Economy, technology and science

We interviewed Phonepaseuth Phouliphanh, secretary general of the Lao National Mekong Committee, in Martigny, a town located at a large bend in the River Rhône, during a study trip to the heartland of Swiss water management expertise. He spoke with us about his impressions and the best practices he observed during this visit, which was organised by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperatio. Read on to find out more about the common challenges we face and our cooperation for a sustainable future.

Switzerland shares six rivers and four lakes with its neighbouring countries. The use of these water bodies is regulated by cross-border cooperation treaties dating back several decades. Based on this extensive experience in sustainable TWM, Switzerland shares it technical and policy expertise with delegations from Asia via the SDC – this time during a field visit focusing on practical cases in Geneva, Martigny and Bern.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh, beginning with Bangladesh's founding in 1972. Since then, Switzerland has been aiding the South Asian nation with its economic and social development. Swiss ambassador Nathalie Chuard shares insights into Switzerland's activities in Bangladesh, a country that is currently on the upswing despite its numerous challenges.

This year, Switzerland is celebrating 30 years of cooperation with the Central Asian states. The Dushanbe Water Decade Conference (6–9 June) will be an opportunity to highlight this event. The sustainable use of resources is in fact one of the key areas of Swiss collaboration with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Travelling along the Amu Darya and Sir Darya rivers, we encounter some of the projects.

Floods in Germany, heatwaves in India, droughts in Africa – how can humanity arm itself against the rising number of natural disasters and their effects worldwide? At the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Bali, Indonesia, delegates from the worlds of politics, science, business and civil society are seeking effective solutions to reduce disaster risks. A multi-stakeholder delegation from Switzerland will be present. Regina Gujan, deputy head of the Multilateral Humanitarian Aid Division, is responsible for DRR at the SDC.

What does effective international cooperation look like in an age of continuing climate change? At the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland – which will take place in a hybrid format from 31 March to 1 April 2022 in Geneva – experts from the fields of academia, business, politics and civil society will be searching for ways out of the climate crisis. Switzerland is looking to strengthen international cooperation and help find solutions to current challenges. The IC Forum will be hosted by President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis.