“The launch of the new Strategy shows how we are going to build up on the good results we have achieved in the past 20 years. Switzerland offers cooperation to BiH by providing financial support and by sharing know-how and expertise in fields where Switzerland has proven experience. At the same time, we strongly believe in BiH’s European future and expect the politicians and leaders in this country to take up the responsibility conferred to them by voters and to address the everyday problems of the citizens”, said Swiss Ambassador to BiH Andrea Rauber Saxer at today’s event.
250 guests gathered for the presentation of the Strategy, including representatives of all governmental levels, civil society, private sector, diplomatic core and international organizations. “Together with our partners we want to create more and better social, economic and political opportunities and perspectives for all people in BiH. We want to reach systemic change, but at the core of our cooperation program are the people of BiH, men and women. We want to reach all people, including those who are marginalized or excluded. They shall become valuable and productive members of the society”, stated Barbara Dätwyler Scheuer, Director of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in BiH.
The Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH Semiha Borovac emphasized that: “Swiss cooperation strategy for BiH focuses on important isusses such as health, economy or youth employment. I specially appriciate the fact that the Swiss Government reconginzes a great potential of BiH's diaspora.“
The strategy is based on a careful analysis of the context and needs, and has been elaborated in discussion with all Swiss partners in BiH. Its objectives are aligned to strategies and reform agendas signed by the governments of BiH, while all interventions are designed to be complementary with EU programs, and in harmony with other donor agencies and institutions.
Over the next four years the Government of Switzerland will invest 74 million CHF in BiH. The Swiss program focus on ten themes: Democratic governance, Municipal services, Justice, Health, Economic development, Youth Employment, Migration, Disaster Risk Reduction, Gender Equality and Culture.
The Swiss Cooperation Strategy defines concrete results to be achieved in 2020. For example: 50 Municipalities will have increased revenues for investments, 150,000 citizens will take part in community processes and 700,000 persons will use improved quality services. Furthermore, 50% of primary health care providers will apply standards of care for chronic diseases. As regards economic development, the program strives to improve conditions for the private sector and at least 4,000 young people shall be employed in a sustainable way.
Switzerland’s engagement in BiH is based on its tradition of solidarity and its commitment to every person living free of poverty, in dignity and in security. The Government of Switzerland, acting through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), remains committed to partnership and cooperation with BiH over the coming four years.
