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| MDG 1 |
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/
