Profile
Founded in 1992, the GSA gives a powerful voice to Armenian interests in Switzerland through political lobbying, network building, cultural exchange, and media engagement. We are a donor-funded, nonprofit NGO.
Serving all of Switzerland’s regions, the GSA is known by several names: officially in German as the Gesellschaft Schweiz Armenien (GSA), in English as the Switzerland-Armenia Association (SAA), and in French as the Association Suisse-Arménie (ASA).
Success Stories
We are proud of our success stories: the GSA has successfully lobbied the Swiss National Council to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide, regularly speaks on behalf of Armenia in major Swiss media outlets, established the Parliamentary Friendship Group Switzerland-Armenia (PGArm), arranged bilateral foreign delegation visits, initiated the formation of the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Armenia for Swiss investors and Armenian entrepreneurs, organized multiple rallies & demonstrations in support of peace & human rights, and provides a central point of contact for a broad range of specialized Armenian groups and organizations operating across Switzerland.
Looking Ahead
Switzerland plays a major role for Armenia, and our mission today is more important than ever. Switzerland is Armenia’s second-largest export market, Switzerland has economic relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan, Switzerland contributes development aid to Armenia, and Switzerland is the seat of major international bodies and NGO’s such as the United Nations. Read about our key issues to learn more about our specific initiatives.
Meet our Leadership
The GSA is driven by passionate and determined people from all walks of life, who are committed to the belief that Armenian voices matter. Our board includes community and business leaders from throughout the country.
Stefan
Müller-Altermatt
Co-Chair
Sarkis
Shahinian
Co-Chair & Hon. President
Andreas
Dreisiebner
Member of the Board
Dr. Alexander
Brincken
Assessor
Elias
Ritzi
Member of the Board
Marco
Dâmaso
Member of the Board
Anaida
Schneider
Member of the Board
Our Areas of Interest
GOVERNANCE & HUMAN RIGHTS
We support democracy, political transparency and responsible governance. We promote freedom, human rights, and self-determination. We evaluate Swiss political candidates and encourage Armenians to participate in the Swiss democratic process.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
We promote public (and political) education and awareness regarding Armenian interests, issues, culture, and regional affairs. Topics include Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), the Armenian genocide, war crimes, and Turkish & Azeri issues.
BUSINESS & FINANCE
We endeavor to secure of humanitarian & development aid, and facilitate bilateral business opportunities via government policy. We act as a watchdog for violators of CSR and those engaged in irresponsible and amoral businesses practices, such as SOCAR.
ARMENIAN UNITY
We organize and align Armenian expats, diaspora, organizations, and businesses throughout Switzerland. We facilitate dialogue and network building.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
We cultivate and encourage friendly, cultural, and economic relations between Switzerland and Armenia. We stimulate shared values and interests. We develop networks with like-minded organizations around the world.
Contact Us
Do you have a question or concern? Ready to volunteer or take action? We look forward to hearing from you.
Email: hello@gsa.swiss
