History and Achievements

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Over the course of its 35-year history, the World Economic Forum has achieved a proud record of accomplishment in advancing progress on key issues of global concern.

Among the highlights:

• 2006: Trade officials meeting at the Annual Meeting 2006 agree to accelerate talks to achieve a world trade deal. Some 25 trade ministers agreed to move on all key issues - agriculture, services and manufacturing - at the same time.
• 2006: The Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis (2006-2015) is launched by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and Bill Gates at the Annual Meeting 2006. The project - a coalition of over 400 organizations – aims to treat 50 million people and prevent 14 million tuberculosis deaths worldwide over the next ten years.
• 2006: The Annual Meeting 2006 gives sports leaders a voice. They presented their ideas on sport as a personal and social development tool, and called for new efforts to increase the impact of sport on society. Press release.
• 2005: The World Economic Forum works closely with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, to set his G-8 policy priorities of poverty alleviation in Africa and climate change. The Annual Meeting 2005 served as a platform for Mr Blair to launch his G-8 agenda.
• 2005: An advisory board created and led by the World Economic Forum helps shape Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair’s G-8 climate change agenda. The board, consisting of 24 global company chiefs, presented to G-8 leaders at their annual summit a statement calling on governments to establish ‘’clear, transparent and consistent price signals’’ through the creation of a long-term policy framework that includes all major emitters of greenhouse gases.
• 2005: Over 350 business leaders at the World Economic Forum’s Africa Economic Summit sign a declaration endorsing the Commission for Africa’s recommendations for the multibillion dollar aid plan. The letter was presented to G-8 leaders at their annual summit.
• 2003: At the World Economic Forum’s Extraordinary Annual Meeting in Jordan, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Arab Business Council is established in the aftermath of the war in Iraq to provide an important forum for shaping the future of prosperity and security in the Middle East.
• 2003: A region-wide US-Middle East Free Trade Zone is launched to open trade with the US and between Arab nations. Consisting of more than 50 of the region’s top business leaders, the Council is set to create cooperative action among leading members of the Arab corporate sector to enhance the competitiveness of the Arab region and to facilitate its integration into the global economy.
• 2002: The Forum provides a platform for the creation of a Disaster Resource Network, leveraging engineering and transportation industry firms’ resources to assist with disaster relief efforts.
• 2002: The Annual Meeting 2002 serves as a platform for Canada’s Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to announce the creation of a Canadian $ 500 million fund for Africa to support the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development through the implementation of the G-8 Africa Action Plan.
• 2002: Additionally, the Gates Foundation announces a contribution of US$ 50 million for AIDS prevention in Africa, including US$ 20 million to fund the trial of a promising microbicide that could offer women a breakthrough in protection against HIV/AIDS.
• 2000: Recommendations from the Global Digital Divide Task Force are submitted to the G-8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit 2000; most of the proposals are adopted during the Summit and have become part of its final communiqué.
• 2000: At the Annual Meeting, World Health Organization Secretary-General Gro Harlem Brundtland announces a Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).
• 1999: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan announces the "Global Compact," to give "a human face to the global market" at the Forum's Annual Meeting.
• 1994: Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat reach a draft agreement on Gaza and Jericho at the Annual Meeting in Davos.
• 1992: South African President F. W. de Klerk meets Nelson Mandela and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi at the Annual Meeting, their first joint appearance outside South Africa and a milestone in the country's political transition.
• 1989: North and South Korea hold their first ministerial-level meetings at the Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos; at the same meeting, East German Prime Minister Hans Modrow and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl meet to discuss German reunification.
• 1988: Greece and Turkey turn back from the brink of war by signing the "Davos Declaration" at the Forum's Annual Meeting.
• 1979: The Forum becomes the first non-governmental institution to initiate a partnership with China's economic development commissions, spurring economic reform policies in China.

Latest Successes and Achievements

The World Economic Forum is committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders from the public and private sectors and from wider civil society in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. In 2005/2006, we made significant strides in these three key areas. This was achieved through the application of existing models to new projects, the expansion of current initiatives, and the launch of new initiatives and programmes. The year’s highlights included:

• Shaping the global agenda
• Shaping regional agendas
• Shaping industry agendas

Our Organization: World-class governance

The World Economic Forum is an independent, international organization incorporated as a Swiss not-for-profit foundation. We are striving towards a world-class corporate governance system where values are as important a basis as rules. Our motto is ‘entrepreneurship in the global public interest’. We believe that economic progress without social development is not sustainable, while social development without economic progress is not feasible.

Our vision for the World Economic Forum is threefold. It aims to be: the foremost organization which builds and energizes leading global communities; the creative force shaping global, regional and industry strategies; the catalyst of choice for its communities when undertaking global initiatives to improve the state the world.

We enjoy a unique global standing by recognizing and responding to two new developments:

- The world’s key challenges cannot be met by governments, business or civil society alone

- In a world characterized by complexity, fragility and ever greater synchronicity, strategic insights cannot be passively acquired. They are best developed through continuous interaction with peers and with the most knowledgeable people in the field.

To carry out its mission, the World Economic Forum has developed an integrated value chain by involving world leaders in communities, inspiring them with strategic insights and enabling them through initiatives.

Members and Partners

Our members represent the world’s 1,000 leading companies. Partners are select member companies who are actively involved in the organization's activities and contribute their expertise and resources.

Membership

Members comprise in principle the foremost 1,000 global enterprises. Characteristics of Members include:

· Their rank among the top companies within their industry and/or country
· The global dimension of their activities
· A leading role in shaping the future of their industry and/or region

For more information on Membership, including application for Membership status, please contact:

Grant McKibbin
Tel: +41 22 869 1258
Email: grant.mckibbin@weforum.org

Partnership

Every year, more than 100 of the world’s most influential companies partner with the World Economic Forum to tackle the most complex challenges facing humanity.

Recognising that each company’s business needs are unique, the Forum offers the possibility for partners to engage in a specific community, project or event.

We invite you to discuss with us how we can tailor a specific package to meet your objectives.

Please contact us at:

Tel: +41 22 869 1212
Email: partnership@weforum.org

Communities

A key part of the Forum’s activities is the creation of distinctive communities of member and partner companies, creating smaller, more informal opportunities for interaction. Forum communities include the Young Global Leaders and the Technology Pioneers which are active year-round as well as other communities which mainly contribute to our Annual Meeting.

These communities:
- provide timely information and scientific judgement;
- expand and strengthen the representation of society at large in Forum activities to improve interaction between business, government and other sectors of society;
- share their views as active participants in regional meetings and summits and the Annual Meeting as well as task forces and initiatives;
- discuss ways of building a genuine culture of dialogue, searching out common values to bridge divides among communities;
- enhance the quality of the Forum's activities.

Technology Pioneers

The World Economic Forum has announced 47 visionary companies selected as Technology Pioneers 2007. The companies products include microscopic pill cameras, bio sensors that localize landmines and implantable medical devices for the treatment of brain tumors.

The Technology Pioneers 2007 were nominated by the world’s leading venture capital and technology companies. The final selection from 225 nominees was made by a panel of leading technology experts appointed by the World Economic Forum.

To be selected as a Technology Pioneer, a company must be involved in the development of life-changing technology innovation and have potential for long-term impact on business and society. In addition, it must demonstrate visionary leadership, show the signs of being a long-standing market leader – and its technology must be proven.

Who are the Technology Pioneers?
Technology Pioneers are companies from around the world that develop and apply the most innovative and transformational technologies in the fields of information technology, renewable energy and biotechnology / health. The work undertaken by these companies holds the promise of significantly affecting the way business and society operate. Each innovation is another step in society's attempt to harness, adapt and utilize technology to change and improve our world. The World Economic Forum identifies between 30 and 50 companies as Technology Pioneers every year.

• Year of Programme launch: 2000
  
• Total Technology Pioneers (incl 2007): 352

What are the benefits of being a Technology Pioneer?
Technology Pioneers are invited to participate in the activities of the World Economic Forum, including the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, for a period of two years. The Annual Meeting is the premier international event bringing together leaders of business and government from around the world, providing an opportunity for Technology Pioneers to interact with the world’s foremost thought leaders and trendsetters.

How are Technology Pioneers identified?
The Forum solicits nominations for the Technology Pioneers programme from Technology Pioneer alumni, Forum members, partners, entrepreneurs, innovators and other technology experts. Individuals with a strong understanding of companies that may qualify as Technology Pioneers are encouraged to submit nominations or to encourage companies to nominate themselves.

Nominees are short-listed by an internal committee consisting of industry and technology experts. Short-listed nominees are evaluated by an external selection advisory committee comprising technology experts within the specific fields.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders

The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a newly formed, unique, multi-stakeholder community of 1111 exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to shaping the global future. The Forum brings together young leaders who are currently internationally prominent and those who are destined for future greatness.

Each year we identify 200-300 exceptional individuals, drawn from every region in the world and many disciplines and sectors. Together, they form a powerful international community which can dramatically impact the global future.

Young Global Leaders:
- are under 40 years old
- have substantial leadership experience
- have already clearly demonstrated a commitment to serving society
- are willing to devote their energy and expertise for five years to tackle the most critical issues facing the world

In shaping the future, the Young Global Leaders will engage in the “2020 Initiative”. This is a comprehensive endeavour, aimed at establishing a framework for understanding the problems and risks we face in the coming decades and beyond.

The Young Global Leaders will focus their abilities on exploring what the world will be like in 2020, if current and projected trends continue. Their goal is to identify the dynamics and complexities of future industrial and social developments, so that a shared vision for a better world in 2020 can emerge. Equipped with a positive roadmap for the future, the Young Global Leaders will design global strategies to make this vision a reality. These strategies in turn will be translated into the concrete action to be taken today, if their vision for 2020 is to be realized.

Women Leaders Programme

The World Economic Forum through its Women Leaders Programme is committed to promoting women's leadership and the issues affecting women's lives globally. The mission of the programme is to promote discussion and targeted action on the status of women across the world and across sectors by engaging business leaders, policy-makers and representatives of civil society organizations and by monitoring progress through new benchmarking tools that measure the global gender gap. Additionally, the Women Leaders Programme strives to increase the participation of women in Forum activities by ensuring their involvement as members in Forum communities and inviting women leaders to be active contributors to the global dialogue.

The Global Gender Gap Report 2006

Watch an interview with author, Saadia Zahidi, Economist and Head, Women Leaders Programme

The Nordic countries, Sweden (1), Norway (2), Finland (3) and Iceland (4), top the latest Gender Gap Index. Germany (5), the Philippines (6), New Zealand (7), Denmark (8), the United Kingdom (9) and Ireland (10) complete the top 10 countries with the smallest "gender gap".
The Global Gender Gap Report 2006 covers all current and candidate European Union countries, 20 from Latin America and the Caribbean, over 20 from sub-Saharan Africa and 10 from the Arab world. Together, the 115 economies cover over 90% of the world’s population. The index mainly uses publicly available "hard data" indicators drawn from international organizations and some qualitative information from the Forum’s own Executive Opinion Survey. The Global Gender Gap Report 2006 includes an innovative new methodology including detailed profiles of each economy that provide insight into the economic, legal and social aspects of the gender gap. The Report measures the size of the gender gap in four critical areas of inequality between men and women:

1. Economic participation and opportunity – outcomes on salaries, participation levels and access to high-skilled employment
2. Educational attainment – outcomes on access to basic and higher level education
3. Political empowerment – outcomes on representation in decision-making structures
4. Health and survival – outcomes on life expectancy and sex ratio

This year marks an important progression in the Report’s methodology, with the adoption of a new tool that focuses on the relative size of the gender gap rather than levels of women’s empowerment and access. The new methodology is the result of collaboration between Ricardo Hausmann, Director of the Center for International Development at Harvard University, Laura D. Tyson, Dean of the London Business School and Saadia Zahidi, Head of the World Economic Forum’s Women Leaders Programme.

The Report has been supported by Women Leaders Programme Partners:
Carlson Companies
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Goldman Sachs
Nike
NYSE Group

Mentorship Programme
Recognizing the value of role models and mentorship in enhancing leadership skills, particularly for young women, the World Economic Forum is fostering closer ties between upcoming and established women leaders through a Mentorship Programme. The community of Women Leaders interacts with the new Forum of Young Global Leaders at the Annual Meeting, regional events and throughout the year to create mentorship and networking opportunities. The aim is to work towards creating a future business and political environment in which women’s leadership is seen as crucial to addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

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• OFFICIAL NAME

Swiss Confederation

Berne

• NATIONAL DAY

1 August 1291 (Founding of the Swiss Confederation)

Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

41,290 sq. km./ mostly mountains (Alps in the south; Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains and large lakes

• BOUNDARIES

Austria. France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany

• POPULATION

7,489,370 (July 2005 est.)

German (65%), French (18%), Italian (10%), Romansch (1%), other (6%)

• RELIGIONS

Roman Catholic (46.1%), Protestant (40%), other (5%), none (8.9%)

• OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

German (63.7%), French (19.2%), Italian (7.6%), Romansch (0.6%), other (8.9%)

• FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Federal republic. The Federal Council (executive authority) is composed of seven members (Federal Councillors). A presiding chairman called President is primus inter pares among them. The presidency rotates among the seven Federal Councillors.

• HEAD OF STATE/GOVERNMENT

President Micheline Calmy-Rey

• ECONOMIC SUMMARY

GDP (US$ billion) - 262.1 (2205 est.)
GDP per capita (US$) - 5,000 (2005 est.)
GDP growth rate (%) - 1.2 % (2005 est.)
Inflation rate    - 0.9% (2004 est.)
Monetary Unit    - Swiss Franc (CHF)
Exchange Rate - US$ 1 = 1.31 (2006)
Largest export markets - Germany (20.2%),
(2004 est.) United States (10%), France (8.7%), Italy (8.3%), Great Britain (5.1%), Spain (4%)
Largest import sources    -    Germany (32.8%), Italy
(2004 est.)    (11.3%), France (9.9%, the Netherlands (5%), Austria (4.3%)

Sources: The World Factbook (www.cia.gov), Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP, Annual and Post Reports of the Philippine Embassy, Berne

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Personal Information

Born on July 8^th, 1945 in Chermignon, Canton of Valais, married to Andre Calmy, two children, three grandchildren.

Political Activity

• 2007: President of the Swiss Confederation

• 2003 to present: Federal Councilor, Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

• 2001-2002: President of the Geneva Cantonal Government

• 1998-2002: Elected in November 1997 to the Geneva Cantonal Government, Head of the Finance Department, re-election in November 2001.

• 1981-1997: Member of the Geneva Cantonal Parliament, Chairperson of the Finance Commission, later Speaker of the Parliament.

• 1993-1997: Chairperson of the Social Democratic Party (SP) of the Canton of Geneva.

• 1986-1990: Chairperson of the SP of the Canton of Geneva.

Positions of Public Office

• 2002: Member of the Board of Directors of the Swiss National Bank

• 1998-2002: Member of the Board of Directors of the Fonds d’equipement communal of the Canton of Geneva

• 1998-2002: Vice-President, President of the Canton Geneva employee’s pension fund (CIA)

• 1998-2002: Member of the Board of Governors of the "Lady Michelham of Hellingly Foundation" (charitable foundation)

• 1994-1997: Member of the Board of Directors of Geneva International Airport

• 1991-1997: Member of the Committee of "Argos" (umbrella association of organizations to support rehabilitation of drug addicts)

• 1986-1993: Member of the Board of Directors of Caisse d’erpargne de Geneve

Education

• 1968: License in political science (Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva)

• 1964: Commercial Baccalaureate, Sion, Canton of Valais

• 1963: Diploma from the Commercial School in St. Maurice, Canton of Valais

Professional Activities

• During studies: Part-time position as bookkeeper for a construction company, later (until 1997) director and manager of a family-run bookshop.

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The Philippines and Switzerland established diplomatic relations on 30 August 1956. Relations between the Philippines and Switzerland can be traced back to the early 1800s when Swiss traders, missionaries and travelers ventured into South East Asia.

The initiative to open a Swiss official representation in the Philippines was first taken up in 1851. However, it was only 11 years later, in 1862, that a Swiss honorary consulate was established in Manila, the first Swiss diplomatic post established in Asia. Since then, exchanges between the two countries have flourished, particularly in the political, economic, social and cultural fields.

The Philippine Embassy in Berne is currently headed by Charge d’ Affaires Lamberto V. Monsanto while the Swiss Embassy in Manila is currently headed by Ambassador Peter Sutter.

For the year 2005, a highlight of bilateral relations was the convening of a High-Level International Workshop on Federalism and Multiculturalism on 03 October 2005 in Manila which gathers representatives from the academe, the government, and civil society for an exchange of views on federalism, an issue that has assumed prominence of late in debates relating to the life and future of the Filipinos. Its purpose is to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the issue, the benefits that it could offer in responding to our country’s challenges, and whether it can be the most suitable or appropriate alternative form of government for our people given our cultural diversities. The activity was made possible through the joint efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Berne, the Swiss Embassy in Manila, the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of Federalism in Fribourg, the University of the Philippines’ Center for Local and Regional Governance of the National College of Public Administration and Governance, the Forum of Federations, the Office of Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Recovery of Marcos assets

The highlight of Philippines-Swiss relations was the mutual legal cooperation that successfully recovered US$ 683 million of assets of former President Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Marcos stashed in Switzerland. This came about after the Swiss Supreme Court ruled in December 1997 and January 1998 to return the ill-gotten wealth to the Philippine Government. This was affirmed by the Philippine Supreme Court on separate rulings on 15 July 2003 and 18 November 2003.

Mutual legal cooperation for the recovery of other Marcos assets are still continuing with the Swiss government. The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is spearheading these efforts.

Agreements

The Philippines and Switzerland have concluded several agreements. These are in the fields of air services, visa waiver, extradition, investment, taxation, social security, natural disaster, mutual legal assistance, readmission, exchange of trainees, and maritime.

Exchange of visits (from 1987-2003)

Since 1987, Philippines and Switzerland bilateral relations have continued to gain pace through dynamic exchanges of visits. For the year 2004, both countries conducted the 2^nd Political Consultation in Manila. A Philippine business processes outsourcing (BPO) and IT mission also visited Switzerland in November 2004, which aimed to promote the Philippines’ competitive advantage in this field.

This year, Swiss parliamentarians attended the 112^th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Manila.

Philippine-Swiss business relations go back to the last century and may be described as modest but solid.

To date, efforts to further expand economic relations were manifested in the Philippine IT and BPO Mission to Europe in November 2004. Switzerland was the first and the most successful leg of the mission among the four countries visited. It opened potential new partnerships, particularly in business processes outsourcing and IT-enabled services, given the Philippines’ competitive edge in these areas.

Bilateral Trade

In 2002, the Philippines saw a steady increase on our total trade with Switzerland, although the balance of trade remains in favor of the latter. Trade figures for the year 2004 placed Switzerland as the Philippines’ 25^th trade partner, accounting for 0.41% of Philippine (total) trade with the world. Trade relations between the two countries grew by 36%, valued at US$329 million, registering a significant increase from US$210 million posted in 2003, with the balance of trade lying in favor of Switzerland. Philippine exports were valued at US$25.6 million as against Philippine imports at US$302.9 million.

For the year 2005 however, our total trade decreased by US$58.87M or 17.91% from the previous year. Our exports for this year remained at US$25M mark while our imports declined by US$57.53 M or 19.04% compared with the previous year.

Electronic goods were the main products exported to and imported from Switzerland by the Philippines last year. The Philippine products for promotion to Switzerland are:

1. Information Technology (IT) services
2. Decorative ceramics
3. Men’s trousers and women’s wear
4. Rattan furniture
5. Consumer electronics
6. Processed fruits
7. Christmas decorations, toys and dolls
8. Fashion accessories
9. Jewelry (pearls and precious, semi-precious stones)
10. Travel goods

SUMMARY OF RP-SWITZERLAND BILATERAL TRADE

(in million US dollars)

2005 TOP 5 PHILIPPINE EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND

(in million US dollars)

2005 TOP 5 PHILIPPINE IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND

(in million US dollars)

Sources: National Statistics Office (NSO), Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP)

Investments

For the years 1996 to 2005, Swiss investments in the Philippines totaled US$2,365.61 million, US$805.41 million (or 34.09%) of which, represents Swiss foreign direct investments, while the remaining US$1,557.20 million (or 65.91%) is portfolio investments.

In 2002, BSP-registered Swiss FDI (equity) were valued at US$570 thousand, while portfolio investments amounted to only US$ 31.26 million. Although these data illustrate a sharp contrast to the figures posted by Switzerland in 1999 amounting to US$1.086 billion (combined equity and portfolio investment), foreign direct equity investment for 2003 modestly increased to US$10.41. In 2004 FDI figures also showed a radical decline to only US$0.61 million, but nevertheless its investment increased to US$1.17 for the period January to June 2005. Foreign portfolio investments on the other hand continued to post a modest upward trend since 2002.

1996–2005

(In Million US dollars)

*January to June 2005 figures only/Source: Investment Relations Office, BSP

There are about 55 established Swiss firms operating in the Philippines, which are engaged in the following industries:

1. pharmaceutical/chemical
2. food
3 .trading and distribution
4. tourism
5. business consultancy

Source: Office of European Affairs, DFA

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While a combined number of 8,936 Filipinos is registered at the Philippine Embassy in Berne and the Philippine Consulate in Geneva, it is estimated that some 10,000 Filipinos live in Switzerland, which include those who are married to Swiss nationals.

Filipinos living and working in Switzerland migrated to the country as spouses of Swiss nationals; as professionals employed by UN agencies and other international organizations or by Swiss and multinational companies; as nurses and health care givers; as service workers engaged by foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel; as representatives of churches and religious organizations; or as employees in other sectors.

In general, Filipino workers in Switzerland enjoy satisfactory working conditions and terms of employment. They are among the highest paid workers in Europe. Generally, complaints have been settled amicably through informal discussions with the employers.

As in other countries, Filipinos in Switzerland have formed organizations to foster fellowship and friendship, as well as to keep alive Philippine culture and traditions. Many groups organize social and cultural events, such as cultural presentations, fairs and festivals, as well as to raise funds to assist the needy in the Philippines. Furthermore, some organizations offer counselling services, seminars on integration, Swiss federal and cantonal legal system, Swiss customs and traditions, language lessons (Filipino and German), computer courses, folk dance lessons, and spiritual recollection and fellowship sessions.

There are presently 50 Filipino-Swiss organizations; 5 resources centers (in Berne, Zurich, Chur, Basel and Zug) and 15 business entities established in different parts of Switzerland.

Source: Office of European Affairs, DFA

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