In coming weeks, the city of Geneva will be planting 250 trees as part of a greater “greening†initiative launched in 2012, according to the Tribune de Genève. Pâquis and Eaux-Vives are being targeted, as they have been identified as neighbourhoods in dire need of vegetation. The northern tip of Plainpalais also will receive a diverse range of tree species. The city will see a total of 486 new trees planted since the winter of 2012.
Swiss companies out-perform analysts’ expectations – except for UBS
Still a fair way up for UBS to go
Markedly positive third quarter earnings are now being released by Swiss companies. According to IG Bank, eight of the 15 companies that have reported so far have beaten analysts’ expectations by an average 2.21% with the exception of UBS.
At Switzerland’s largest bank, UBS, profits were lower than expected at CHF 762 million against analysts’ estimates set at CHF 804 million. This result is still an improvement on last year’s CHF 577 million. Despite weaker earnings, UBS stock was up 1.95% on the announcement, as the bank’s wealth management business declared it had secured close to CHF 15 billion of net new money globally.
Sergio P. Ermotti, UBS Group Chief Executive Officer
Commenting on the results, UBS Group Chief Executive Officer Sergio P. Ermotti said he was “very pleased with our underlying performance†but added “we are actively addressing litigation and regulatory mattersâ€. Certainly the bank has reported that “Net charges for provisions for litigation, regulatory and similar matters of CHF 1.8 billion.â€
Andreas Ruhlmann, a market analyst at IG Bank wrote in an advisory statement today that “uncertainly should remain as UBS faces probes on alleged foreign exchange manipulation and also investigation in France and Belgium for inciting tax evasionâ€. In an interview with Le News, he said that in both instances, the costs of settlement could be significantly in excess of the provisions made.
40-50 Swiss family-owned hotels under threat of closing
Family-owned hotels across Switzerland are striving to compete with larger ones. According to Swiss Info, an estimated 40 to 50 hotels are expected to close in alpine areas over the next few years, largely because they fail to target their guests properly, said Director of Tourism Jürg Schmid. The challenges are mostly financial, as many smaller hotels cannot afford expansion or renovation, but factors such as this past summer’s unfavourable weather could also be blamed.
The French Riviera: a glimpse of sunshine
St. Tropez is at the centre of the Côte d’Azur and one of the world’s most fashionable destinations.
Given all the beautiful places that can be easily reached from Nice airport, such as Monaco, Cannes, St Tropez or even Italy, it may take several weekends to explore the region properly. With winter approaching, the south of France is the perfect destination for a sunny and warm interlude.
Be it for a bachelorette party or a family weekend, you can find virtually everything on the French Riviera. If you are looking for glamour and elegance, head to Monaco or Cannes. In Monaco, you can stroll around the casino, have a glimpse at the royal palace and visit the aquarium. In Cannes, the Croisette is packed with luxury brands (you can find all the usual and more affordable items in the Rue d’Antibes). You may want to have your picture taken walking up the stairs of the famous Palais des Festival, where the annual movie gathering takes place every May.
For art and architecture lovers, Antibes and its Picasso museum can be reached easily by train from Nice or Cannes. There is also a very nice Provence market in the Old Town of Antibes, where you can taste the typical “socca†(made with chickpea flour).
Grasse on the Riviera is famous for its perfumes
If you rent a car or are willing to travel by train, a visit to Grasse and its perfume manufactures is more than worthwhile. The Fragonard brand is one of the best known, but there are several other local scent producers around the village. St Tropez is further away but can be visited over the weekend (renting a car is the easiest option but you can go by rail to St Raphael and then bus to St Tropez). The village became famous thanks to the French actress Brigitte Bardot.
Golf lovers will find many beautiful 18-hole courses. So if you wish to practice your swing, then the Old Course in Mandelieu (approx. 10 min from Cannes) next to the sea has stunning views and is one of the oldest of the French Riviera. In addition to the main course, players can enjoy an additional nine holes. Close to Cannes is the Terre Blanche resort, which features two 18-hole courses.
How to get there? The flight takes only 45 minutes, and you will barely have time to eat breakfast if you fly in the morning. Both Easyjet and Swiss offer direct flights from Geneva to Nice and at very competitive prices if booked well in advance. From the airport, there are express buses go to Monaco, Nice centre and Cannes.
For longer stays, there is a direct train every day from Geneva to Cannes and Nice (approx. six hours).
Where to stay? To live like a movie star in Cannes: Hotel Majestic Barriere or Hotel Martinez.
For golfers: Hotel Pullman Royal Casino in Mandelieu
Sandrine Warêgne
Back to the future
100 years have passed and the history of the 20th century’s first genocide is beginning to weigh heavily.
Armenian memorial eternal flame in Yerevan
Every year on 24 April, Armenians the world over commemorate the 1915 Armenian genocide at the hand of the Turks. This year is the 100th anniversary of this tragedy. In order to mark the occasion, the Armenian community of Geneva in close collaboration with the municipality, decided to install a discrete memorial. To be located in the Capital of Peace, this consists of candelabras raising inscriptions in several languages but with no direct reference to the genocide itself. Originally, the Ariana park near the Palais des Nations, seemed the perfect spot, given the UN’s concern for human rights.
Memorial at the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan
For the Turkish delegation, however, the plan has represented an unwelcome thorn in its foot. Having consistently denied the existence of the genocide, Turkey is refusing to tolerate any form of commemoration. As host to the world’s most active location of multilateral governance, Swiss diplomacy is now finding itself in an uncomfortable situation. As part of its formal acknowledgment of the genocide in 2001, the Swiss government authored one of the most beautiful texts ever written about the genocide. Now, however, the Swiss federal Conseil d’Etat has declared itself concerned about protecting the absolute neutrality of international Geneva. As a result, it is reluctant to follow the municipality’s lead. Meanwhile, the memorial – and what it represents – is starting to weigh heavily as Geneva waits to learn whether a worthy spot will be granted for this important memorial to what happened.
Arlette Zakarian
Learn to shout louder, or learn the lingo.
There are various schools of thought on how to learn French (or indeed any other language). Assuming that you do not believe that restaurant French is enough to get by in Suisse Romande, then you may be faced with deciding whether you, your partner, or colleagues should embark on a language course.
This is often a pretty straightforward decision. What is not so easy is deciding how it should be learned. Private tuition, traditional classroom teaching, immersion programmes and online courses are all basic options with a plethora of variations and combinations. And then how much time and money can you afford to spend?
According to Frédérique Diant, head of language training at Ecole-Club Migros, first find out what your personal learning style is. How do you learn fast and easily? Are you a visual or a kinetic learner for example? Migros is the largest language trainer in the country and it assesses all candidates to better advise what course and method will work best. Students can mix and match intensive classroom-based teaching (which are mainly in the evenings), with home-based or on-the-move learning methods, such as pod-club and web-cam one-to-one tuition.
Diant is forceful in arguing that we all learn better in groups, and explains that Ecole-Club’s students are generally professionals, which allows teachers to take a more effective facilitation role than the more traditional directorial role. Language is the keystone of culture and so the organization has taken the novel step of offering free cultural talks on Fridays to people keen to learn and understand more than just the language.
Christian Graf of the Swiss-based language company, Boa Lingua, describes a very different approach. His company, which was established 25 years ago, organizes tailor-made courses for students in the country where the language is spoken. If you want to learn Swedish, then you will be sent to Sweden. Immersion is the key. Boa Lingua appoints a counsellor to each learner, assessing his or her abilities. The counsellor then helps put together a package that will suit the learner’s aptitudes, budget and time availability.
The company does not deliver courses itself, but uses a network of accredited partners. The counsellor remains in touch with the learner to monitor progress and to deal with any issues that may arise during the course. Learners generally live with a family, but accommodation in hotels or elsewhere can be arranged as required. Graf states that his clients range from college students needing to boost their grades or prepare for overseas study, to senior executives wishing to polish their language, or to learn specific business, scientific or legal language.
Time is one of the main constraints faced by adult learners, especially full-time employees. Looking to ease this pressure, Flying Teachers, sends its teachers to its students. The company primarily services the corporate market and it tailors its courses to meet the needs of specific businesses.
Edit Adrover, School director believes that people looking to learn a language need to choose a school that offers well-structured classes, which are goal-oriented and which quantify progress. This enables students to know how they are doing. “Schools need to teach students how to actually use what they’ve learned and turn theory into practice.â€
This sentiment is mirrored by Frédérique Diant. “What is important is to know how to learn. We learn better in groups, and we must remember the practicalities of learning – people are far more likely to turn up to a class than to an individual session.â€
“Speaking the language is the key to integrating into any society. It’s really important,†adds Edit Adrover. It greatly facilitates social interaction across the board. There is no down-side to being able to communicate better. It is a matter of becoming more in tune with those around you. As Frédérique Diant advises, “first learn the melody of the language, then everything else will fall into place.â€
Jeremy McTeague
Skiing safety action
Portes du Soleil the massive Swiss-French ski domain has announced that it is to recruit ski monitors in an effort to reduce ski speeds. A spokesman claimed that many skiers, especially those with children, felt uneasy on the slopes. Skiers caught speeding or skiing dangerously would forfeit their ski passes. The news will be welcomed by families and individual skiers alike who are tiring of inexperienced skiers – normally tourists, who charge down slopes virtually out of control.
Competent and more experienced skiers, however, have expressed their disatisfaction with the solution which they believe is unwieldly and “punishes” them by denying them the thrill of speed. It is a two-way street, and expert skiers can be frustrated by increasing numbers of incompetent skiers clogging up black pistes so endangering themselves and other skiers.
Some ski resorts such as Zermatt have introduced slow pistes which are monitored while leaving other pistes un-regulated. Clearly the issue to be addressed is to remedy the current archaic system of grading of slopes in a different manner which allows novices to ski in safety and calm while speed freaks can do as they wish on harder, more challenging pistes.
Swiss apprenticeships: Major employment advantage
Switzerland, Germany and Austria, three countries where apprenticeship programmes are most prevalent, also have the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe. Some policy makers are wondering if there is a connection and whether the focus on ever higher education is the best way to address youth unemployment
Stefan Wolter, director of the Swiss Coordination Center for Research in Education in Bern, believes there is a connection although it has not been scientifically proven. “Thanks to the apprenticeship training system, Switzerland is also the country with the lowest mismatch between available skills and the skills required by employers.â€
Only ten per cent of Swiss secondary level students fail to complete their studies because the dual apprenticeship system allows them to move, while still in school, between academic and technical occupational fields. This has raised the image of apprenticeships far above the days when they were seen as mainly an option for early school leavers or those interested in blue collar jobs.
The Swiss banking sector even funds the Centre for Young Professionals for fledging bankers and according to a report by the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology, “a vocational credential can land you in upper management or at Switzerland’s universities of Applied Sciences.†In today’s knowledge-based economy, whether young people are interested in pursuing a trade in plumbing or a white-collar job in banking, they need a lot of training.
When compulsory education ends at age 15, students must decide whether to pursue university or vocational training. By 16, they can sign a vocational contract with an employer who pays a monthly salary between CHF 800 and 1,000 a month for a two to four-year course. According to Wolter, the work they do more than reimburses the employer for the costs of the training. Foreigners can also do a Swiss apprenticeship, but only if living with family inside Switzerland or just over the Swiss border.
Wolter notes that a unique aspect of the Swiss system is its mobility, even in rare cases where the student does not get a job offer from the training company. “The transition to the next job is very smooth which is proof that employers regard the certificates as signalling skills that are useful to many companies.†Everything else being equal, Wolter added, “preference is usually given to workers with apprenticeships.â€
Although apprenticeships are mainly popular in Germanic countries, the Organization of Swiss Abroad said there are more full-time vocational training colleges in Suisse romande and in Ticino than in German-speaking Switzerland. Nationwide, however, the number of young Swiss pursuing vocational training lags well behind those pursuing higher education.
That may change if a 2013-2014 study by the OCDE of its 34-member nations has any impact. Reviewing the value of apprenticeships in a world increasingly focusing on higher education, it concluded that when implemented well, vocational education is the preferred strategy for helping young people enter the labour market.
Pamela Taylor is a Geneva-based writer with a long career as a journalist for National Public Radio, Voice of America, AFP’s English Service, and others, in Central Europe, Bosnia and Kosovo
The curious have adventures: Cultural youth exchange programmes
Families and students often form life-long bonds.
Youth exchange programmes offer a rare opportunity for a person, generally in their late teens, to travel, study and live in a foreign country for an extended period of time. They live as a member of a family and learn through immersion about their host country’s culture. As importantly, they act as ambassadors for their own country. The key to a successful exchange lies largely with the teenager, but much rests too with his or her host family. Both parties need to be confident, well-adjusted and flexible in outlook. A thorough selection process is therefore vital in ensuring that the exchange is a fruitful experience for all concerned. This takes experience. Selecting a reputable and accredited Youth exchange programme is of paramount importance. Intermundo is the quality accreditation body for non-profit exchange organisations and it can advise on whether an organisation is of sufficiently good quality. Longevity of the organisation and non-profit orientation are good indicators. One of the first programmes, The AFS (formerly the American Field Service) was set up at the end of World War 1 by volunteer American ambulance drivers who wanted to improve international relations so as to avoid the repeat of such a catastrophe. And at the end of World War 2, Dr Rachel Andersen, established Youth for Understanding (YFU) to foster exchange and peace between the US and Germany. Subsequently, various other reputable organisations such as Rotary have set up their own programmes. The scope of these programmes has expanded hugely, and all now offer opportunities for the young to live abroad in dozens of countries around the world. This year, YFU in Switzerland wants to especially further the exchange with South Africa, Paraguay and Lithuania. To promote these new programmes, Jerry Krattiger, the National director told Le News that YFU is offering for each country a merit-based scholarship to one candidate who can demonstrate eminent suitability for the programme. YFU also offers means-based scholarships to suitable candidates for its other programmes. Nicole Rast at AFS confirmed that AFS also offers scholarships to those who cannot afford the full cost.
Timing is all important, so if you are considering an exchange programme for yourself or one of your teenagers, start researching now as applications need to be done well in advance and they take time to complete.
Costs of programmes differ between organisations and destinations, but taking a year-long programme in most countries outside Europe will cost about CHF 15,000.
Jeremy McTeague
Ecuadorian President and Foreign Minister seek agreement in Geneva against corporate abuses
Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador
Corporate abuse of workers’ rights, the environment, corporate corruption and massive tax evasion are all issues in dire need of direct and strong redress. These are issues that recently civil society organisations in Geneva have been calling on the international community and even the Swiss Government to regulate and enforce.
Le News has reported on this issue several times and we are therefore open to publishing, as an “On Reflection” piece, an opinion article by Ricardo Patiño, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, who together with Rafael Correa, the President of Ecuador, is visiting Geneva this weekend to meet with representatives of the UNHCR. They will discuss the UNHCR’s recently approved proposal to create a legally binding instrument to regulate human and environmental rights abuses by transnational corporations.
Transnational misconduct must end
By Ricardo Patiño, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
Ricardo Patiño, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
A great moral challenge of the 21st century: establishing people’s control over the forces that reign supreme in trade and commerce. Transnational corporations enjoy special rights, protections, and privileges that have led to an unprecedented level of social and environmental injustice, particularly in developing countries without sufficient legal recourse to defend against corporate power. A new proposal spearheaded by Ecuador and South Africa to create a legally binding instrument to regulate the human and environmental rights abuses of transnational corporations, recently approved by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, is the start of setting things right.
The global proliferation of Bilateral Investment Protection Treaties has granted transnational corporations extensive and ever-expanding investor rights and protections at the expense of the rights of the people and environment where they operate. Some of these agreements have enabled corporations to sue the government of South Africa for empowering citizens affected by apartheid, the government of Germany for phasing out nuclear energy, and the governments of Uruguay and Australia for requiring health warnings on cigarette packages.
It is detrimental to our nations that today no international legal basis requiring multinational corporations to respect and abide by human and environmental rights standards exists. Until now, businesses had only the voluntary, non-binding “Guiding Principles of the United Nations on Business and Human Rightsâ€, endorsed only recently by the UNHRC and UN General Assembly.
The plight of victims of environmental violence at the hands of transnational corporations, such as that by Union Carbide in Bhopal, Shell in the Niger Delta, and Chevron-Texaco in Ecuador, demonstrate just how dangerous this legal gap is. All of the victims in these cases and others are still waiting for remedy and fair compensation.
Lago Agrio in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin
The massive damage caused by Texaco in the Lago Agrio area of the Amazon rainforest is well known, and is still evident in the form of ubiquitous black pools of toxic sludge twenty years after the oil company formally left our country. Despite losing a court case in Ecuador raised by affected indigenous communities, Chevron (which acquired Texaco in 2000) is illegally and illegitimately using an international arbitration system to avoid complying with the judicial sentence in Ecuador.
Chevron’s suit relies on a Bilateral Investment Treaty between Ecuador and the US, which entered into force in 1997. But Texaco closed its operations in Ecuador back in 1992, before a treaty ever existed. Despite this fact, The Hague arbitration panel, comprised of three lawyers, deemed itself competent to review the matter, and then urged our government to halt the decision of the Ecuadorian court, disregarding that the judiciary is independent of the executive branch in our democratic nation.
This is but one example of how international trade and investment agreements place transnational corporations above sovereign national law, allowing them to use their money, influence and lobby groups to escape accountability for their actions.
The necessity of ensuring legal protection of investment should not allow multinational corporations to abuse entire nations and their populations. Existing international courts of arbitration permit any multinational company to sue a sovereign state, bypassing a national court. Studies have shown how a majority of these arbitrators side with corporate interests over the protection and promotion of human rights, and universal principles of law.
We propose to fix this unjust situation with a new legal instrument approved for development by the UNHRC in June. These new regulations would move the world to a legal framework that holds transnational corporations accountable for their human rights violations. It will provide legal protections and effective remedies, as well as create an important role for civil society actors in promoting corporate accountability and in preventing and mitigating adverse human rights impacts of transnational corporations.
Ecuador has undergone a profound social, economic and political transformation over the past seven years, prioritizing the needs and rights of its citizens, but we alone are not going to change this unfair world order. We are taking a first step, together with South Africa and many other nations that have supported our initiative, to make corporations accountable for abusive actions. Outside the structure of the United Nations, we have already advanced in the creation of an Observatory of the South on Investments and Transnationals to monitor litigations corporations have against nations and ensure state sovereignty is respected. This watchdog effort includes the participation of Latin American, Caribbean, Asian, Arab and African nations.
Citizens of developed countries will also join forces to support those of us directly affected by the misconduct of some multinationals, once they realize that they are also victims of the supremacy of capital. Today we have the collective duty to protect our people and our environment. It’s time to reign in the arbitrary actions of corporate power and create the conditions for a more just and respectful world.
