As many countries are finding, you’re only as good as your media. The killing of Geneva-based German photographer Anja Niedringhaus in Afghanistan brought it all home. Here was a world-class photographer who laid down her life (unintentionally) to bring back the images that so many of us have come to take for granted, or for free. We assume that just because such reporting can be found on the internet, it’s there for us to benefit, like Google, Facebook or Twitter.
Rebranding Int’l Geneva
The UN’s acting head in Geneva is pushing for a complete renewal of the region’s global image. Michael Møller, appointed last November as acting director-general of the UN in Switzerland, would like to see a vibrant new International Geneva that includes not only the UN agencies and NGOS, but also multi-national corporations, Swiss businesses, donors and the local population.
Hedgehogs, wolves and climate change
Following last year’s disastrous spring, our current warm weather has been marred by this week’s UN Intergovernmental Climate Change report warning of more extreme conditions and food insecurity unless we take action. Normally I rely on the disappearing mountain snows to herald the advent of spring, coupled with that other more unfortunate indication, the number of hedgehogs emerging from hibernation killed on the roads. Even the exciting glimpses of a lone wolf in the Jura have not mitigated the strident nature of this new IPCC alert.
The 772 scientists involved maintain that we have only a few years to reduce carbon emissions to avoid catastrophe. Sea-level rises and temperature shifts are already disrupting human life and ecosystems with wildfires in North America, the spread of disease in Africa and decreased food production in South America. In the Alps, climate change is altering the composition of permafrost that holds rocks together. Mountaineers say that it is no longer safe to do mixed summer climbing on snow and ice as glaciers retreat and snow-bridges disappear. All this affects tourism, economic infrastructure and agriculture.
Our response has to be immediate. Genevois are proposing that city transport be free to reduce car use. But there will have to be a far greater, more integrated approach, including cycle paths, accessible Park & Ride areas, and cheaper rail travel. Why should it cost less for two people to drive from Lausanne to Paris than take the train? This is where more effective outreach is crucial. So why not use the revenue from traffic fines to fund better public awareness?
Edward Girardet
The world wants more than chocolate from Switzerland
Switzerland has a very clear role to play on the international front. But this means playing intelligently and in a manner that exemplifies what Switzerland does best – mediation. As Pamela Taylor’s story notes, Didier Burkhalter may be on the right track with his dual role as President of the Confederation and Chair of the OSCE. While the Swiss grapple whether to buy 22 Swedish Gripen fighter planes, possibly to avoid further embarrassment due to not being able to scramble before 8am, the real issues at hand are Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan. And Europe.
With Ukraine, clear-minded mediation through the OSCE or the UN in Geneva is crucial. With the annexation of Crimea a done deal, the question now is how to implement the face-saving needed to avoid the risk of war. This is where Switzerland can play a role. As for Syria, while the Geneva talks failed to bring any relief, they did bring the players together in the same room. This alone is an achievement even with the need for more Geneva meetings.
Afghanistan is another situation where Switzerland could excel, given that the final withdrawal of most NATO forces may lead to further strife. Switzerland is the only country capable of offering real mediation. But this needs to be coupled with support for effective public information outreach capable of convincing all sides that peace and reconciliation are good. And finally, relations with the EU. This is where Swiss economic pragmatism can work best.
