American Swiss Foundation

Dr. Douglas Sears ('00), Provost, Boston University, reports on Swiss headlines and offers his commentary on the latest in Swiss sports and crime.

In a referendum vote on November 29, 2009, nearly 58% of Swiss voters approved a ban on the construction of minarets in a decision that puzzled many Swiss and much of the international community.  The referendum was passed by 22 of the 26 Swiss Cantons and was perhaps a reflection of the current economic and diplomatic environment in Switzerland and the world.

By Dr. Douglas Sears (Young Leader ’00), Associate Provost, Boston University

In December, Swiss TV devoted multiple reports to an initiative named "Jeder Rappen zaehlt"-- perhaps best translated as "Every Penny Counts."  No, it was not, as a stereotypical view of the Swiss might suggest, an initiative to encourage a higher savings rate in the Swiss population.  Rather, "Jeder Rappen zaehlt" was a charitable initiative. Working with broadcasters, Swiss Solidarity was raising funds to support various Swiss relief organizations which work to fight malaria in developing countries.  

The 20th anniversary of the Young Leaders Conference program was featured in the prestigious Swiss daily, Neue Zurcher Zeitung.