SAEFL and WEF to reinforce cooperation
Bern, 22.01.2004 - Joint events, studies or projects – that is how SAEFL Director Philippe Roch and José María Figueres, Co-Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) envisage future cooperation between the two organisations.
The upshot of this wish to see greater cooperation is the joint brochure entitled «Globalisation and Sustainable Development: Setting the Agenda», released on 22 January 2004 by the WEF and SAEFL. The publication summarises the outcome of a joint meeting that took place in Zurich in the autumn of 2003 where representatives from business, the public sector, civil society and science discussed ways in which globalisation could be made compatible with the objectives of sustainable development.
The brochure is intended to serve as an agenda for further discussions between the SAEFL, the WEF and other organisations.
Common understanding of global problems
If the SAEFL and the WEF aim to reinforce their cooperation through joint events, studies or projects, it is because Mr Roch and Mr Figueres share the same views. In a joint article, they state that while economic growth is needed in order to overcome global problems such as hunger, poverty or disease, economic growth that is not oriented towards a model of sustainable development drastically harms the conditions for life on our planet.
Mr Roch and Mr Figueres are convinced that the dialogue set in motion in Zurich can lead to mutual respect and trust. It is also a matter of recognising the different roles. No one actor is in a position to set up infrastructure, create the necessary legal framework, ensure innovation and effectiveness, and implement controls and generate credibility.
Address for enquiries
Media enquiries
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Publisher
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
