KFPE-Newsmail

General Information

Outlook: Neglected diseases research - Improvements needed
Nature Vol. 449, No. 7159 pp157-182
Tropical diseases affect more than one billion people, yet there are few effective treatments. And despite much research activity, scientific innovations with therapeutic potential are not making it out of the laboratory. The articles in this Outlook (free print copies available) examine what can be done to stimulate the development of effective medicines and deliver them to the people who need them most.
http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/neglecteddiseases/index.html

Observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels
L'institut interdisciplinaire d'éthique et des droits de l'homme à Fribourg a institué un observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels. L'observatoire s'appuit sur la "Déclaration des droits culturels" qui a été lancée en mai à l'Université de Fribourg et au Palais des Nations à Genève. Elle est le fruit d'un long travail et de l'échange entre experts de divers pays et de différents disciplines. La déclaration est patronnée par plusieurs ONG et par divers spécialistes dans le domaine des droits de l'homme. Sur la base de cette déclaration, l'observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels mène actuellement cinq projets - voir:
http://www.unifr.ch/iiedh/droits-culturels/odc-pres.htm

NCCR North-South Reseach Synthesis
After six years of programme activity, the NCCR North-South will be undertaking a mid-term synthesis of the extensive research thus far undertaken. The findings of the synthesis projects will presented and discussed at an international conference scheduled to take place in Bern, 2-4 July, 2008. Publication is scheduled for late 2008. Contributions from both members of the NCCR North-South team as well as from outside experts are invited. Proposals can be submitted to Transversal Project coordinator Stephan Rist (stephan.rist(at)cde.unibe.ch). For more on the NCCR North-South visit http://www.north-south.unibe.ch

Scientific Diasporas in Switzerland
The project “A Swiss Network of Scientific Diasporas to Enforce the Role of Highly Skilled Migrants as Partners in Development“ traced Colombian, South African and Indian scientific diasporas gathering highly skilled migrants living in Switzerland. The objective was to identify mechanisms through which highly skilled migrants could impact their homelands mainly through the circulation of knowledge and brain gain schemes.
A final project workshop on October 26 2007 at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva will present the results of the research and will provide a general diagnostic of the situation, activities and needs of scientific diasporas in country of residence. The project, coordinated by the Cooperation@epfl unit at the EPFL in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the University of Geneva, is funded by the Geneva International Academic Network.
http://cooperation.epfl.ch/ScientificDiasporasNetwork

SIGHT AND LIFE Honoured at Global Micronutrient Forum
The first meeting of the Micronutrient Forum in Istanbul, Turkey in April 2007 saw SIGHT AND LIFE being the first organization to be honored by this prestigious Forum. The Micronutrient Forum aims to serve as a stimulus for policy relevant science and is an internationally recognized catalyst for moving the global community towards evidence-based programs that reduce micronutrient malnutrition around the globe.
http://www.sightandlife.org/aenews/awmf/mfaw.html

Petition «0,7% - Gemeinsam gegen Armut / ensemble contre la pauvreté!»
Helfen Sie mit, dass die Kampagne und Petition ein Erfolg werden!
http://www.gemeinsamgegenarmut.ch

Events

Climate Change - Consequences for the Development Cooperation?
Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Director Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change IPCC and of TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) India
16. Oktober 2007, 16h - 18h, DEZA /SDC in Bern
http://www.deza.admin.ch/de/Dossiers/Veranstaltung_Traverse

Le Droit à l'alimentation / Recht auf Nahrung
Symposium lors de la Journée mondiale de l'alimentation 2007
16 octobre 2007, 9 à 13 heures, KULTUR-CASINO, Berne
De plus amples informations: http://www.infoagrar.ch/symposium2007/index.htm

Welttag zur Überwindung von Armut und Ausgrenzung
17. Oktober 2007, u.a. Bundesplatz in Bern
http://www.oct17.org

EPFL – ILO Workshop on Scientific Diasporas in Switzerland
26 October 2007 at ILO Headquarters in Geneva
More information see above under 'General Information' and on:
http://cooperation.epfl.ch/ScientificDiasporasNetwork

Forschungspartnerschaften in einer globalisierten Welt / Partenariats scientifiques dans un monde globalisé
Jahrestagung /Congrès annuel de la KFPE, 7 novembre à Berne
An der Jahrestagung wird die neue bilaterale Forschungspolitik der Schweiz ins Zentrum gestellt. Vertreterinnen und Vertreter der sog. «Leading Houses» werden ihre Forschungsthematik, ihren Focus und ihre Forschungspartner vorstellen. In einer Diskussionsrunde wird über Bedeutung und Erwartungen der neuen bilateralen Forschungspolitik sowie über mögliche Rolle und Aktivitäten der KFPE diskutiert.

Durant le congrès annuel, la nouvelle politique de recherche bilatérale de la Suisse sera le centre des attentions. Les représentantes et représentants des «Leading Houses» pourront présenter leur thématique de recherche, leur focus et leur partenaires scientifiques. L’importance et les attentes de la nouvelle politique de recherche bilatérale ainsi que le rôle et les activités de la KFPE seront discutées lors d’un forum de discussion.
http://www.kfpe.ch/registrierung/

Environmental Peacebuilding - Managing Natural Resource Conflicts in a Changing World.
swisspeace Annual Conference 2007, November 13, 2007, Hotel Bern, Bern
swisspeace is inviting international experts from scientific and development communities to explore links between renewable natural resources and conflicts. Acting as a platform of exchanges between researchers and practitioners, the conference will also look into challenges and best practices for the peaceful management of water and land in developing countries in Africa, South America and Central Asia.
http://www.swisspeace.ch/typo3/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/media/swisspeace_jako_07_Gzd__1_.pdf

International Collaboration in the Social Sciences, Research and Development Agendas, Funding Policies and Partnerships
IUED, Geneva, 15-16 November 2007
This workshop, organized by the IUED and the Social Science Research Council (USA), focuses on the importance of international research collaboration in development-oriented research, as well as on the importance of capacity-building for research collaboration as a development goal itself.
http://www.unige.ch/iued/new/information/conferences/conf_2007_11_15-16_ssrc.html
http://www.ssrc.org

Gouvernance : vers un cadre conceptuel
Colloque international à l'IUED, Genève, 22-24 novembre 2007
http://www.unige.ch/iued/new/information/conferences/conf_2007_11_22_gouvernanc.html

The role of civil society in shaping development politics
NADEL-Forum, 7 December 2007 in Zurich
The last 15 years have seen significant changes in the relationship between civil society and
policy makers in development politics. Different trends (democratisation, economic
globalisation, government decentralisation and devolution) have led to new opportunities for
civil society participation in the South at all levels.
The following two key questions will be addressed at the NADEL-Forum: What is the new role of civil society organisations in shaping development politics? How can civil society organisations have a sustainable impact on policy making processes?
http://www.nadel.ethz.ch/aktuell/POM_Forum

Courses

Youth encounter on sustainibility Africa (YES) 2007
ETHsustainability, the Center for Sustainability at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are organising this course.
The two week course aims to sensitize participants to the complex issues of sustainable development in a global context, with a focus on exploring issues pertinent to the African region. The program combines course work, field trips, workshops, group work, discussions, practical learning experiences, and unique social and cultural activities. Through this approach the course offers an exceptional opportunity to experience inter and trans-disciplinary education, network building and cross cultural exchange.
The course brochure and details on this event are available at: http://www.sustainability.ethz.ch/en/activities/africa.cfm

KOFF Training: Storytelling as a tool in conflict transformation
Date: 19-20 October 2007 in Bern
Facilitator: Dan Bar-On
Contact: KOFF(at)swisspeace.ch

KOFF Training: Putting the "R" back into DDR: Reflections on the Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants
Date: 26-27 November 2007 in Bern
Facilitators: Brandon Hamber (Honorary Fellow of INCORE, a United Nations Research Center for the Study of Conflict at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland)
Contact: KOF(at)swisspeace.ch

Publications

New book and guidebook on nutritional anemia
The latest of SIGHT AND LIFE's many achievements over the last 20 years is the launch of a book on Nutritional Anemia that for the first time, in a single volume, assembles the leading research in this field and addresses all the critical factors needed to be considered and be acted upon. Editors Klaus Kraemer (SIGHT AND LIFE, Basel) and Michael B. Zimmermann (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich) worked with leading scientists from academia and international organizations in compiling the latest research on nutritional anemia. This publication together with a guidebook, providing comprehensive summaries of the book chapters, will serve as a guide for how governments, international agencies, non-governmental organisations and even business can work together to eradicate this enormous global public health burden.
http://www.sightandlife.org/SAL_NutA/aa.html

Dealing with the Past in Post-Conflict Societies:
Ten Years after the Peace Accords in Guatemala and Bosnia-Herzegovina
swisspeace Annual Conference 2006
Jonathan Sisson (ed.), swisspeace Conference Paper 1 | 2007, September 2007

Dealing with a legacy of human rights violations is one of the most difficult challenges facing any society in the aftermath of violent conflict. A decade after internationally mediated peace agreements ended wars in Guatemala and Bosnia-Herzegovina, both countries continue to struggle with a culture of impunity and violence. What lessons can be learned about the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in dealing with the past? Why set up truth commissions in one context and tribunals in another? How does a society learn to live with the memory of genocide and crimes against humanity? And how can external actors contribute to the process of reconciliation? These are some of the questions which Guatemalan, Bosnian, and Swiss experts addressed at the swisspeace annual conference 2006.
http://www.swisspeace.org/publications

Kazakhstan - Challenges to the Booming Petro-Economy.
FAST Country Risk Profile Kazakhstan
by Marie-Carin von Gumppenberg, Working Paper, swisspeace 2/2007

Abstract: Owing to the profits from the oil and gas sectors, Kazakhstan is achieving high economic growth rates. The lack of diversification and the concentration of lucrative business sectors in the hands of a few persons make such growth unsustainable. The political system is stable as long as the balance between a strong president and influential interest groups is upheld. In the mid- and long-term, increasing social tensions between winners and losers of the economic growth as well as a shifting in the balance between different interest groups challenge the officially propagated stability of the country.
download:
http://www.swisspeace.ch/typo3/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/Working_Paper/WP_2_2007_Kazakhstan.pdf

September 2007
KFPE Newsmail
General Information Outlook: Neglected diseases research - Improvements needed Nature Vol. 449, No. 7159 pp157-182 Tropical diseases affect more than one billion people, yet there are few effective treatments. And despite much research activity, scientific innovations with therapeutic potential are not making it out of the laboratory. The articles in this Outlook (free print copies available) examine what can be done to stimulate the development of effective medicines and deliver them to the people who need them most. http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/neglecteddiseases/index.html Observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels L'institut interdisciplinaire d'éthique et des droits de l'homme à Fribourg a institué un observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels. L'observatoire s'appuit sur la "Déclaration des droits culturels" qui a été lancée en mai à l'Université de Fribourg et au Palais des Nations à Genève. Elle est le fruit d'un long travail et de l'échange entre experts de divers pays et de différents disciplines. La déclaration est patronnée par plusieurs ONG et par divers spécialistes dans le domaine des droits de l'homme. Sur la base de cette déclaration, l'observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels mène actuellement cinq projets - voir: http://www.unifr.ch/iiedh/droits-culturels/odc-pres.htm NCCR North-South Reseach Synthesis After six years of programme activity, the NCCR North-South will be undertaking a mid-term synthesis of the extensive research thus far undertaken. The findings of the synthesis projects will presented and discussed at an international conference scheduled to take place in Bern, 2-4 July, 2008. Publication is scheduled for late 2008. Contributions from both members of the NCCR North-South team as well as from outside experts are invited. Proposals can be submitted to Transversal Project coordinator Stephan Rist (stephan.rist(at)cde.unibe.ch). For more on the NCCR North-South visit http://www.north-south.unibe.ch Scientific Diasporas in Switzerland The project “A Swiss Network of Scientific Diasporas to Enforce the Role of Highly Skilled Migrants as Partners in Development“ traced Colombian, South African and Indian scientific diasporas gathering highly skilled migrants living in Switzerland. The objective was to identify mechanisms through which highly skilled migrants could impact their homelands mainly through the circulation of knowledge and brain gain schemes. A final project workshop on October 26 2007 at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva will present the results of the research and will provide a general diagnostic of the situation, activities and needs of scientific diasporas in country of residence. The project, coordinated by the Cooperation@epfl unit at the EPFL in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the University of Geneva, is funded by the Geneva International Academic Network. http://cooperation.epfl.ch/ScientificDiasporasNetwork SIGHT AND LIFE Honoured at Global Micronutrient Forum The first meeting of the Micronutrient Forum in Istanbul, Turkey in April 2007 saw SIGHT AND LIFE being the first organization to be honored by this prestigious Forum. The Micronutrient Forum aims to serve as a stimulus for policy relevant science and is an internationally recognized catalyst for moving the global community towards evidence-based programs that reduce micronutrient malnutrition around the globe. http://www.sightandlife.org/aenews/awmf/mfaw.html Petition «0,7% - Gemeinsam gegen Armut / ensemble contre la pauvreté!» Helfen Sie mit, dass die Kampagne und Petition ein Erfolg werden! http://www.gemeinsamgegenarmut.ch Events Climate Change - Consequences for the Development Cooperation? Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Director Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change IPCC and of TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) India 16. Oktober 2007, 16h - 18h, DEZA /SDC in Bern http://www.deza.admin.ch/de/Dossiers/Veranstaltung_Traverse Le Droit à l'alimentation / Recht auf Nahrung Symposium lors de la Journée mondiale de l'alimentation 2007 16 octobre 2007, 9 à 13 heures, KULTUR-CASINO, Berne De plus amples informations: http://www.infoagrar.ch/symposium2007/index.htm Welttag zur Überwindung von Armut und Ausgrenzung 17. Oktober 2007, u.a. Bundesplatz in Bern http://www.oct17.org EPFL – ILO Workshop on Scientific Diasporas in Switzerland 26 October 2007 at ILO Headquarters in Geneva More information see above under 'General Information' and on: http://cooperation.epfl.ch/ScientificDiasporasNetwork Forschungspartnerschaften in einer globalisierten Welt / Partenariats scientifiques dans un monde globalisé Jahrestagung /Congrès annuel de la KFPE, 7 novembre à Berne An der Jahrestagung wird die neue bilaterale Forschungspolitik der Schweiz ins Zentrum gestellt. Vertreterinnen und Vertreter der sog. «Leading Houses» werden ihre Forschungsthematik, ihren Focus und ihre Forschungspartner vorstellen. In einer Diskussionsrunde wird über Bedeutung und Erwartungen der neuen bilateralen Forschungspolitik sowie über mögliche Rolle und Aktivitäten der KFPE diskutiert. Durant le congrès annuel, la nouvelle politique de recherche bilatérale de la Suisse sera le centre des attentions. Les représentantes et représentants des «Leading Houses» pourront présenter leur thématique de recherche, leur focus et leur partenaires scientifiques. L’importance et les attentes de la nouvelle politique de recherche bilatérale ainsi que le rôle et les activités de la KFPE seront discutées lors d’un forum de discussion. http://www.kfpe.ch/registrierung/ Environmental Peacebuilding - Managing Natural Resource Conflicts in a Changing World. swisspeace Annual Conference 2007, November 13, 2007, Hotel Bern, Bern swisspeace is inviting international experts from scientific and development communities to explore links between renewable natural resources and conflicts. Acting as a platform of exchanges between researchers and practitioners, the conference will also look into challenges and best practices for the peaceful management of water and land in developing countries in Africa, South America and Central Asia. http://www.swisspeace.ch/typo3/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/media/swisspeace_jako_07_Gzd__1_.pdf International Collaboration in the Social Sciences, Research and Development Agendas, Funding Policies and Partnerships IUED, Geneva, 15-16 November 2007 This workshop, organized by the IUED and the Social Science Research Council (USA), focuses on the importance of international research collaboration in development-oriented research, as well as on the importance of capacity-building for research collaboration as a development goal itself. http://www.unige.ch/iued/new/information/conferences/conf_2007_11_15-16_ssrc.html http://www.ssrc.org Gouvernance : vers un cadre conceptuel Colloque international à l'IUED, Genève, 22-24 novembre 2007 http://www.unige.ch/iued/new/information/conferences/conf_2007_11_22_gouvernanc.html The role of civil society in shaping development politics NADEL-Forum, 7 December 2007 in Zurich The last 15 years have seen significant changes in the relationship between civil society and policy makers in development politics. Different trends (democratisation, economic globalisation, government decentralisation and devolution) have led to new opportunities for civil society participation in the South at all levels. The following two key questions will be addressed at the NADEL-Forum: What is the new role of civil society organisations in shaping development politics? How can civil society organisations have a sustainable impact on policy making processes? http://www.nadel.ethz.ch/aktuell/POM_Forum Courses Youth encounter on sustainibility Africa (YES) 2007 ETHsustainability, the Center for Sustainability at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are organising this course. The two week course aims to sensitize participants to the complex issues of sustainable development in a global context, with a focus on exploring issues pertinent to the African region. The program combines course work, field trips, workshops, group work, discussions, practical learning experiences, and unique social and cultural activities. Through this approach the course offers an exceptional opportunity to experience inter and trans-disciplinary education, network building and cross cultural exchange. The course brochure and details on this event are available at: http://www.sustainability.ethz.ch/en/activities/africa.cfm KOFF Training: Storytelling as a tool in conflict transformation Date: 19-20 October 2007 in Bern Facilitator: Dan Bar-On Contact: KOFF(at)swisspeace.ch KOFF Training: Putting the "R" back into DDR: Reflections on the Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants Date: 26-27 November 2007 in Bern Facilitators: Brandon Hamber (Honorary Fellow of INCORE, a United Nations Research Center for the Study of Conflict at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland) Contact: KOF(at)swisspeace.ch Publications New book and guidebook on nutritional anemia The latest of SIGHT AND LIFE's many achievements over the last 20 years is the launch of a book on Nutritional Anemia that for the first time, in a single volume, assembles the leading research in this field and addresses all the critical factors needed to be considered and be acted upon. Editors Klaus Kraemer (SIGHT AND LIFE, Basel) and Michael B. Zimmermann (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich) worked with leading scientists from academia and international organizations in compiling the latest research on nutritional anemia. This publication together with a guidebook, providing comprehensive summaries of the book chapters, will serve as a guide for how governments, international agencies, non-governmental organisations and even business can work together to eradicate this enormous global public health burden. http://www.sightandlife.org/SAL_NutA/aa.html Dealing with the Past in Post-Conflict Societies: Ten Years after the Peace Accords in Guatemala and Bosnia-Herzegovina swisspeace Annual Conference 2006 Jonathan Sisson (ed.), swisspeace Conference Paper 1 \| 2007, September 2007 Dealing with a legacy of human rights violations is one of the most difficult challenges facing any society in the aftermath of violent conflict. A decade after internationally mediated peace agreements ended wars in Guatemala and Bosnia-Herzegovina, both countries continue to struggle with a culture of impunity and violence. What lessons can be learned about the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in dealing with the past? Why set up truth commissions in one context and tribunals in another? How does a society learn to live with the memory of genocide and crimes against humanity? And how can external actors contribute to the process of reconciliation? These are some of the questions which Guatemalan, Bosnian, and Swiss experts addressed at the swisspeace annual conference 2006. http://www.swisspeace.org/publications Kazakhstan - Challenges to the Booming Petro-Economy. FAST Country Risk Profile Kazakhstan by Marie-Carin von Gumppenberg, Working Paper, swisspeace 2/2007 Abstract: Owing to the profits from the oil and gas sectors, Kazakhstan is achieving high economic growth rates. The lack of diversification and the concentration of lucrative business sectors in the hands of a few persons make such growth unsustainable. The political system is stable as long as the balance between a strong president and influential interest groups is upheld. In the mid- and long-term, increasing social tensions between winners and losers of the economic growth as well as a shifting in the balance between different interest groups challenge the officially propagated stability of the country. download: http://www.swisspeace.ch/typo3/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/Working_Paper/WP_2_2007_Kazakhstan.pdf