Swiss companies want to contribute to a culture of democracy
Published: Thursday, Jul 11th 2024, 08:30
Volver a Live Feed
Seven major Swiss companies want to work together with the Pro Futuris organization to contribute to a vibrant culture of democracy in Switzerland. As part of a pilot project, the companies want to offer their apprentices training courses to promote an understanding of democracy, as they announced on Thursday.
Switzerland is economically successful and unique with its militia system and its vibrant direct democracy, the companies announced together with Pro Futuris. However, this is only strong as long as the population is willing and able to actively participate and negotiate compromises together in the political debate.
The most recent Swiss election study, Selects, again found a low voter turnout among 18 to 24-year-olds. Studies have also shown that this population group has little hope for the future. Research results have also shown that apprentices are less politically active than high school graduates and students.
Companies also have a responsibility for a vibrant democracy, it continued. This is why Baloise, Helvetia, Julius Baer, the Federation of Migros Cooperatives, Roche, Siemens Switzerland Ltd and Swiss Re founded the "Network Companies for Democracy" together with Pro Futuris. This is intended to provide a space for exchange between the companies on their commitment to democracy and to be used for the development of joint projects.
An initial pilot phase of the training courses with over 140 apprentices has already taken place between November 2023 and February 2024.
©Keystone/SDA
Spanish 
English 
German 
French 
Arabic