Why should we actually provide development aid?

The topic of «development cooperation» has become increasingly topical and explosive with the Federal Council's plans to support the reconstruction of Ukraine at the expense of other international cooperation projects.

At today's event, we want to talk about all these questions and topics with Pastor Marc Mettler, Ermatingen, Yanek Schiavone, Tägerwilen, and former Ambassador Philippe Welti, Zurich.
First, Pastor Marc Mettler and Yanek Schiavone will each present a small private development project, one in South Africa and one in Togo. Pastor Mettler is setting up a small aid organization in South Africa, and this April he organized a trip to this country for members of the parish. Yanek Schiavone works as a teacher and learning coach at Bürglen secondary school and ten years ago founded the non-profit association «Des sourires pour le Togo», which is active in this West African country. Today, he is part-time president and project manager of the aid organization.

We then discuss the above questions with Philippe Welti. Philippe Welti was Switzerland's ambassador in Tehran and New Delhi. Prior to that, he headed the Directorate for Security Policy at the DDPS for six years. Since his retirement, he has been working as a strategic advisor.

Administrative notes

• Cost (per person):
  Talk for non-members: CHF 30.--; discount for students and trainees (only with valid ID): CHF 10.--; optional dinner (3 courses incl. wine): CHF 50.--
  Talk for membership sponsor and friend: free of charge; optional dinner (3-course incl. wine): CHF 50.--

• Registration deadline: May 21, 2024

The 15-strong team from the parish of Ermatingen, which was involved in the project in South Africa this spring.