Swiss Stories

Photo

Drug checking – the Swiss response to the risks of drug use

Society
People have a fundamental responsibility for their own lifestyle and behaviour. The Swiss National Strategy on Addiction is based on this principle. So is the innovative Swiss approach known as 'drug checking'. Its aim is to promote health literacy among drug users by providing them with information on the composition of the drug(s) they take and increasing their awareness of the risks and consequences of their consumption of illegal substances. Although not all drug use can be prevented and many people choose to consume drugs despite the risks, Swiss drug-checking services strive to minimise risks and prevent harmful consequences such as overdosing.

by Infodrog - Swiss Office for the Coordination of Addiction Facilities

Towards clean mobility

Zero carbon transport to help the environment

Environment
Swiss companies are committed to cleaner mobility and reducing the amount of pollution caused by transportation.
© ETH Zürich / Nicola Pitaro

Technology that moves you

Society
Getting up off the sofa, climbing stairs, slicing bread or changing a light bulb: everyday tasks like these can be a real obstacle for people with disabilities. Assistive technologies are there to help with such day-to-day challenges, but that's not all. Some people are even taking it to championship level – like the ETH Zurich international 'cybathlon', a rather unique competition.
Community feedback at the Yii Adult Basic Education Centre in Moyen-Chari Region (run by PADI) © Enfants du Monde (Florent Dupertuis)

Multilingualism in Swiss schools inspires international cooperation

Science & Education
For students in Switzerland, being taught in their regional language – French, German, Italian or Romansh – is the norm. Many children around the world, however, attend school in a language they don't understand. Plurilingualism and teaching languages in schools have long been important values in Switzerland – and this strength of the Swiss school system serves as a blueprint for the country's international cooperation in its programmes to support education.
swiss night trains

Night trains – sustainability in style

Society
It's certainly no secret that railways are the most environmentally friendly means of motorised transport. Yet the waning demand for night trains did not start making its comeback until relatively recently, with increasing environmental awareness and concerns about the planet's sustainability. It's easy to see where the travel trends are taking us: more and more people want a clear conscience included when reserving trips like the one from Zurich to Vienna.
Happy Genie

Swiss a-Peel

Environment
Two start-ups born in Switzerland are bringing the concepts of 'cradle-to-cradle' and 'circular economy' closer to home by giving organic waste a new, fashionable lease on life.

by Miguel Quintana

© SWPIX

Equal opportunities for young cyclists from around the world in Switzerland

Society
Biniam Girmay recently became the first African cyclist to win a major racing event. As a young rider, he spent several months at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, a small town in the Swiss canton of Vaud, learning about pro cycling and its challenges. His success has made him an ambassador for over 1,500 young athletes from developing countries who have taken part in the programme over the past 15 years.

by Bertrand Monnard