The Union of Student Organizations (USO) is the official national voice of school students in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Founded in 1990, the USO is a student-led umbrella organization representing student councils, initiatives, and youth-led bodies across all cantons and language regions. We advocate for meaningful student participation, equal educational opportunities, and strong public education systems — both nationally and internationally.

Whether it’s in politics, public discourse, or at the classroom level: students must have a say in shaping their education. That’s why the USO actively advocates for democratic participation, equal opportunities, and strong public education systems.

Who We Represent

The USO stands for over 1.1 Million students across Switzerland and Liechtenstein and supports student councils, initiatives, and school parliaments of all kinds. Our members come from both public and private schools and include organizations from across all language regions.

What We Do

• Political advocacy
  We take part in national consultations, submit proposals, and speak in political settings to represent the student voice.
  
• Participation and democracy in schools
  We demand that students help shape their schools and education systems. This includes being part of decision-making at the school and system level.
  
• Workshops and training
  We organize regular events and trainings to strengthen student councils and support young leadership.
  
• International cooperation
  We are a member of OBESSU and represent Swiss students at the European level, working with school student unions across the continent.
  
• Position papers
  We publish policy papers on education topics such as grading systems, public education funding, soft skills in schools, and more.

Why It Matters

Education is a fundamental right. Students are the experts of their own learning experience — and they must be treated as such. We believe in schools for all, free from discrimination, and shaped by democratic values. The future of education must be created with students, not just for them.

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Visit our mission statement to learn more about our values and goals.