A forum for integration, inclusion and innovation
Nine hundred participants, including two Federal Councillors, attended ETH Zurich to take part in the International Cooperation (IC) Forum, a joint event organised by SDC and SECO. Over the course of two days, they engaged in discussions on issues related to economic development.
“It is a great honour to have you here,” said ETH President Jo?l Mesot in his welcoming address. He listed the institutions, projects and initiatives with which the university is tackling international challenges. One example is the NADEL Center for Development and Cooperation, which has an alumni network of more than 1,500 members active in international organisations, civil society and industry worldwide.
In his opening address, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin expressed his pleasure that the forum was able to take place at ETH Zurich, a place where people come together every day to develop innovative ideas. He went on to say that this was precisely the aim of the forum.
The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) outlined the context in which the conference was taking place. He spoke of the tense atmosphere prevailing at the WEF and the general insecurity caused by the various crises. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine had not only caused immeasurable suffering but was also affecting international trade and economic growth.
He went on to explain how these developments were also being felt in Switzerland. However, developing countries were being hit much harder as their economies were less resilient. Parmelin pointed out that over 700 million people were still living in extreme poverty.
Cooperation as equals
At the same time, many developing countries are aware of their strengths and are acting with more self-confidence on the international stage, the head of EAER continued. They are taking their fate into their own hands and are ready to lead social developments and innovations in the areas of decarbonation and water treatment, for example.
The financial situation of many countries is strained, and debt levels are rising rapidly, especially in some advanced economies. At the same time, the geopolitical situation requires additional spending on security policy, Parmelin went on. Governments are currently having to make difficult political decisions, while international cooperation is strongly affected by this situation and will remain so in years to come.
Parmelin is confident that the private sector has a central role to play in the development of poor countries and in the reconstruction of Ukraine. He believes public investment could be multiplied by private funds, and that improving conditions and promoting mutual investment is the best way to fight global poverty. A country can only develop sustainably if economies – and not just states – work together. This cooperation must take place on an equal footing.
No economic development without trade
“There is also uncertainty regarding trade at present”, said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She explained that trade tariffs and policy measures were currently being used as instruments to address non-trade matters. She emphasised that, despite all the doom and gloom, trade offered exciting opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives and promote sustainable economic development.
She said the result had been dramatic, with much of the developing world beginning to see accelerating trade and manufacturing growth. Over the past three decades, 1.5 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. But the developed economies have also benefited from trade, as she demonstrated with the help of figures.
“Trade offers exciting opportunities for developing countries as well as for Swiss investment and innovation,” Okonjo-Iweala stressed. “Pressures to decentralise supply chains, build global resilience and reduce exposure to geopolitical, climatic and other risks should make it more attractive to invest in Africa and other places on the margins of global production networks,” she explained.
Re-globalisation – the order of the day
These incentives dovetail with demographics. Africa’s young workforce will soon be larger than that of all advanced economies combined. The prospect of more jobs and opportunities at home would result in fewer young people from Africa seeking their fortunes in Europe. Swiss companies could use their supply chains to push globalisation forward and have room to be more proactive. Re-globalisation is the order of the day.
The three parallel events that followed the opening focussed on different aspects of fair trade. Other highlights of the first day included a presentation by Thomas Zurbuchen, ETH Professor of Space Science and Technology, and the presentation of the IC Award by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.
IC Award for solar-powered energy solutions
The Swiss IC Award recognises the achievements of Swiss companies, SMEs and start-ups that are in the development phase and are contributing to overcoming global challenges. Out of ten finalists, this year’s first prize went to MPower, a company that is transforming rural communities in Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Namibia and Zambia by offering solar-powered energy solutions that go beyond the mere supply of electricity.
The private sector's contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine
Two main topics were on the agenda on the second day: a panel discussion with representatives from the private sector and NGOs addressed the question of how Switzerland's financial sector can contribute to sustainability goals. The reconstruction of Ukraine was the topic of a second panel discussion, which also highlighted the contribution that could be made by the private sector.
The day was opened by three ETH students under the banner of “Change of perspective”. Their projects exemplified how technology can be used to address inequalities: a hydrogel that stops excessive bleeding after childbirth could one day reduce the high maternal mortality rate in Africa. Tablets with learning programs are helping children with disabilities in rural areas of Kenya to learn. Intelligent traffic planning systems are helping to solve traffic problems in poor countries and develop sustainable cities.
Integration, inclusion and innovation
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis reminded the audience of the purpose of the Swiss Confederation: “It is committed to Switzerland's independence and security and to promoting democracy, human rights and peace between nations.” Switzerland's international cooperation serves to fight poverty and promote sustainable development. Accordingly, it is based on the three pillars – promotion of peace, development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
The Foreign Minister stated that he established the IC Forum in 2022 to create a space for discussion and to consolidate existing conferences on various topics. The “I” stands for integration, inclusion and innovation.
“International cooperation requires the involvement of all relevant federal departments in the interests of ensuring coherence, effectiveness and efficiency. The broad range of issues covered – poverty, employment, climate, governance and more – requires the involvement of a wide range of figures from academia, the private sector, NGOs and beyond. Discussions involving expertise from different fields foster innovation and enable creative solutions to be found to global challenges,” Cassis continued.
Finally, the Foreign Minister emphasised that Switzerland, like many nations, is committed to the rule of law, which should never be supplanted by the rule of power. He also highlighted the significance of multilateralism for Switzerland.