @IOM_ECA @IOMBulgaria

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

Welcome, Ambassador Thomas Gürber @SwissAmbUN_Bern.

Switzerland’s partnership matters as needs grow and funding tightens.

Let’s advance practical solutions—from data and AI to more sustainable, humane migration systems grounded in shared responsibility.

[United Nations Peacebuilding and Peace Support @UNPeacebuilding]

@UNmigration Director General Amy Pope @IOMchief on the partnership with the Peacebuilding Fund: trying new approaches and acting early where conflict, climate pressure and mobility meet.

#PeacebuildingWeek #PBF20

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

On #WorldRefugeeDay, millions remain displaced, with uncertain prospects of return. Dignity and opportunity must guide our response.

With @UN and partners, IOM works to expand safe, regular pathways and deliver practical, lasting solutions—grounded in shared responsibility.

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

Today @IOMSwitzerland had the first VIP courtesy visit in our new offices, @EUinSwitzerland Ambassador Andreas Künne. We discussed the latest migration and asylum developments in🇨🇭, the 🇪🇺, and neighborhood @IOM_ECA @IOMatEU

[IOM Global Office Brussels @IOMatEU]

‼️As the EU Migration Pact enters into effect, it offers an opportunity to apply a more effective, coherent European system.

Jointly with @Refugees_EU, IOM stresses the importance of sustainable, rights-based implementation that delivers results for all.

https://t.co/VtLVgyuHWk

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

A more predictable system helps people move with dignity.

Today, IOM and @Refugees welcome the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum entering into force—an important step toward more coherent, humane migration management.

Now the focus is steady implementation that delivers results.

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

Grateful to meet Swiss partners from @SEMIGRATION, @SwissMFA, @SwissDevCoop and @SECO_CH in Bern.

The partnership with @UNmigration helps turn migration policy into practical, protection‑centred solutions.

A shared responsibility with real impact.

[SwitzerlandUN @swiss_un]

In Berne today, @IOMchief signed an agreement with @EDA_DFAE.

As Host State, 🇨🇭 assists the International Organization for Migration @UNmigration during its move towards its renovated HQ building in #Geneva... as part of its support for people on the move.

#working4theworld

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

Very thankful 🙏 to @EJPD_DFJP_DFGP and @SEMIGRATION for organizing such an insightful exchange with Director General @IOMchief in #Bern. @IOMSwitzerland

[EJPD - DFJP - DFGP @EJPD_DFJP_DFGP]

Federal Councillor Beat Jans met @UNmigration Director General @AmyEPope in #Bern. Both parties emphasised their close and important cooperation on migration issues, particularly regarding return and reintegration as well as combating human trafficking. @SEMIGRATION @IOMchief

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

Thanks 🙏 also to @SEMIGRATION for organizing a stimulating exchange about migration governance with Director General @IOMchief together with @SwissMFAmena, @SECO_CH and the longstanding partnership with @UNmigration. @IOMSwitzerland

[SEM @SEMIGRATION]

State Secretary Mascioli received Director General @AmyEPope today. Switzerland and IOM @UNmigration share a close cooperation on migration, particularly in the areas of return and reintegration. The organization is also headquartered in Geneva.

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

The International Migration Review Forum just adopted the Progress Declaration, setting a clear direction for the next four years and reaffirming the importance of cooperation on migration.

What comes next matters most - turning commitments into action that delivers for people.

[IOM Europe and Central Asia @IOM_ECA]

🤔How can we shape a more balanced narrative on migration?

At a lecture hosted by @unige_en & @4EUplusAlliance, 120+ participants joined IOM’s Regional Director @ArthurErken to unpack the gap between migration narratives and realities & why evidence-based stories matter.

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

As Easter is observed across the world, I’m thinking of Christian communities in the Middle East and beyond marking Good Friday amid ongoing tension.

In Lebanon, I saw people working tirelessly to preserve dignity and stability.

Support IOM’s vital work: https://t.co/ewa3sqP5LZ

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

Really happy for this new chapter for @IOMSwitzerland moving premises to the beautifully renovated @OTIF_COTIF building in Bern! @IOM_ECA 🙏@SEMIGRATION

[OTIF @OTIF_COTIF]

Welcome ! 💐Today, the International Organization for Migration @IOMSwitzerland and the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail signed a lease agreement. The OTIF Secretariat and IOM Switzerland will share the same address 🏢https://t.co/uYUWNIeIQo

[Berta Fernández-Alfaro @BertaFernandezA]

Thanks to @VenediktovaIV and @UKRinCHE team for the exchange with Chief of Mission @IOMUkraine and myself @IOMSwitzerland

[Iryna Venediktova @VenediktovaIV]

Had a meeting with Robert Turner, Head of @IOMUkraine, during his visit to 🇨🇭. Grateful for all the humanitarian initiatives to support displaced persons, war veterans, and communities for 🇺🇦.
Partnership with ІОʼs remains an integral element in strengthening 🇺🇦's resilience.

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

Great to reconnect with @NinaGregori, @EUAsylumAgency in Cyprus.

Productive discussions on deepening our cooperation, supporting EU Member States with protection‑sensitive implementation of the Migration Pact, and working with key countries along migration routes.

[IOM - UN Migration 🇺🇳 @UNmigration]

A blanket.
A heater.
A warm night.

Small acts can save lives.

#BeTheirWarmth this winter 👉 https://t.co/bVd3FCdQiM

[Amy Pope @IOMchief]

Great to meet @LeijtensFrontex today to reaffirm the strength of IOM–@Frontex cooperation.

Together, we explored how to advance migration management that is effective, humane, and grounded in fundamental rights - at the heart of our shared commitment.