In Switzerland, the main responsibility for education and culture lies with the cantons. They coordinate their work at the national level. The 26 cantonal ministers of education together form a political body to carry out this work: the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). The Principality of Liechtenstein is also involved in the work of the EDK.

The EDK’s activities are based on the articles on education in the Federal Constitution and on intercantonal law in matters of education. The EDK has a subsidiary function, fulfilling tasks that cannot be performed by the regions or cantons. It collaborates with the Confederation in the area of education. It represents Switzerland in international organisations where their activities touch on matters of education or culture that fall within the responsibility of the cantons.