50 Years of Partnership between Switzerland and the AsDB

In 2017, Switzerland and the Asian Development Bank (AsDB) celebrated 50 years of partnership.

Reconstruction after the earthquake in Nepal, spread of renewable energies in South-East Asia, job creation in Central Asia: Switzerland supports many successful programmes of the Asian Development Bank (AsDB). The shared experience of the 50-years partnership between Switzerland and the AsDB were conveyed to the wider public through a photography and video exhibition at the University of St.Gallen. High-level representatives from Asia and Switzerland attended the festivities’ main event to elaborate on challenges and opportunities for both the public and the private sectors.

The impressive development of Asia in recent years helped millions of people out of poverty. Nevertheless, a huge infrastructure deficit remains. Sustainable supply of energy and water, waste management, modern urban development and a functioning healthcare system: these are future challenges that Switzerland would like to tackle with the AsDB in order to promote sustainable growth for all.

These goals, their challenges and opportunities for both the public and the private sectors were the focus of the main event, organised with the University of St.Gallen and the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce (SJCC), that high-ranking representatives of Asia and Switzerland attended. 180 guests from the academia, the private sector, the civil society and governments exchanged their opinions and celebrated Switzerland's 50-year-membership at the AsDB.

Impressions of the jubilee

The Swiss Governor to the AsDB, Ambassador Raymund Furrer, underlined the many-sided significance of the Bank: «The AsDB is a crucial multilateral institution that assumes a catalyst function in the Asia-Pacific region. The Swiss cooperation in Asia and with the AsDB is not limited to the government level: the commitment of the Swiss private sector, universities and NGOs is equally important for the development of Asia.»

The Vice-President of the AsDB, Bambang Susantono, took stock of the past fifty years and looked ahead: «The future key challenges in Asia are the rapid urbanization, the climate change, the demographic development and growing inequalities.»

Exhibition: AsDB’s achievements and cooperation with Switzerland over the last 50 years

Last modification 02.08.2019

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