According to public opinion polls in Brazil, Switzerland is little known in this South American country. At the same time, the image of Switzerland conjures positive associations. The polls also show that when evaluating a country’s living standards, Brazilians attach the greatest importance to quality of education and quality of life. Accordingly, the activities planned for 2014-2016 will pay special attention to the education system in Switzerland as well as to Swiss innovations, for example in the field of environmental technology, which contribute to better quality of life.
As with previous Olympic games, Switzerland will be present in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 with a House of Switzerland run by the FDFA (Presence Switzerland). The House of Switzerland will serve as residence for the Swiss delegation as well as a meeting point for the public and other stakeholders. In addition, it will be used to provide information about Switzerland to the local population as well as the international public.
The 2014-2016 framework programme should strengthen the lasting impact of the House of Switzerland in Brazil. In the event of Switzerland's qualification for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, this international sporting event will be officially represented by Switzerland and mark the launch of the framework programme in Brazil. For this enthusiastic football nation to host the 2014 World Cup is of great significance and Switzerland will also be able to benefit from this dynamic by presenting itself officially for the first time at such an event. Over the next two years, various thematic events will also be organised in cooperation with interested federal agencies, Swiss organisations and companies.
Today, the Federal Council approved an exceptional contribution of CHF 5.5 million for the House of Switzerland. The 2014-2016 framework programme as well as the possible participation of official representatives from Switzerland at the 2014 World Cup will be covered by FDFA credit in the amount of up to CHF 3.5 million.
For further information:
Nicolas Bideau,
Head of Presence Switzerland,
Telephone 079 667 69 15
nicolas.bideau@eda.admin.ch
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Tel. +41 (0)31 322 31 53
