Cancellation of House of Switzerland 2022 in China
From 4 February to 13 March 2022, China will host the 24th Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. In view of the uncertainties surrounding the format of the event in China and anticipated measures in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDFA has decided to forgo a physical presence in the form of the House of Switzerland.
Switzerland will not have a House of Switzerland at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in China. Owing to the public health measures and restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDFA has seen itself obliged to forgo the House of Switzerland.
The House of Switzerland is a communication and networking platform normally organised by Presence Switzerland for the duration of the Olympics to raise awareness of Swiss business, science and tourism, and a place where various groups of visitors can meet and network. In cooperation with Swiss Olympic and Swiss Paralympic, the medal ceremonies for Swiss athletes are held at the House of Switzerland followed by a press conference. Owing to anticipated public health measures such as restricted movement and the exclusion of international spectators, it will not be possible for the House of Switzerland project in Beijing to go ahead as originally planned.
This is the second time that a House of Switzerland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games has been cancelled, after Switzerland decided not to proceed with its planned presence in summer 2021 in Tokyo.
Stopping the current project will reduce Switzerland's spending from CHF 4.7 million to CHF 1.3 million and therefore best possibly safeguards the financial interests of the Confederation.
Press release: 11.11.2021, Bern
For further information:
Ambassador Nicolas Bideau
Head of Presence Switzerland
nicolas.bideau@eda.admin.ch
Tel. +41 (0)79 667 69 15
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
FDFA Communication
kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Tel. +41 58 460 55 55
