Dear Friends of Switzerland,
Welcome to the Embassy of Switzerland's e-newsletter, designed to inform you of the many things uniquely Swiss! We've made a few small upgrades to our newsletter this year, including a new title "Switzerland Calling!" and the addition of a guest editorial. We are very honored that Ambassador Urs Ziswiler starts us off with our first editorial of 2010. We hope you like these changes. As always, we welcome your comments at was.info@eda.admin.ch and thank you for subscribing.
Editorial: Switzerland in These Economic Times
Like most countries, Switzerland has not been untouched by the recent financial crisis that has befallen the U.S. and our global economy. Fortunately, however, the economic downturn has not been as profound in Switzerland, as it has been in the U.S. Although Gross Domestic Product decreased, it did so at a rate only half of what was experienced in the States. Similarly, our unemployment rate, while slightly higher than normal at 4.4 percent is still less than half of what is seen here in the U.S. Downturn in construction has also been very modest, in no way comparable to the heavily felt impact here in the United States.
As a small, open economy, Switzerland depends on the free trade of goods, services, and capital between countries. It is no surprise, thus, that our foreign trade policy looks to our relationships with other countries—both bilaterally and through multilateral organizations—as the solution to this economic crisis. Details of this policy are outlined in the Foreign Economic Policy Report published recently by our Federal Council. This approach to the financial crisis was called appropriate and well thought out by the IMF.
Switzerland will continue to work closely with the global community to build the strength of an economy that is more and more connected in this age of globalization.
Urs Ziswiler
Swiss Ambassador to the United States of America
The Human Face of Climate Change
Not only forests and wildlife are threatened by climate change, but people too—especially vulnerable populations in developing countries. This is the humanitarian message that Switzerland took to the 15th UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December, where it put forth an agenda for climate change that considered consequences for human communities—including the displacement and migration of populations, natural disasters such as floods and landslides, and threats to food sources. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has recognized that climate change poses a major humanitarian challenge and is working on projects in developing lands to address such issues as land use, energy and adaptation. Ultimately, the Swiss delegation in Copenhagen announced a hard-won commitment to funding for developing countries in the fight against climate change.
A Change at the Helm: Welcome Madam President!
2010 will go down in Swiss history books, as three women take on the three top leadership positions in Switzerland’s democratic government. Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, who heads the Department of Economic Affairs, will hold the position of President of the Swiss Confederation. (In Switzerland, the presidency is rotated annually among the seven elected members of the Swiss Federal Council). Two women also lead Switzerland’s two-house Parliament this year: Pascale Bruderer serves as Speaker of the National Council and Erika Forster-Vannini as Speaker of the Council of States. The representation of Swiss women in national politics has grown rapidly since Swiss women got the right to vote in federal elections in 1971. Switzerland now ranks in the top third of countries for the number of women in political institutions. Thirty percent of Swiss parliamentarians are women. The first woman president was Ruth Dreifuss in 1999.
An Apple A Day Keeps the Wrinkles at Bay
A rare variety of Swiss apple is being hailed in the cosmetic world as an anti-aging breakthrough. Even Michelle Obama is rumored to be a fan! The Uttwiler Spätlauber—an apple variety native to canton Thurgau in northeast Switzerland—has long been known for its excellent storability, holding its texture long after other apples have begun to wrinkle. Curious Swiss researchers at Mibell Biochemistry tested the apple and found that the secret lies within its stem cells. They were subsequently able to develop a novel technology to replicate these cells. Called PhytoCellTec™, this technology improves the vitality of human skin and has been snapped up as a “miracle” anti-aging ingredient by around 100 prestigious cosmetic companies worldwide.
Swiss Art Collection Opens in U.S.
An art collection started more than 70 years ago in Switzerland has now become a major cultural attraction in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is being billed as the only museum dedicated to mid-twentieth century art in the southeastern United States. It is named after the family of Swiss-born Andreas Bechtler, who now lives in Charlotte and is heir to this spectacular collection. Bechtler commissioned leading Swiss architect Mario Botta to design the museum for his adopted city. Opened the first week of January 2010, the Bechtler Museum includes over 1,400 works of art by modern masters such as Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miro, Jean Tinguely, Max Ernst, Andy Warhol, Picasso and others. Swiss Ambassador Urs Ziswiler was also on hand in November to dedicate the outdoor sculpture The Firebird by Niki de Saint Phalle.
(Photo credit: Gary O’Brien)
Let The Games Begin!
When the XXI Olympic Games open on February 12 in Vancouver, Canada, the House of Switzerland will be there—not once, but twice! With locations in both Vancouver and Whistler (site of skiing and bobsled events), the House of Switzerland will continue an Olympic tradition that started in Japan in 1998, serving as location central for Swiss athletes, sponsors, media and fans. All fans of the Swiss Olympic team are invited to the House of Switzerland opening on February 5, and to attend its many and lively ongoing events. Can’t be there in person? Don’t worry, you can join in virtually on the House of Switzerland Facebook page or on Twitter.
The Exchange
There’s a new video on the block! And you could be the next star! The Exchange tells the story of Katie Paige, a U.S. university student who received a ThinkSwiss scholarship last year to work on a research project at a Swiss university. This year ThinkSwiss will again select 15 talented and motivated U.S. students to study in Switzerland as recipients of the 2010 ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship. Interested? The deadline for applications is March 31, 2010. Application details are available online. Stay up to date with opportunities like this and other Swiss news and events by becoming a fan of ThinkSwiss on Facebook!
Switzerland: Your New Best Friend!
Want to find out what Switzerland is up to in the United States? About Swiss events, opportunities, workshops. Interested in Switzerland and Swiss-U.S. partnerships? If so, we are your friend! The ThinkSwiss program offers an opportunity to get involved with Switzerland. We invite you to join our new, lively, informative and fast-growing online community by becoming a friend of ThinkSwiss on Facebook! The ThinkSwiss program is under the auspices of the Swiss Confederation and is designed to establish dialogue between Switzerland—a leading country in science, research and technology—and American counterparts as we jointly address global challenges.
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