Tuesday 11 September 2012

Switzerland pledges 11 billion francs to fight poverty, hunger globally


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The Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has disclosed that Switzerland will dedicate 11 billion francs to fight against hunger, thirst, poverty and diseases in the world from 2013 to 2016. This was revealed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter during a public lecture jointly organized by the University of Geneva, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Foundation of Geneva and the Switzerland Confederation 10 September under the theme “The United Nations and Switzerland in a changing world”.

In his speech delivered at the University of Geneva, Mr. Burkhalter said the Federal Council has requested 11 billion francs for Parliament to discuss adding that the fight against poverty and hunger forms part of the “values ​​that the Federal Constitution defines as the objectives of the foreign policy of Switzerland”.  He again explained that the 11 billion francs indicates an “expenditure of one franc per inhabitant per day in this country, which will fight against hunger, thirst, poverty and disease in the world.” The fund will be used for the development of trade and commerce developing countries. “The fight against poverty also entails the development of trade and commerce that Switzerland wants to promote and develop, especially here in Geneva because she knows its history, it is the best way out of the country poverty”, Mr. Burkhalter said.
He indicated foreign policy is both a defense of legitimate interests and the promotion of values and outlined the five values of Switzerland of which the fight against poverty forms the fourth value. The other values include the promotion of human rights, democracy, peace and the protection of the environment and resources.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his address at the public lecture commended Switzerland for its contribution to the eradication of poverty and hunger in the world. The UN Secretary-General said, “I am very grateful for such a strong commitment and leadership from Switzerland’s government to eradicate this poverty by investing in people” adding that “it is a great encouragement to all of us.” He applauded the fortitude and resilience of Switzerland toward increasing foreign aid in the era of economic crisis. “I commend Switzerland for its commitment to development.  At a time when countries are cutting back on aid, Switzerland is stepping up. Switzerland is increasing assistance, investing in people and leading by example”, Ban Ki-moon said.

The public lecture held at the premises of the University of Geneva marks the tenth year of the membership of Switzerland to the United Nations. Switzerland hosts the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva.

By Stephen Yeboah, in Geneva, Switzerland [profstephenyeboah@gmail.com]

First published on: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
www.ghanabusinessnews.com/switzerland-pledges-11-billion-francs-to-fight-poverty-hunger-in-the-world/

Poverty and development issues: UN Secretary-General addresses Switzerland Parliam...

Poverty and development issues: UN Secretary-General addresses Switzerland Parliam...: The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon will address the Federal Assembly of Switzerland in Bern 11 September as part of t...

UN Secretary-General addresses Switzerland Parliament today

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon will address the Federal Assembly of Switzerland in Bern 11 September as part of the 10th anniversary of the accession of Switzerland to the UN. This was revealed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter during a public lecture jointly organized by the University of Geneva, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Foundation of Geneva and the Switzerland Confederation 10 September under the theme “The UN and Switzerland in a changing world”.

In his speech delivered at the University of Geneva, Didier Burkhalter stated that the presence of Switzerland at the UN “allows us to act more effectively and directly to good causes and we cherish above all in our efforts to contribute to peace and security and to exercise active solidarity” adding that “this presence has also increased our influence and ability to act. Therefore both our solidarity, our responsibility and sovereignty are strengthened.” 

A media release by the Swiss Parliament states that the National President Hansjörg Walter and Senate President Hans Altherr will speak. The release also indicates that before his speech to the councils, the UN Secretary-General meets the Federal Room of the Parliament building with a delegation of councilors adding that “the visit of the UN Secretary General in the Federal Assembly reflects the great esteem, which has for the World Organization of the national governments of Switzerland and its commitment to human rights and democracy.

Switzerland joined the UN on 10 September 2002 and is the 190th member state of the UN.

By Stephen Yeboah, Geneva, Switzerland