Swiss president highlights digital responsibility in New York
Swiss President Ueli Maurer addressing the UN General Assembly in New York.
Keystone / Mary Altaffer
Speaking in front of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Ueli Maurer described the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions as “compasses of values” in the digital age.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/sm, ug
“We want the new digital society to commit to, abide by, and implement a common set of basic ethical values,” said Maurer, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency. As an example he highlighted the “Swiss Digital Initiative”, which was founded three weeks ago in Geneva.
Maurer called on the international community to ensure that human rights as well as the rights of smaller countries are upheld, particularly in the area of data protection. He also called for technological progress to be fostered, not hindered.
“If we are to succeed in stabilising supplies of food, water and energy, if we are to tackle climate change effectively, we need to do more than just pay lip service to these aims – we need technical innovation,” said the finance ministerExternal link, highlighting the need for investment in research, development and education.
Talks with Iran
At a news conference in New York on Tuesday, Maurer said Switzerland had role to play within the UN to ensure that smaller countries are not marginalised by big powers.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Maurer met the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani.
Maurer said the crisis between Iran and the United States over a nuclear treaty was not on the agenda.
Switzerland has been representing the interests of Tehran in Washington and vice versa over the past 40 years. Switzerland and Iran celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year.
On Monday, Maurer had spoken at the United Nations Climate Action summit:
More
More
Swiss president calls for innovation to tackle climate crisis
This content was published on
+ How climate change affects Switzerland “Our world needs more technological progress and less ideology,” Maurer told world leaders and activists. As an Alpine country, he noted, Switzerland is particularly affected by climate change. Melting glaciers, reduced snowfall and increased landslides in the mountains are wiping out a part of Swiss identity and tradition,…
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Launch of Geneva foundation to promote ethics in digital world
This content was published on
Geneva is set to host a new foundation to oversee the “Swiss Digital Initiative” aimed at promoting ethical standards in the digital world.
This content was published on
The Big Brother Awards for failure to protect client data have been announced, with several prominent Swiss institutions winning the uncoveted prizes.
This content was published on
Once financial technology (fintech) innovation properly takes off in the over-crowded banking sector, the competition may well cause some traditional players to disappear, says the Swiss National BankExternal link (SNB) in its “Survey on Digitalisation and Fintech at Swiss BanksExternal link”. Fintech is a growing theme in Switzerland, but its current importance pales in comparison…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.