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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230608
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230609
DTSTAMP:20261020T173231Z
CREATED:20261015T202023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173231Z
UID:45099-1686182400-1686268799@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Swiss Economic Forum and meeting with Katalin Novák
DESCRIPTION:At the Kursaal in Interlaken\, Alain Berset opens the 25th Swiss Economic Forum\, owned by the NZZ\, before some 1\,350 business leaders. “Wir sind über alles informiert – aber wir fühlen uns zunehmend orientierungslos.” War in Europe\, the rise of authoritarian states and the erosion of the post-war liberal order leave Switzerland facing a clear choice: to defend international law\, on which a small\, open country depends. \nAt home\, he calls for restoring trust between business and politics\, lost since the 2008 financial crisis. He invokes Adam Smith\, born 300 years ago: the author of “The Wealth of Nations” also wrote “The Theory of Moral Sentiments”. “Keine Gesellschaft kann blühend und glücklich sein\, in der der weitaus grösste Teil der Mitglieder arm und elend ist.” He cites the near-monopolies of the digital giants and the weight of lobbies in healthcare. Then he answers questions from the moderator\, Urs Gredig. \nOn the sidelines of the forum\, he receives Hungarian President Katalin Novák\, a guest of the NZZ. He welcomes the good bilateral relations and recalls the 87 million francs of the second Swiss contribution from which Hungary benefits. He also expresses concern at the discriminatory restrictions faced by several Swiss companies in Hungary\, and calls for respect for the agreements and the protection of investments. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nSwiss Economic Forum 2023 (in German\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nPlattform J / Keystone-ATS\, 08.06.2023\nEmbassy of Switzerland in Hungary\, newsletter July 2023\ntio.ch / ATS\, 08.06.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/swiss-economic-forum-and-meeting-with-katalin-novak/
LOCATION:Interlaken
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230602
DTSTAMP:20261020T173231Z
CREATED:20261015T202020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173231Z
UID:45097-1685491200-1685663999@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:2nd Summit of the European Political Community
DESCRIPTION:At Mimi Castle in Bulboaca\, some twenty kilometres from the Ukrainian border\, the leaders of almost the entire continent hold the second summit of the European Political Community; only Russia and Belarus are not invited. Alain Berset represents Switzerland. The venue\, he says\, is a sign of solidarity with Ukraine and “ein sehr starkes Signal der Unterstützung für Moldau”. \nAfter the family photo\, he speaks briefly with Volodymyr Zelensky. He tells SRF that Ukraine knows the Swiss position: adoption of all sanctions against Russia\, humanitarian aid\, reception of refugees\, the Lugano conference on reconstruction. They also discuss the military situation and the Federal Council’s agreement to decommission 25 Leopard 2 tanks with a view to their resale to Germany. \n“Hier zu sein und Einigkeit zu demonstrieren\, ist sehr wichtig.” He argues for linking the European Political Community with the continent’s other forums\, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. \nWednesday 31 May 2023 — Chișinău\n\nMeeting with Maia Sandu\, President of the Republic of Moldova\nVisit to venues of the independent cultural scene: Casa Zemtsvei and Artcor Creative Hub\n\nThursday 1 June 2023 — Bulboaca\, Mimi Castle\n\nWelcome by Maia Sandu\nOpening ceremony of the summit and family photo\nMeeting with Volodymyr Zelensky\, President of Ukraine\nThematic round table on security\nWorking lunch of the heads of delegation\nMeeting with Pedro Sánchez\, President of the Government of Spain\nPress briefing for the Swiss media\n\nSources \n\nSRF\, interview\, 01.06.2023\nPlattform J / Keystone-ATS\, 01.06.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/2nd-summit-of-the-european-political-community/
LOCATION:Chișinău
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230522
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230524
DTSTAMP:20261020T173230Z
CREATED:20261015T202017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173230Z
UID:45095-1684713600-1684886399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Chairing the Security Council debate on the protection of civilians
DESCRIPTION:Switzerland holds the presidency of the UN Security Council in May. On 22 May\, at UN headquarters\, Alain Berset opens “Digital Dilemmas”\, a multimedia experience organised by Switzerland and the ICRC\, with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Some 75 guests\, including Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. Visitors put themselves in the place of a civilian or a humanitarian worker facing the digital risks of war: disinformation\, surveillance\, personal data that turn civilians into targets. “How would you decide?” \nOn 23 May\, he chairs the Security Council’s high-level open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict\, with António Guterres\, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger and a civil society representative from the Lake Chad Basin. “We have the legal\, political and operational instruments to protect civilians from armed conflict.” He refers to Resolutions 2417 (2018)\, which condemns the use of starvation as a weapon\, and 2573 (2021)\, on civilian infrastructure. \nHe proposes five avenues: stop attacks on indispensable objects\, guarantee full and unimpeded humanitarian access\, hold accountable those who starve civilians\, fully involve women\, protect the population when peace missions withdraw. In conflict\, shortages of water\, food and care kill more people than the fighting itself. \nMonday 22 May 2023 — New York\n\nVisit and official opening of the exhibition “Digital Dilemmas” at UN headquarters\, with Amina Mohammed and Mirjana Spoljaric Egger\n\nTuesday 23 May 2023 — New York\n\nPress briefing for the Swiss media\nMeeting with António Guterres\, UN Secretary-General\nChairing of the high-level open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict\nPress statement outside the Security Council chamber\nMeeting with George Vella\, President of Malta\nHigh-level lunch on the protection of civilians\, with the presidents of Malta and Mozambique among others; exchange with Mauro Vieira\, Brazilian Foreign Minister\n\nSpeeches on this site \n\nProtection des civils dans les conflits armés (in French\, French-language page)\nExposition « Digital Dilemmas » au siège des Nations Unies (in English\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 17.05.2023\nSwitzerland on the Security Council\, 23.05.2023\nSwitzerland on the Security Council\, “Digital Dilemmas”\, 22.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/chairing-the-security-council-debate-on-the-protection-of-civilians/
LOCATION:New York
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230522
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230523
DTSTAMP:20261020T173230Z
CREATED:20261015T202013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173230Z
UID:45093-1684713600-1684799999@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Opening of the 19th Congress of the World Meteorological Organization
DESCRIPTION:At the Geneva International Conference Centre\, Alain Berset opens the 19th World Meteorological Congress\, the WMO’s supreme body. The organisation is celebrating 150 years since its predecessor\, the International Meteorological Organization. Before the session\, he meets the Secretary-General\, Petteri Taalas. \nThe congress centres on the UN initiative “Early Warnings for All”: protecting every person on the planet with an early warning system by 2027. “We need a strong World Meteorological Organization. We need meteorological services at the national level which also must be strong. They are the spine of WMO.” He welcomes the organisation’s reforms and presents the Swiss pilot project “Weather4UN”\, run by MeteoSwiss\, which provides forecasts to humanitarian organisations. \nThe same day\, he flies to New York\, where Switzerland holds the presidency of the Security Council. \nSpeeches on this site \n\n19e congrès de l’Organisation météorologique mondiale (OMM) (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 22.05.2023\nWMO\, 22.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/opening-of-the-19th-congress-of-the-world-meteorological-organization/
LOCATION:Genève
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230521
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230522
DTSTAMP:20261020T173230Z
CREATED:20261015T202010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173230Z
UID:45091-1684627200-1684713599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Opening of the 76th World Health Assembly
DESCRIPTION:At the Palais des Nations\, Alain Berset opens the 76th World Health Assembly on behalf of the host country. The WHO is 75 years old; on 5 May\, it declared the end of Covid-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. Theme of the Assembly: “WHO at 75: saving lives\, driving health for all”. \nHe recalls the organisation’s successes\, from the eradication of smallpox to the retreat of polio\, and its failures. He supports the first increase in assessed contributions\, the negotiation of an international instrument on pandemic prevention and the revision of the International Health Regulations. He presents the Health for Peace initiative\, led with the Sultanate of Oman. He quotes Saint-Exupéry: “It is not a matter of foreseeing the future but of making it possible.” \nThe same Assembly designates Switzerland to sit on the WHO Executive Board from May 2023 to May 2026. In the late afternoon\, Switzerland’s traditional reception at WHO headquarters also celebrates the organisation’s 75th anniversary\, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and former Director-General Gro Harlem Brundtland. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nOuverture de la 76e Assemblée mondiale de la santé (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 21.05.2023\nSwiss Mission in Geneva\, 22.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/opening-of-the-76th-world-health-assembly/
LOCATION:Genève
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230517
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230521
DTSTAMP:20261020T173229Z
CREATED:20261015T202006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173229Z
UID:45089-1684281600-1684627199@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Architecture Biennale: Swiss Pavilion and Davos Baukultur Alliance
DESCRIPTION:At the 18th Architecture Biennale\, “The Laboratory of the Future”\, Alain Berset inaugurates the Swiss Pavilion on 18 May. The project “Neighbours”\, by the artist Karin Sander and the art historian Philip Ursprung\, both professors at ETH Zurich\, takes down part of the wall separating Bruno Giacometti’s pavilion (1952) from its Venezuelan neighbour\, designed by Carlo Scarpa. Walls have a bad reputation\, he says: they reinforce differences and create misunderstandings. The pavilion asks another question: what is closer to us than what lies on the other side of the wall? \nOn 19 May\, at the Palazzo Zorzi\, home of UNESCO’s regional office\, he opens the first public event of the Davos Baukultur Alliance\, launched in Davos in January: “Creating Vibrant Communities for All – Spotlight on Affordability”. The Federal Office of Culture\, the World Economic Forum and UNESCO organise it. Alejandro Aravena\, Christian Benimana\, Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu present projects\, then the members of the Alliance debate high-quality\, affordable building. \nOn the sidelines\, he holds talks with Austrian Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler and with the Italian Minister of Culture\, Gennaro Sangiuliano. \nThursday 18 May 2023 — Venice\, Giardini\n\nVisit to the Swiss Pavilion with Karin Sander and Philip Ursprung\nOfficial inauguration of the Swiss Pavilion “Neighbours”\, addresses by Philippe Bischof (Pro Helvetia) and Alain Berset\nVisit to national pavilions in the Giardini\nExchange with Werner Kogler\, Vice-Chancellor of Austria\, at the Austrian Pavilion\nSwiss Biennale reception\, on the Giudecca\n\nFriday 19 May 2023 — Venice\, Palazzo Zorzi and Arsenale\n\nOpening speech at the Davos Baukultur Alliance event\, at UNESCO’s regional office\nVisit to the main exhibition at the Arsenale\nMeeting with Gennaro Sangiuliano\, Italian Minister of Culture\n\nSpeeches on this site \n\nArchitecture Biennale\n\nSources \n\nswissinfo.ch / Keystone-ATS\, 18.05.2023\nDavos Baukultur Alliance\, Venice 19–20.05.2023\nUNESCO via IFACCA\, 22.06.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/architecture-biennale-swiss-pavilion-and-davos-baukultur-alliance/
LOCATION:Venise
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230517
DTSTAMP:20261020T173229Z
CREATED:20261015T202003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173229Z
UID:45087-1684108800-1684281599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe
DESCRIPTION:For the fourth time in 74 years\, the heads of state and government of the Council of Europe’s 46 member states meet\, in Reykjavik\, at the Harpa. Alain Berset leads the Swiss delegation. The summit responds to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: it creates a register of damage caused by Russia\, adopts a declaration on Ukrainian children and the “Reykjavik Principles for Democracy”. \nAlain Berset signs a declaration of intent for the register of damage on the spot; the Federal Council decides on Switzerland’s accession on 30 August 2023. He defends Swiss priorities: political support for the system of the European Convention on Human Rights\, Council of Europe expertise on climate and artificial intelligence\, closer links with the Geneva organisations. State Secretary Livia Leu represents Switzerland on the second day. \nBefore the summit\, he holds talks with Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir\, mainly on climate and cooperation within EFTA. At Hellisheiði\, he visits two carbon capture and storage projects that link the two countries: the Orca plant of the Swiss company Climeworks and ETH Zurich’s DemoUpCarma project\, which ships CO2 from a Swiss wastewater treatment plant for storage underground in Iceland. The Confederation funds about 50% of DemoUpCarma. \nTuesday 16 May 2023 — Hellisheiði and Reykjavik\n\nVisit to the Carbfix / DemoUpCarma injection site and Climeworks’ Orca plant\nMeeting with Katrín Jakobsdóttir\, Prime Minister of Iceland\nWelcome of the heads of state and government at the Harpa by the Prime Minister and Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić\nOpening session of the summit “United around our values”\, family photo\nCo-chairing\, with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou\, of the round table “Safeguarding democracy in difficult times”\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 12.05.2023\nFederal Council\, press release of 07.09.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/4th-summit-of-heads-of-state-and-government-of-the-council-of-europe/
LOCATION:Reykjavik
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230509
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230510
DTSTAMP:20261020T173229Z
CREATED:20261015T202001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173229Z
UID:45085-1683590400-1683676799@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:60 years of Switzerland in the Council of Europe: Parliamentary Assembly conference
DESCRIPTION:The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe holds a conference in Berne\, three days after the 60th anniversary of Switzerland’s accession. Alain Berset speaks at the reception given for the anniversary\, a week before the Reykjavik summit. \nThe war in Ukraine “is shaking the values defended by the Council of Europe”. He repeats the Freedom House figure: 20% of humanity lives in democracy\, against 50% ten years earlier. And he names an internal drift: member states apply the judgments of the Court and the recommendations of the organisation “selectively”\, and use their contributions as “a means of political pressure”. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nConférence de l’Assemblée parlementaire du Conseil de l’Europe à Berne (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, speech of 09.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/60-years-of-switzerland-in-the-council-of-europe-parliamentary-assembly-conference/
LOCATION:Berne
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230505
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230507
DTSTAMP:20261020T173228Z
CREATED:20261015T201958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173228Z
UID:45083-1683244800-1683417599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Coronation of King Charles III
DESCRIPTION:Alain Berset represents Switzerland at the coronation of Charles III and Queen Camilla. On the evening of 5 May\, the King receives the heads of state and foreign delegations at Buckingham Palace. \nOn 6 May\, coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey\, followed by a reception hosted by the British Foreign Secretary. \nOn the Friday evening\, at Buckingham\, he is able to speak directly with the King. Charles III\, who has long skied in Klosters\, tells him of his attachment to Switzerland: “Ich habe gespürt\, dass er von der Gastfreundschaft\, die er bei uns immer erfährt\, gerührt ist.” On the Saturday\, he congratulates the royal couple “with best wishes for a long and happy reign”. \nFriday 5 May 2023 — London\n\nReception by King Charles III for heads of state and foreign delegations\, Buckingham Palace\n\nSaturday 6 May 2023 — London\n\nCoronation ceremony\, Westminster Abbey\nReception hosted by the Foreign Secretary\, Church House\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 02.05.2023\nBlick (ATS)\, 05.05.2023\nswissinfo.ch\, 06.05.2023\nNau.ch (Keystone-ATS)\, 06.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/coronation-of-king-charles-iii/
LOCATION:Londres
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230505
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230506
DTSTAMP:20261020T173228Z
CREATED:20261015T201956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173228Z
UID:45081-1683244800-1683331199@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Europe Day: message from the President of the Swiss Confederation
DESCRIPTION:Written message for Europe Day\, which marks the Council of Europe every 5 May. Switzerland joined it on 6 May 1963: sixty years the following day. Alain Berset recalls what membership has brought Switzerland\, the modernisation of the rule of law and human rights\, and the central instrument: the European Convention on Human Rights and the right of individual application to the Court. \nInternational law “protects small states by obliging the larger ones to respect rules defined in common”. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a flagrant violation of it. He announces Switzerland’s commitment at the Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik on 16 and 17 May. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nJournée de l’Europe (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, message of 05.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/europe-day-message-from-the-president-of-the-swiss-confederation/
LOCATION:Berne
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230430
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230502
DTSTAMP:20261020T173228Z
CREATED:20261015T201953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173228Z
UID:45079-1682812800-1682985599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:State visit by the President of Botswana\, Mokgweetsi Masisi
DESCRIPTION:A return visit: in February\, Alain Berset had attended a kgotla\, the traditional Botswanan assembly. On Sunday 30 April\, the two presidents attend the Landsgemeinde of Appenzell Innerrhoden together\, then visit the Kunsthalle Appenzell\, a former brickworks. \nOn 1 May in Berne\, the Federal Council receives President Masisi and his wife Neo Jane Masisi. Talks with Alain Berset\, Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis\, then signing of a declaration of intent on future cooperation\, in particular in health\, culture and the economy. Also on the agenda: the African Continental Free Trade Area\, the EFTA–SACU agreement\, the war in Ukraine and its effects on Africa. \nIn his speech\, Alain Berset compares kgotlas and Landsgemeinden and cites Freedom House: the share of humanity living in democracy has fallen from 50% to 20% in ten years. Gala dinner at the Bernerhof. \nSunday 30 April 2023 — Appenzell\n\nLandsgemeinde of Appenzell Innerrhoden with President Masisi\nVisit to the Kunsthalle Appenzell\n\nMonday 1 May 2023 — Berne\n\nOfficial welcome by the Federal Council\nTalks with the Federal Council delegation (Alain Berset\, Guy Parmelin\, Ignazio Cassis)\nSigning of a Switzerland–Botswana declaration of intent\nGala dinner at the Bernerhof\, speech\n\nSpeeches on this site \n\nVisite d’État du Président du Botswana\, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 01.05.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/state-visit-by-the-president-of-botswana-mokgweetsi-masisi/
LOCATION:Berne
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230426
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230427
DTSTAMP:20261020T173228Z
CREATED:20261015T201950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173228Z
UID:45077-1682467200-1682553599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Federal Council extra muros meeting in Winterthur
DESCRIPTION:For its 18th meeting outside Berne\, the second in the canton of Zurich\, the Federal Council meets in Winterthur\, the town chosen by the President of the Swiss Confederation. It arrives by train and holds its meeting at the Kunstmuseum. \nAlain Berset gives the press briefing there\, in the middle of Oscar Tuazon’s exhibition: culture is “kein Luxus\, kein Nice-to-have”\, it helps us know “wer wir sind und was uns verbindet”. The Federal Council then meets the Zurich cantonal government and the Winterthur municipal council. \nIn front of the Stadthaus\, several hundred residents await the federal councillors. Alain Berset speaks of Saint Alban\, the town’s patron saint\, who carries his head on his forearms and keeps silent: “Sankt Albanus wäre der perfekte Bundesrats-Sprecher.” Then he recalls Winterthur’s role in the democratic movement that gave Switzerland its direct democracy. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nConseil fédéral extra muros à Winterthour : point de presse (in German\, French-language page)\nConseil fédéral extra muros à Winterthour : rencontre avec la population (in German\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nCanton of Zurich\, press release of 26.04.2023\nNau.ch\, April 2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/federal-council-extra-muros-meeting-in-winterthur/
LOCATION:Winterthour
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230418
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230419
DTSTAMP:20261020T173227Z
CREATED:20261015T201945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173227Z
UID:45075-1681776000-1681862399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Visit by Louise Mushikiwabo\, Secretary General of La Francophonie
DESCRIPTION:On the evening of his return from Berlin\, Alain Berset receives Louise Mushikiwabo at the University of Fribourg; she was re-elected head of the International Organisation of La Francophonie at the Djerba summit in November 2022. Switzerland is the OIF’s third-largest donor\, on a par with the Wallonia-Brussels Federation; its statutory contribution is 4.1 million francs in 2023. \nLouise Mushikiwabo presents the next stage of her reform and her vision of a Francophonie that is “connected\, competitive and united”. Alain Berset confirms Swiss support and proposes extending cooperation to support for electoral processes and to the international governance of digital technology\, drawing on International Geneva. He also proposes deepening joint work on multilingualism. \nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 18.04.2023\nswissinfo.ch\, 19.04.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/visit-by-louise-mushikiwabo-secretary-general-of-la-francophonie/
LOCATION:Fribourg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230418
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230419
DTSTAMP:20261020T173227Z
CREATED:20261015T201943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173227Z
UID:45073-1681776000-1681862399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Inaugural visit to Berlin: Olaf Scholz and Frank-Walter Steinmeier
DESCRIPTION:First visit to Berlin of the presidential year. Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Alain Berset with military honours at the Chancellery. One-to-one talks\, then talks between the delegations\, then a joint press conference. In the afternoon\, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier receives him at Bellevue Palace for talks and lunch. \nThree topics: the war in Ukraine\, European policy\, the UN. Before the press\, he condemns the Russian aggression “in aller Schärfe” and puts a figure on Swiss aid: Switzerland has decided “die Ukraine in den nächsten Jahren stark zu unterstützen\, nämlich mit mindestens 1\,8 Milliarden Franken”. On the EU\, he refers to the momentum of the exploratory talks and the agreement on the sectoral approach. He presents Switzerland’s priorities on the Security Council and learns about the “climate club” launched by Germany. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nPoint de presse avec le chancelier fédéral Olaf Scholz (in German\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 18.04.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/inaugural-visit-to-berlin-olaf-scholz-and-frank-walter-steinmeier/
LOCATION:Berlin
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230412
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230417
DTSTAMP:20261020T173227Z
CREATED:20261015T201940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173227Z
UID:45071-1681257600-1681689599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Presidential visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
DESCRIPTION:Switzerland sits on the Security Council and is to chair a debate there in May on the protection of civilians in conflict. The DRC is the second stage of this preparation\, after Mozambique in February. On 13 April\, in Kinshasa\, Alain Berset holds lengthy talks with President Félix Tshisekedi: the situation in the east\, MONUSCO\, to which Switzerland contributes police officers and deminers\, the country’s territorial integrity in the face of foreign actors. At the press briefing: “We want to focus on those who are the first victims of insecurity.” The same day\, he is received at the Palais du Peuple by the bureaus of the National Assembly and the Senate\, chaired by Christophe Mboso and Modeste Bahati Lukwebo. \nThen the east. On the 14th\, in Goma\, he visits a camp for internally displaced persons; the M23 rebellion has driven out hundreds of thousands of people since late 2021. On the 15th\, in Bukavu\, he meets the South Kivu authorities and Swiss cooperation partners\, and holds talks with Denis Mukwege\, Nobel Peace Prize laureate\, at his Panzi hospital. At a vocational training centre supported by Switzerland\, he tells the apprentices that training turns population growth “into a genuine economic dividend”. \nOn the 16th\, back in Goma: meeting with the Swiss serving with MONUSCO and tribute to the peacekeepers who fell in the DRC. \nWednesday 12 April 2023 — Kinshasa\n\nWelcome by Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde\nDinner with President Félix Tshisekedi\n\nThursday 13 April 2023 — Kinshasa\n\nMilitary honours at the Palais de la Nation\nMeeting with President Félix Tshisekedi\, followed by a joint press briefing\nOfficial lunch\nReception at the Palais du Peuple by the bureaus of the National Assembly and the Senate\nMeeting with Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo at Notre-Dame Cathedral\nVisit to the Académie des Beaux-Arts\nExchange with the ICRC and UN agencies\nMeeting with the Swiss community\n\nFriday 14 April 2023 — Goma and Bukavu\n\nMeeting with the Governor of North Kivu\, Constant Ndima Kongba\nVisit to a camp for internally displaced persons\nMeeting with the Governor of South Kivu\, Théo Ngwabidje Kasi\n\nSaturday 15 April 2023 — Bukavu\n\nMeeting with Denis Mukwege\, Nobel Peace Prize laureate\nExchange with MONUSCO\, UNDP\, WFP and OCHA\nVisit to Panzi hospital\nExchange with the partners of the peace and human rights programme\nVisit to the CAPA vocational training centre (PROMOST programme\, Swisscontact) and speech\nVisit to the Centrale des médicaments and meeting with survivors of sexual violence\nPress briefing\nMeeting with Swiss cooperation partners\n\nSunday 16 April 2023 — Goma\n\nExchange with MONUSCO on disarmament and the protection of civilians\, with Khassim Diagne\, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General\nWreath-laying in tribute to the peacekeepers who fell in the DRC\nMeeting with the Swiss serving with MONUSCO\nPress briefing\n\nSpeeches on this site \n\nAssemblée nationale de la République démocratique du Congo (in French\, French-language page)\nVisite du programme PROMOST à Bukavu (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 16.04.2023\nFederal Council\, press release of 12.04.2023\nActualite.cd\, 14.04.2023\nAfricanews\, 13.04.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/presidential-visit-to-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/
LOCATION:Kinshasa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230403
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230404
DTSTAMP:20261020T173227Z
CREATED:20261015T201936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173227Z
UID:45069-1680480000-1680566399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Visit by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees\, Filippo Grandi
DESCRIPTION:Alain Berset receives Filippo Grandi\, UN High Commissioner for Refugees\, in Berne. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider receives him separately. The two men welcome the cooperation between Switzerland and UNHCR\, which has its headquarters in Geneva. \nAlain Berset stresses the need to tackle what drives people into exile. They discuss Switzerland’s priorities on the Security Council and the second Global Refugee Forum\, which Switzerland and UNHCR are organising together in Geneva in December. In 2022\, Switzerland’s contribution to UNHCR was 58 million francs\, 40% more than the previous year. \nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 03.04.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/visit-by-the-un-high-commissioner-for-refugees-filippo-grandi/
LOCATION:Berne
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230330
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230331
DTSTAMP:20261020T173226Z
CREATED:20261015T201934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173226Z
UID:45067-1680134400-1680220799@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Interpharma’s 90th anniversary
DESCRIPTION:In Basel\, Interpharma\, the association of Switzerland’s research-based pharmaceutical companies\, celebrates its 90th anniversary. Alain Berset speaks as President of the Swiss Confederation and health minister. The American economist Elizabeth Teisberg gives the opening lecture; René Buholzer\, Director of Interpharma\, names relations with the EU and the slow digitalisation of healthcare as urgent issues. \nHe does not hide the tension: “Das Verhältnis von Pharmaindustrie und Gesundheitsminister ist ja bekanntlich etwas kompliziert.” He recounts a 1939 quarrel over headache tablets at the Landi pavilion\, then: “Willkommen in meiner Welt! Willkommen in der Schweizer Gesundheitspolitik!” \nOn substance: the price of medicines\, which has risen faster than other costs of basic insurance; supply shortages\, which the Federal Council is examining; the DigiSanté programme for health data\, to be submitted to Parliament in 2024. \nSpeeches on this site \n\n90 ans d’Interpharma (in German\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nInterpharma\, press release of 30.03.2023 (pressetext)
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/interpharmas-90th-anniversary/
LOCATION:Bâle
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230329
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230330
DTSTAMP:20261020T173226Z
CREATED:20261015T201931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173226Z
UID:45065-1680048000-1680134399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Centenary of the customs treaty between Switzerland and Liechtenstein
DESCRIPTION:The customs union treaty was signed on 29 March 1923 by Giuseppe Motta and the Liechtenstein negotiator Emil Beck. A hundred years later to the day\, the Government of Liechtenstein holds a ceremony in Schaan. Beforehand\, at Vaduz Castle\, Alain Berset holds talks with Hereditary Prince Alois: the war in Ukraine\, the two countries’ commitment in international forums\, Switzerland’s relations with the EU. \nAt the ceremony\, he and the Hereditary Prince speak\, along with government councillors from Liechtenstein\, St. Gallen and Graubünden. He begins with the anthems: “Hymnentechnisch könnten wir glatt fusionieren.” Then the substance: the treaty was concluded against economic and denominational prejudice\, on both sides of the Rhine. Today\, more than 56% of people employed in Liechtenstein are cross-border commuters\, two thirds of them live in Switzerland\, and some hundred agreements bind the two countries. \nHis conclusion: “Der Zollvertrag war schon bei seinem Entstehen eine Absage an eng verstandene und kleinliche Interessen.” \nSpeeches on this site \n\n100 Jahre Zollvertrag Liechtenstein-Schweiz (in German\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 29.03.2023\nliechtenstein.li\, 30.03.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/centenary-of-the-customs-treaty-between-switzerland-and-liechtenstein/
LOCATION:Schaan
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230329
DTSTAMP:20261020T173226Z
CREATED:20261015T201928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173226Z
UID:45063-1679961600-1680047999@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:UN Security Council: debate on counter-terrorism in Africa
DESCRIPTION:High-level debate of the Security Council on terrorist threats and cooperation between the UN and regional organisations\, at the invitation of Mozambique and chaired by its head of state\, Filipe Nyusi. Secretary-General António Guterres and the Chairperson of the African Union\, Azali Assoumani\, also speak. Alain Berset speaks in French. \nHis argument: terrorism thrives on conflict\, and Africa bears the brunt of its spread. To break the cycle\, four elements: the rule of law\, prevention\, partnerships\, inclusion. Counter-terrorism operations cannot serve as a pretext to set aside the rules that protect civilians\, nor to sideline political opponents. Children associated with terrorist groups are victims. All of this “in full respect of international law\, because otherwise we would betray our own values”. \nThe debate also serves as a rehearsal: Switzerland holds the Council presidency in May. On the sidelines of the meeting\, he holds talks with several heads of state\, including Filipe Nyusi\, and gives a press briefing. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nConseil de sécurité : menaces contre la paix et la sécurité internationales résultant d’actes de terrorisme (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 28.03.2023\nUnited Nations\, verbatim record S/PV.9296\, 28.03.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/un-security-council-debate-on-counter-terrorism-in-africa/
LOCATION:New York
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230324
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230325
DTSTAMP:20261020T173225Z
CREATED:20261015T201925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173225Z
UID:45061-1679616000-1679702399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Swiss Film Award 2023: honorary award to Ruth Waldburger
DESCRIPTION:At the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva\, Alain Berset presents the Swiss Film Award honorary prize to the producer Ruth Waldburger. With her company Vega Film\, she has produced eleven films by Jean-Luc Godard since 1988\, but also Alain Tanner\, Ursula Meier\, Alain Resnais\, Leos Carax. “Johnny Suede”\, which she co-produced\, gave Brad Pitt his first leading role. \nHe opens his laudatio on “the first Swiss Film Awards of the year 1 after JLG”\, a few months after the deaths of Godard and Alain Tanner. He recalls that she started out as a receptionist-trainee with Tanner. In German\, he talks about money: the revision of the Film Act\, accepted at the ballot box in 2022\, requires streaming platforms to invest 4% of their revenue in Swiss production. \nThe Quartz for best fiction film goes to “Drii Winter” by Michael Koch\, that for best documentary to “Cascadeuses” by Elena Avdija. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nPrix du cinéma suisse 2023 : prix d’honneur à Ruth Waldburger (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nBlick\, 24.03.2023\nswissinfo.ch\, 28.02.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/swiss-film-award-2023-honorary-award-to-ruth-waldburger/
LOCATION:Genève
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230317
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230318
DTSTAMP:20261020T173225Z
CREATED:20261015T201922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173225Z
UID:45059-1679011200-1679097599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Opening of the 37th Fribourg International Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:The FIFF opens its 37th edition with a sold-out ceremony\, staged as a restaurant dinner. Alain Berset is one of the seven guests on stage\, with Thierry Steiert\, Mayor of Fribourg\, Mathieu Fleury and Marine Jordan for the association\, and Thierry Jobin\, Artistic Director. Opening film: “Umami” by Slony Sow\, with Gérard Depardieu and Pierre Richard\, a Swiss premiere. \nHis address is a series of toasts\, in tune with the new section devoted to the pleasures of the table. To Plato and Socrates\, to Georges Méliès\, to the turkeys “systematically forgotten by the FIFF”. Then to Claude Goretta’s “L’invitation”\, released in 1973\, in which two visions of Switzerland clash. The last glass goes to the festival\, which “quenches our thirst for curiosity and revives our hunger for debate”. \nOn the programme: 99 films from 52 countries. More than 10\,600 pupils take part in the Planète Cinéma schools programme. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nOuverture du 37e Festival international de films de Fribourg (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFIFF\, opening press release of 17.03.2023 (EN)
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/opening-of-the-37th-fribourg-international-film-festival/
LOCATION:Fribourg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230316
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230317
DTSTAMP:20261020T173225Z
CREATED:20261015T202353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173225Z
UID:45195-1678924800-1679011199@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Opening of the exhibition “Zum Geburtstag viel Recht” at the Swiss National Museum
DESCRIPTION:At the Swiss National Museum in Zurich\, Alain Berset opens the exhibition “Zum Geburtstag viel Recht. 175 Jahre Bundesverfassung”\, devoted to fundamental rights. Four interactive games let visitors test naturalisation\, the limits of free speech\, the protection of privacy and the right to a fair trial. \nHis speech starts from John Dewey in 1939: democracy is not a perpetual-motion machine. The 1848 Constitution was written in 51 days\, a speed “die in Bundesbern seither nie wieder erreicht wurde”. Without fundamental rights\, he says\, there is no freedom\, no dignity\, no protection against an overreaching state; the exhibition shows this “mit spielerischem Ernst”. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nOuverture de l’exposition « CH Lab » au Musée national suisse (in German\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nSwiss National Museum\, press release of March 2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/opening-of-the-exhibition-zum-geburtstag-viel-recht-at-the-swiss-national-museum/
LOCATION:Zurich
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230310
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230311
DTSTAMP:20261020T173225Z
CREATED:20261015T201918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173225Z
UID:45057-1678406400-1678492799@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH)
DESCRIPTION:Alain Berset speaks at the FIFDH in Geneva\, during the session of the Human Rights Council. He starts from the words Charlie Chaplin dictated on 5 June 1940 for the final speech of “The Great Dictator”: “Reason. Happiness. Kindness. Humanity.” Then he links cinema and the 1948 Universal Declaration\, signed at the Palais de Chaillot\, which once housed the Cinémathèque française. \nHe pays tribute to Alain Tanner\, who died in September 2022\, co-founder of the Ciné-club universitaire de Genève\, who “reinvented Swiss cinema”. He speaks of Ukraine\, “which has become a tragic backdrop of death and violence”. And concludes: promoting threatened rights and preserving a film heritage “is also a duty of remembrance”. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nFestival du film et forum international sur les droits humains (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 11.03.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/international-film-festival-and-forum-on-human-rights-fifdh/
LOCATION:Genève
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230305
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230308
DTSTAMP:20261020T173224Z
CREATED:20261015T201915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173224Z
UID:45055-1677974400-1678233599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) and Security Council
DESCRIPTION:Alain Berset leads the Swiss delegation to the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women\, devoted to innovation\, technological change and education in the digital age. On 6 March\, in the general debate\, he quotes Simone de Beauvoir: “Nothing is ever permanently won. A political\, economic or religious crisis will be enough for women’s rights to be called into question.” Crises\, he says\, hit women first. Digital technology helps them\, but also reproduces bias through discriminatory algorithms and feeds online violence. In Switzerland\, women account for only 37% of graduates in science subjects. \nOn 7 March\, he speaks at the Security Council open debate on women\, peace and security\, under the Mozambican presidency: “lasting peace will be built by and with women\, or will simply not exist”. He recalls that Switzerland adopted a national action plan for Resolution 1325 as early as 2007\, and asks that the Council’s mandates be translated into budget\, staff and policy. \nThe same day\, he opens the ministerial round table on inclusive innovation and safe digital spaces\, then brings together his German-speaking counterparts responsible for equality at the Swiss mission: Lisa Paus (Germany)\, Susanne Raab (Austria)\, Taina Bofferding (Luxembourg) and Manuel Frick (Liechtenstein). \nSunday 5 March 2023 — New York\n\nHigh-level reception at the Swiss residence\, in the presence of Sima Bahous\, Executive Director of UN Women\, address by Alain Berset\n\nMonday 6 March 2023 — New York\n\nOpening of the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women\nSpeech in the Commission’s general debate\nVisit to the Swiss Institute\nReceptions hosted by the Prime Minister of Iceland and the European Union delegation\n\nTuesday 7 March 2023 — New York\n\nSpeech at the Security Council open debate “Women\, peace and security”\nOpening speech at the ministerial round table on innovation and safe digital spaces\nMeeting of German-speaking ministers for equality at the Swiss mission\nPress briefing\n\nSpeeches on this site \n\n67e session de la Commission de la condition de la femme (in French\, French-language page)\nConseil de sécurité : débat ouvert sur les femmes\, la paix et la sécurité (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 06.03.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/commission-on-the-status-of-women-csw67-and-security-council/
LOCATION:New York
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230227
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230228
DTSTAMP:20261020T173224Z
CREATED:20261015T201911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173224Z
UID:45053-1677456000-1677542399@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Meeting of German-speaking ministers of culture
DESCRIPTION:At the invitation of Luxembourg’s Minister of Culture\, Sam Tanson\, the ministers of culture of the German-speaking countries and regions meet in Luxembourg: Germany with Claudia Roth\, Austria with Andrea Mayer\, Liechtenstein with Manuel Frick\, the German-speaking Community of Belgium with Isabelle Weykmans\, and Switzerland with Alain Berset. Working session at the Ministry of Culture\, round table on the situation in each country. \nAlain Berset then has a one-to-one meeting with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. He is received in audience by Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace\, then joins the ministers at Mudam\, the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art\, to visit the exhibition “Face-à-face”. \nThe ministers discuss the ecological transition in culture: energy adaptations\, sustainable development of built heritage\, environmentally responsible cultural activities. On the sidelines of the meeting\, Sam Tanson signs the Davos Baukultur Alliance\, launched by Switzerland in January\, on behalf of Luxembourg. \nMonday 27 February 2023 — Luxembourg\n\nWorking session of the German-speaking ministers of culture at the Ministry of Culture\nOne-to-one meeting with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel\nAudience with Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace\nVisit to the exhibition “Face-à-face\, Two collections in dialogue” at Mudam with the ministers\n\nSources \n\nGovernment of Luxembourg\, Ministry of Culture\, press release of 27.02.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/meeting-of-german-speaking-ministers-of-culture/
LOCATION:Luxembourg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230223
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230225
DTSTAMP:20261020T173224Z
CREATED:20261015T201908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173224Z
UID:45051-1677110400-1677283199@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:5th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety
DESCRIPTION:With the support of the WHO\, Switzerland hosts the 5th “Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety” in Montreux\, postponed since 2020 because of the pandemic. More than 600 experts and nearly 80 delegations\, including some thirty health ministers. The WHO Director-General\, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus\, attends. Theme: “Less Harm\, Better Care – from Resolution to Implementation”. \nAlain Berset welcomes the ministers at the dinner on 23 February\, opens the ministerial day on the 24th and leads the round table. The ministers agree that\, despite progress\, further efforts are needed to guarantee safe\, high-quality care for all patients. The lessons of Covid-19 must serve to build more resilient health systems; the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 remains the roadmap. Chile will host the next summit. \nThursday 23 February 2023 — Montreux\n\nMinisterial dinner\, opening address by Alain Berset\n\nFriday 24 February 2023 — Montreux\n\nOpening speech of the ministerial day\, followed by the address by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus\nMinisterial panel on implementing global action for patient safety\nPress briefing with the WHO Director-General\nMinisters’ round table\, chaired by Alain Berset\nClosing address and handover to Chile\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 24.02.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/5th-global-ministerial-summit-on-patient-safety/
LOCATION:Montreux
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230213
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230214
DTSTAMP:20261020T173224Z
CREATED:20261015T201906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173224Z
UID:45049-1676246400-1676332799@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Courtesy visit by Volker Türk\, High Commissioner for Human Rights
DESCRIPTION:Alain Berset receives Volker Türk\, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since October 2022\, for a courtesy visit. He praises the work of the Office of the High Commissioner in countries affected by conflict and crisis. The two men agree on the role of human rights in development and conflict prevention\, and on closer cooperation during Switzerland’s mandate on the Security Council. \nThe same day\, Ignazio Cassis receives the High Commissioner for a working session. In 2022\, Switzerland paid 10 million francs to the Office of the High Commissioner\, 26% more than the previous year. \nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 13.02.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/courtesy-visit-by-volker-turk-high-commissioner-for-human-rights/
LOCATION:Berne
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230208
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230211
DTSTAMP:20261020T173223Z
CREATED:20261015T201904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173223Z
UID:45047-1675814400-1676073599@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Presidential visit to Mozambique
DESCRIPTION:In Maputo\, Alain Berset holds talks with President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi. Mozambique has been a priority country for Swiss cooperation since 1979; Switzerland played a central role in the 2019 peace agreement between Frelimo and Renamo. The two countries sit together on the Security Council in 2023 and 2024 and want to bring joint initiatives there\, notably on water and access to basic services in conflict zones. They also welcome their cooperation on the restitution of illicit assets. \nOn 9 February\, with President Nyusi\, he travels to Cabo Delgado province\, where violent extremism has left almost 1.5 million people dependent on humanitarian aid. In Mueda\, he visits the Eduardo Mondlane camp\, home to more than 2\,000 displaced families. In Pemba\, he discusses the peace process with UN representatives\, including the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy\, Mirko Manzoni\, a former Swiss ambassador who led the 2019 negotiations. \nThe trip prepares the debate he will chair in May at the Security Council on the protection of civilians. A month later\, before the same Council\, he returns to it: his exchanges in Mozambique confirmed to him that women “are committed to peace\, both within their communities and at national level”. \nWednesday 8 February 2023 — Maputo\n\nWelcome by Foreign Minister Verónica Macamo\nWreath-laying at the monument in Mozambican Heroes Square\nOfficial reception at the presidential palace\, meeting with President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi\, followed by talks between the delegations\nJoint press briefing\nState dinner\n\nThursday 9 February 2023 — Cabo Delgado\n\nFlight to Pemba and Mueda with President Nyusi\nVisit to the Mueda interpretation centre (museum)\nVisit to the Eduardo Mondlane camp for displaced persons with UNFPA and UNHCR\nMeeting in Pemba on the peace process with former combatants\, local authorities and the team of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy\nCultural evening with young artists at Maputo’s old railway station\n\nFriday 10 February 2023 — Maputo\n\nMeeting with representatives of Swiss companies\nMeeting with the Swiss community and embassy staff\nDeparture ceremony\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 10.02.2023\nFederal Council\, press release of 02.02.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/presidential-visit-to-mozambique/
LOCATION:Maputo
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230209
DTSTAMP:20261020T173223Z
CREATED:20261015T201901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173223Z
UID:45045-1675641600-1675900799@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:Presidential visit to Botswana
DESCRIPTION:The first visit by a President of the Swiss Confederation to Botswana. Alain Berset discusses bilateral relations and global issues with President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi: cooperation at the UN\, democracy and human rights\, Russia’s war in Ukraine. With Foreign Minister Lemogang Kwape\, he signs a declaration of intent on health cooperation. \nHe visits the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership\, where the Omicron variant was first sequenced. At SADC\, he meets the Executive Secretary\, Elias Magosi. On the economy\, he argues for sustainability clauses in the modernisation of the EFTA–SACU free trade agreement. He announces several trips to Africa during his presidential year\, linked to Switzerland’s mandate on the Security Council. \nMonday 6 February 2023 — Gaborone\n\nWelcome at the airport by President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi\, military honours\nCultural evening and dinner at the National Museum\, in the presence of President Masisi\n\nTuesday 7 February 2023 — Gaborone\n\nMeeting with President Masisi\, followed by talks between the delegations\nSigning of a declaration of intent on cooperation in the field of health\nVisit to the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and round table on the geopolitics of pathogens\nVisit to the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital\nCourtesy visit to the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly\, Phandu Skelemani\nMeeting with Elias Magosi\, Executive Secretary of SADC\nState banquet\n\nWednesday 8 February 2023 — Tlokweng and Gaborone\n\nKgotla of Tlokweng\, traditional assembly\, address by Alain Berset\nOpening of the Botswana–Switzerland symposium on trade and investment\nJoint press conference with President Masisi\nDeparture ceremony\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 02.02.2023\nFederal Council\, press release of 08.02.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/presidential-visit-to-botswana/
LOCATION:Gaborone
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230128
DTSTAMP:20261020T173223Z
CREATED:20261015T201859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T173223Z
UID:45043-1674777600-1674863999@alainberset.ch
SUMMARY:International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
DESCRIPTION:For 27 January\, Alain Berset publishes a message from the President of the Swiss Confederation. He places the commemoration “under the twin sign of historical truth and resistance”. He denounces the so-called “denazification” invoked by Russia to invade Ukraine: a crude pretext and “a distortion of history”. \nHe recalls that 80 years earlier\, in January 1943\, the Warsaw Ghetto uprising began; the example of the insurgents\, he writes\, reminds us of our responsibilities against antisemitism\, racism and barbarism. He mentions Switzerland’s entry to the UN Security Council on 1 January 2023. \nSpeeches on this site \n\nJournée internationale dédiée à la mémoire des victimes de l’Holocauste (in French\, French-language page)\n\nSources \n\nFederal Council\, press release of 27.01.2023
URL:https://alainberset.ch/en/evenement/international-day-of-commemoration-in-memory-of-the-victims-of-the-holocaust/
LOCATION:Berne
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR