All news (849)
The Swiss Bluetec Bridge initiative enables a Swiss start-up company to develop its technology in supplying drinking water
27.02.2013
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Bluetec Bridge initiative, which was set up by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), supports start-up projects and Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offering innovative water purification technologies. The first company to be selected is Swiss Fresh Water SA (SFW) whose project is to install some 20 low-cost water purification systems in Senegal. The project will be supported financially in the form of an interest-free loan covering up to 50 % of the costs (max. CHF 250,000).
Twelve countries to practise rescue operations in Kriens
26.02.2013
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Press release
EDA
Internationally deployable rescue teams have to undergo regular training. This is why Switzerland is conducting an international disaster relief exercise (SimEX) for the second time since 2011, which is being held in Kriens, Canton of Lucerne, from 4 to 8 March 2013. Rescue teams from twelve countries will be participating.
Valerie Amos, senior UN coordinator for humanitarian aid, visits Bern
18.02.2013
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Press release
EDA
Valerie Amos, UN under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs and coordinator of emergency relief, visited Bern on 18 February. Her talks with representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and with the Political Directorate focused on coordination of humanitarian efforts and exchanges about humanitarian aspects of mutual interest.
150 years International Committee of the Red Cross: interview with Manuel Bessler
13.02.2013
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Article
DEZA
«Today’s conflicts differ dramatically from what Dunant witnessed»
To protect the lives and dignity of the victims of armed conflict: Even today, 150 years after it was founded, this still remains the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is not only the country where the ICRC has its headquarters; it is also its second-largest donor. The ICRC is the most important international partner of Swiss humanitarian aid. How do these humanitarian agencies work together? To mark the occasion of the ICRC’s 150th jubilee, this question and others are answered here by the Swiss Delegate for humanitarian aid.
SDC organises meeting on the effectiveness of development cooperation
12.02.2013
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Press release
EDA
Experts from almost 20 countries and organisations are meeting today in Bern for a workshop on uniform criteria and standards that could help measure and improve the effectiveness of development cooperation. The meeting accepted Switzerland’s proposal to continue the discussion on this issue under the leadership of the developing countries, an approach designed to strengthen the ownership and the role of partner countries.
Switzerland provides an additional CHF 10 million in humanitarian aid for crisis in Syria
30.01.2013
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Press release
EDA
As the crisis in Syria continues to worsen, the humanitarian situation has reached disastrous proportions with some four million people in need of aid according to estimates of the United Nations. They also face a harsh winter, as do about 700,000 refugees in the neighbouring states. Switzerland, attending the international donor conference in Kuwait, has pledged CHF 10 million of aid in 2013 to assist those affected by the Syrian crisis. Since March 2011 when the fighting began, Switzerland has disbursed a total of CHF 20 million to aid the victims of this ongoing civil war.
A small Project in the cultural Domain between Hungary and Switzerland
17.01.2013
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Article
EB
The first events in connection with the partnership project entitled “Swiss-Hungarian Civil Cultural Days” took place in Bern and in Bolligen in mid-December 2012. The project, which unfolded within the scope of the Swiss Enlargement Contribution, was co-financed by Switzerland to the tune of some CHF 60,000, the objective being to promote tourism and cultural exchange between Hungary and Switzerland, in particular between the cities of Eger and Bern. Launched on 1 September 2012, the project is scheduled to last for one year.
International prize for the SDC’s Papa Andina project
20.12.2012
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Article
DEZA
Improving market access for small Andean farmers and making more out of the biodiversity of their crops – that is the basic challenge underlying the Papa Andina regional project, launched in 1998 by the SDC and the International Potato Center (CIP). This innovative and sustainable solution won a prize announced on the occasion of the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development held in 2012 in Uruguay.
World Mountain Forum: «Water and Energy»
03.12.2012
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Article
DEZA
International Mountain Day
To mark International Mountain Day on 11 December 2012, the World Mountain Forum (WMF) has organised a meeting in Verbier on the theme: «Water and Energy». Specialists from Switzerland and abroad will discuss questions concerning the impact of climate change on these key sectors as well as the subject of public-private partnerships. The Carafe Initiative, launched within the framework of the WMF in 2011 in support of the Blue Schools project, will also be presented at this meeting.
Switzerland supporting the organisation of elections in Burkina Faso
30.11.2012
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Article
DEZA
Burkina Faso is re-electing its legislative authorities on 2 December 2012, when around 8 million voters will be going to the polls. At the request of the authorities of Burkina Faso, several countries, including Switzerland, are supporting the organisation of these elections, which for the first time will combine voting at the municipal, regional and legislative levels. This process constitutes a test of stability for Burkina Faso and represents a major step in the process of democratisation, the rule of law and local governance.
SDC Director Martin Dahinden in Ethiopia and Kenya
23.11.2012
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Article
DEZA
From 17 to 20 November, and SDC delegation led by SDC Director Martin Dahinden visited two countries in East Africa. In Ethiopia, together with representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP), it assessed projects for improving food security. In Kenya the agenda included discussions with representatives of the government and partner organizations concerning Somalia and Kenya, as well as visits to projects financed by the SDC.
A l’occasion de la journée mondiale du sida «VIH/sida : l’humanité n’est pas divisible»
14.11.2012
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Article
DEZA
Conférence, débats et musique contre la discrimination des personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida: 14.11.2012 Zurich
«Lutter contre la stigmatisation et la discrimination, ici et ailleurs, à l’encontre des personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida!». Telle est la thématique qui a été discutée lors d’une manifestion organisée à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida à laquelle ont participé le conseiller fédéral Alain Berset et Jean-Claude Mignon, président du Conseil de l’Europe.