Welcome to the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum
The Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum was launched in Abu Dhabi in November 2010 under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the UAE, and His Excellency Pascal Couchepin, former President of the Swiss Confederation.
The vision of the Forum is to deepen the ties between the UAE and Switzerland through the conclusion of framework agreements in various fields, the establishment of new partnerships, intensified research exchange and the development of new business opportunities in the areas of cleantech, healthcare and infrastructure. We will further support new projects and organize events in the field of culture, sports and tourism.
Since the successful inaugural event in Abu Dhabi last November a lot has been achieved. New business contacts and networks in the fields of science, research, culture and healthcare have been established and projects in the food and agricultural sector as well as in the field of security and humanitarian aid have been initiated.
A special highlight was the second session of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum, which took place on 22 and 23 June 2011 at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne under the theme “Transfer of Research and Development into Society and Business.” The Forum emphasized the importance of innovation as a key factor for Switzerland’s development and progress and for the UAE’s transformation from an oil-based to a knowledge-based economy. It included several workshops and events.
We would appreciate to receive your comments and ideas!
Urs Stirnimann Franziska Isliker
Executive Director of ESFF Administration Assistant