Wars, climate change, loss of biodiversity, but also more sustainability and impact: these keywords were omnipresent at this year's SGES. The global problems that need to be solved are enormous and time seems to be gradually running out. The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals are still a guideline for political, economic and social players, but there are also more and more sources of conflict when it comes to implementation. The vote on the biodiversity initiative on September 22, 2024 is just one such example. Opponents, such as the agricultural sector, and proponents from scientific and nature conservation circles are outbidding each other with arguments for and against. In a panel discussion, Prof. Dr. Michael Schaepman from the University of Zurich pointed out another example of a (possible) conflict behind the biodiversity debate: The agricultural plant maize, for example, is not native, but is nevertheless considered non-invasive, in contrast to cherry laurel, for example, which has now been banned from sale as a garden plant. Banning maize, on the other hand, would probably not occur to anyone...

Focusing even more on biodiversity

The topic of biodiversity provided new aspects at SGES 2024. It was shown that climate protection and biodiversity should not be viewed in isolation from one another. Marco Lambertini from the Nature Positive Initiative called for a move away from "Net Zero" towards "Net Positive". Like carbon neutrality, his initiative is based on a time-bound target for nature to halt and reverse species loss in order to support climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals. Stewart Maginnis from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) placed particular responsibility on countries such as Switzerland: despite their efforts to preserve biodiversity in their own country, the global footprint remains large. According to the panel participants, a change in mindset is needed and the focus must be placed even more on nature. However, we first need to better understand the impact that humans have on biodiversity and, based on this, develop a plan on how this impact can be managed. This may well raise the question for the outsider observer: Do we still have the time? And what conflicts do we have to accept? After all, it was also pointed out in the discussion that every regulation always has consequences that can lead to inequalities in society.

Tools for the 2030 Agenda

Switzerland, which likes to see itself as a role model when it comes to respecting human rights or protecting nature, is not where it should be on the path to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This was demonstrated by Daniel Dubas, Federal Council delegate for the 2030 Agenda: "The direction is right, but the speed is not," he said. Although progress has been made in the fight against poverty, there has been stagnation or even regression in other goals, Dubas continued. However, the Federal Council is continuing to pursue the priorities of sustainable consumption, biodiversity and equal opportunities. Daniel Dubas also pointed out the important role of business. In order to help companies implement the 2030 Agenda, the Federal Office for Spatial Development and its partners have developed a toolbox (https://toolbox-agenda2030.ch/de/) was developed. This was launched in 2023 and aims to share existing knowledge among companies. It is primarily aimed at companies that specifically want to do more for climate protection but are only just starting out.

Circular economy: Accepted, but much remains to be done

SGES 2024 also addressed the topic of the circular economy, for example in connection with the recycling of batteries from electric vehicles. Julian Proelss from BASF calculated that electric vehicles - viewed over their entire life cycle - emit 70 percent less CO2 than combustion engines. However, batteries in particular are big "CO2 guzzlers" during production because they require a lot of metals that are expensive to mine. According to Proelss, recycling these materials would reduce the CO2 footprint by 60 percent. The subsequent panel discussion with National Councillor Matthias Jauslin, Rahel Galliker (Deputy Director FOEN), Pia Guggenbühl (scienceindustries industry association) and Esther Laabs (WWF Germany) showed that the circular economy is generally not very controversial. According to a study commissioned by the FOEN and Seco, there are various pioneering companies in the circular economy among Swiss companies. However, the majority of companies are only at the beginning in this respect. Pia Guggenbühl: "A new era is underway" - if only because of the economic pressure resulting from dwindling resources. And is there also regulatory pressure? Yes, because the EU is currently introducing a new Circular Economy Act. Julian Proelss regrets, however, that many of the regulations contain technically unrealistic requirements. This makes dialog between the stakeholders all the more important, according to the unanimous opinion of the panel participants. "Protecting the environment and benefiting customers should not be mutually exclusive," was Matthias Jauslin's opinion on the frequently emerging conflicts of objectives.

Supply chains: it doesn't work without partnerships

The issue of more sustainable supply chains is also a source of conflict. The example of Pacific Jeans from Bangladesh, wrapped up in plenty of PR, showed that textile production can be ecological, socially responsible and economical at the same time. The company supplies various well-known clothing brands, which for their part are increasingly interested in offering sustainably produced textiles to local customers. Transparency along the supply chain is a key factor today. However, there are also problems, as Fabian Waldmeier from Max Havelaar Switzerland pointed out: many small coffee farmers find it difficult to meet the ever-increasing requirements and run the risk of no longer being considered as suppliers. An inclusive implementation of new regulations is therefore required. And it is also important to make such challenges transparent. Supplier audits also ensure transparency. Pierre Strub from amfori Switzerland, a trade association that promotes sustainable supply chains, pointed out that these should also be shared more widely in order to avoid duplication. Here, too, the conclusion of the discussion was clear: You can't do it without strong partnerships, and sustainability doesn't come for free. However, this remains a major area of conflict for the time being: not all consumers are yet prepared to pay this price - or they are not even in a position to do so.

SGES 2024 shows the many facets of the green economy

In the 17 innovation forums and at the stands of the more than 20 exhibiting organizations, many questions that could only be "touched on" at the main event were discussed in depth. Among other things, the focus was explicitly on climate protection in SMEs and how they can better convince their employees and suppliers of this. The construction industry was also a focal point. On Thursday, August 29, the focus was on the topics of "Healthy and sustainable building and living" and carbon capture processes, i.e. the binding of CO2 in cement, for example. The construction industry in particular has great potential for the circular economy. However, logistics, the food sector and mobility were also the subject of lively discussions in a "small circle".

Overall, the SGES 2024 was once again able to show that the "green economy" has many facets, but that it is not always easy to understand their interrelationships. This is why there is still a lot of potential for conflict between different stakeholder groups and particular interests. Resolving these - together - remains a major goal.

More information: www.sges.ch

In my workshops, I see time and again that the most difficult step is not the knowledge or the exercises, but the commitment to actually putting what you have learned into practice. Do you know that? You are not alone!

Non-commitment as a vicious circle

Why is commitment so difficult? The reason often lies in the responsibility for the results - even when things are not going so well. This creates a "vicious circle": People are afraid to commit for fear of failure. However, without a clear commitment and full involvement, the likelihood of unsatisfactory results increases. The next time, commitment is then avoided even further.

This mechanism can be seen in companies of all kinds and at all management levels. Decisions are postponed, steps are left unclear and deadlines are not met - all signs of a lack of commitment. However, there are three simple but effective steps that can help you to strengthen your commitment:

1. create clarity

You need to know exactly what you want to commit to. It's not enough to say, "I want to get better at leadership." Be specific, e.g. "I want to learn to listen better." When exactly? At meetings? This clarity is crucial for success. Equally important is the "why". Why do you want to listen better? What impact will this have on you and your team? Without clarity on the "what" and "why", it is difficult to maintain commitment.

2. find an accountability partner

Find someone to hold you "accountable". This can be a colleague, a mentor or a coach - someone who will remind you and give you honest feedback. A good accountability partner will help you stay on track, even when the going gets tough. They remind you of your goals and celebrate your successes with you.

3. schedule and adhere to times

Don't just make a mental commitment, but plan specific time to pursue your goal. For example, if you want to listen better, set yourself the goal for the next meeting of putting down your cell phone and actively listening. For bigger goals, block out regular times in your calendar to work on them. Without fixed times, good intentions often remain unfulfilled.

What now? Now it's your turn! Implement these three steps and watch your commitment and ability to achieve your goals improve. If you lead a team, apply these principles to your employees as well. This will not only help you, but also your team to be more successful.

Author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer, book author, consultant, coach, speaker.www.volkmarvoelzke.ch

Clients in wealth management are in high demand. This is also due to the fact that banks can earn a lot of money with wealthy clients. One reason for this is the persistently high fees in private banking. For an analysis, the online comparison service provider moneyland.ch took a close look at the fees in Swiss wealth management and investment advice and examined three different investment strategies and investment amounts for this purpose. The result: wealth management in Switzerland has its price. But the cost differences are large. "Depending on the strategy, the most expensive mandates cost more than three times as much as the cheapest banks," says Benjamin Manz, Managing Director of moneyland.ch. It is therefore worth comparing fees. Good to know: Depending on the assets and bank, the fees are not set in stone, so it can be worth asking or negotiating.

Mandate fees on average 1.32 percent

Traditional asset management with a pure equity strategy for an investment amount of CHF 250,000 costs an average of CHF 3289 per year in mandate fees at the Swiss banks surveyed. This corresponds to 1.32 percent of the investment amount per year. This does not include various additional costs such as foreign currency costs, taxes, stock exchange and fund fees. In particular, the funds used are often just as expensive as the mandate itself.

On the other hand, digital investment apps, sometimes also called "robo advisors", are cheaper and cost less than half the price of traditional asset management on average, as various comparisons by moneyland.ch show. Hybrid models that combine digital apps with advice are also on the rise.

Costs vary with the equity strategy

At many banks, the rule still applies: the more shares are used, the more expensive it becomes. For example, asset management for assets of one million francs with a pure equity strategy (80 to 100 percent equities) costs an average of 12,574 francs per year, which corresponds to around 1.26 percent. With an average equity share of 40 to 60 percent, customers still pay 1.16 percent for the mandates, and 0.92 percent for a strategy without equities.

The most favorable asset management mandates

There are large cost differences in the flat fees between the mandates examined. The most favorable of the providers examined are Sparkasse Schwyz, Alpian, Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank and, depending on the equity strategy and assets, other banks.

An example: with assets of CHF 500,000 and a pure equity strategy, customers of Sparkasse Schwyz pay CHF 3500 per year with an ETF mandate. At Alpian it is CHF 3750, at Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank CHF 5000, followed by Privatbank Piguet Galland with CHF 5400.

The most favorable consulting mandates

In addition to asset management mandates, Swiss banks also offer investment advisory mandates. In the case of investment advice, clients can choose between various investment recommendations, whereas in the case of asset management they no longer have a say once the strategy has been chosen.

For a pure equity portfolio of CHF 500,000, the investment advice of Sparkasse Schwyz is the cheapest with costs of CHF 1,500 per year, followed by the Uno mandate of Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank with costs of CHF 1,750. However, in addition to the mandate fees, most banks usually also charge product fees.

Source: moneyland.ch. You can find all interactive comparisons at https://www.moneyland.ch/de/vergleiche

Alongside mental illness, back problems are the number one widespread disease. According to various statistics, more than 80 percent of all employees over the age of 40 have been temporarily unable to move due to the infamous lumbago. In Germany, for example, one in twenty people will undergo surgery for a back problem in the course of their lives. In addition, around half of all early retirements in Germany are due to spinal problems, among other things.

Cause of back pain: poor posture and one-sided physical strain

These figures are consistent with the findings in my practice. More than half of my clients complain during their first visit that they have back pain more or less regularly. This is usually not due to organic causes. Rather, the cause lies in poor posture and one-sided physical strain. There are also psychological factors such as stress. This can also cause pain-inducing tension.

In terms of evolutionary history, the cause of "our cross with the cross" lies many millions of years ago. At that time, humans learned to walk upright. It enabled our ancestors to use their hands freely and to make and use tools. At the same time, however, it led to greater strain on the spine as well as the hip and knee joints. As a result, humans have been carrying the health problem of back pain around with them for millions of years.

There are many reasons why this occurs more frequently in our society. One of the main reasons is our longer lifespan. This increases the likelihood that our musculoskeletal system will show signs of wear and tear.

The load on the spine has changed

What's more, our physical strain is different today than it was 100 years ago. On the one hand, when we sit for hours on end typing texts into a PC or laptop, for example, our spine is under constant strain from which it can rarely relax, and on the other hand, we only use a few muscle groups. In the long term, this leads to certain muscle groups regressing or shortening. They then no longer provide our spine with sufficient support. The result is painful tension, e.g. in the neck (cervical vertebra syndrome) or in the lumbar vertebrae (lumbar vertebra syndrome).

The so-called intervertebral discs play an important role here. They form a kind of buffer between the individual vertebrae. They prevent the individual bones from rubbing against each other and thus wearing out. Frequent incorrect loading can overstress the intervertebral discs and restrict their buffering function. The result: the dreaded slipped disc.

You can avoid back pain through prevention

Such problems can be prevented. The least strain is placed on the intervertebral discs when lying down. Even when sitting and standing (assuming a straight sitting/standing posture), the intervertebral discs are only slightly stressed. Here are two examples: A sitting posture with the upper body slightly bent forward puts twice as much strain on the intervertebral disc as a "disc-friendly" straight posture. The strain on the intervertebral disc when standing with the upper body bent forward is more than 50 percent higher than with a straight standing posture. Lifting "incorrectly" with a bent spine also puts a lot of strain on the intervertebral discs. The correct approach is to bend your knees when lifting and keep your back in a straight position.

Strong hip, thigh, back, chest and abdominal muscles give the spine the support it needs. Office workers in particular should therefore make sure they get some exercise after work and at the weekend. In addition to special strength and stretching exercises related to these muscle groups, such as those often practiced in yoga, sports such as swimming, jogging, cycling or hiking are particularly suitable for compensating for work-related lack of exercise. In addition to building muscle, these endurance sports have other health-promoting effects. Regular exercise prevents cardiovascular disease, helps to reduce stress and promotes healthy, restful sleep.

Tips for everyday professional and working life

But what can you do if you experience back problems during everyday office work? Then you should first check whether your desk and chair are at an appropriate height for your height and whether your monitor is positioned so that you can look at the screen without straining. If you still have problems afterwards, stretching exercises, which you can also do at your desk, can help. It usually helps to stand up for a few minutes, walk around and stretch to relieve the tension. If possible, you should change your sitting position several times a day, for example by swapping your desk chair for a sitting ball. Or: simply shorten the long periods of sitting at your desk by doing certain tasks at a standing desk.

And another tip: if possible, make your calls while standing and walking back and forth in your office. No problem with portable phones today.

About the author:

Anja Botter is a non-medical practitioner for psychotherapy and a yoga teacher. She runs a yoga studio in Welle in der Nordheide, where she offers yoga classes and personal training, among other things; she also has a psychotherapy practice for psychological counseling (www.bewegte-leichtigkeit.de).

Prevent back pain

Back pain is one of the most common complaints of office workers. 10 tips on how to avoid them.

1. Ergonomic sitting posture: Adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. The backrest should support your back and your arms should rest at a right angle on the table top.
2. Height-adjustable desk: A height-adjustable desk allows you to switch between sitting and standing. This change relieves strain on the back and promotes circulation.
3. Adjust screen height: Position the monitor so that the top line of the screen is at eye level. This prevents you from tilting your head downwards and straining your neck and back muscles.
4. Take regular breaks: Take a break of about 5 minutes every hour. Use this time to stand up, stretch or take a few steps.
5. Use alternative seating: An exercise ball or an ergonomic stool can be temporary alternatives to sitting. They promote an active sitting posture that strengthens the back muscles.
6. Strengthen the back muscles: Strengthen your core muscles with exercises such as trunk flexion. Just 10 minutes of exercise a day will make a big difference.
7. Conscious breathing: Incorrect breathing can also cause tension. Breathe deeply into your stomach instead of shallowly into your chest. This improves the oxygen supply to your muscles.
8. Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can also lead to muscle tension and back pain. Drink enough water throughout the day - about two or three liters.
9. Relaxation and stretching exercises: Do daily stretching and relaxation exercises (e.g. yoga or progressive muscle relaxation). This increases your flexibility and reduces tension.
10. Consciously dealing with stress: Constant stress also often causes back problems. Identify the stress factors and develop strategies for coping with stress. Meditation and breathing exercises help you to relax physically and mentally.

Anja Botter

Editor's note: Further tips and exercises for "frequent sitters" are also available from Suva, namely here.

Appenzell is probably something like the beer capital of Switzerland: The Locher brewery based there won 13 awards for its beer creations at the World Beer Awards 2024 in Norwich - including five gold, five silver and three bronze. In addition, five of the Appenzeller brewery's creations were named the best beers in Switzerland - including Quöllfrisch hell, Bschorle, Schwarzer Kristall, IPA and Locher-Craft Freefall. Max Bürki, master brewer at Locher Brewery, emphasizes: "We are proud that, as a traditional and innovative Swiss brewery, our beer creations have also met with international acclaim."

Chopfab Boxer: Switzerland's most award-winning brewery

However, other domestic breweries also proved in Norwich that Swiss beers play in the top league in international comparison. This year, for example, the Chopfab Boxer brewery received an award for the world's best hoppy wheat beer. Chopfab Boxer also received a total of 13 awards for its beer creations, including two gold awards for the Chopfab Selection White IPA and the Boxer Pale Ale. With seven silver and four bronze medals as well as design awards, the craft brewery with locations in Winterthur and Yverdon-les-Bains has cemented its reputation as Switzerland's most award-winning brewery.

Bernese brewery as "Switzerland Winner"

But where is the really best beer in Switzerland brewed? According to the jury of the World Beer Awards 2024, it happens in Worb, Bern. The Egger Bier brewery received five awards for its beer creations. With Hopfer and Rammbock, Egger won gold twice and thus also the title of Switzerland Winner. Their lager was awarded silver. The Maximus and Toujou varieties received bronze. 

More information: www.appenzellerbier.ch, www.eggerbier.ch, www.chopfabboxer.ch

All winners on: www.worldbeerawards.com

The Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus, known for the PC-12, PC-7 and PC-24 business jets (image), previously had an internal administration and support process for the mobile devices it provided. As the number of employees using smartphones increased, so did the administrative workload. This led to longer waiting times and overloading of the internal helpdesk. Pilatus therefore decided to outsource all services for all mobile devices to Nomasis via the provision of VIP services. To this end, the Mobileiron endpoint management system previously used was replaced by Microsoft EM+S, including Microsoft Intune and Microsoft 365 from the cloud. The transition took place in four steps: Analysis of the situation, preparation of the migration, migration of the devices and users to the new system and the introduction of standardized processes. 

With the new solution, Pilatus also achieved increased data and system security, more efficient processes, shorter response times and therefore greater employee satisfaction. "We already had a long-standing partnership with Nomasis before outsourcing all mobile device services and particularly appreciate the fact that they adapt to and fully understand our structures and processes. The entire company benefits from the new solution and the concentration of resources on one partner," says Chan Huynh, Team Leader IT Services at Pilatus. Huynh plans to further expand the collaboration with Nomasis, particularly in the area of supporting BYOD mobile devices and other measures to improve endpoint security and user-friendliness.

Source: Nomasis

The fact that the labor market is changing and employers are required to come up with new working models to meet the increased demands of the workforce is hardly news anymore. But where exactly to start? Marketagent's Labor Market Compass aims to provide answers to this question. Since the beginning of the year, the digital market and opinion research institute has been surveying employees from Switzerland on the current mood on the labor market, not only taking a close look at domestic employees, but also highlighting preferences from the entire D-A-CH region. A total of 3,737 employees from the first half of 2024 provide insight into where their priorities lie in their professional lives and what role the much-cited buzzwords "work-life balance", "home office" or the "4-day week" actually play in their desired scenario.

The formula for the dream job

A good salary, flexible working hours far from full-time, extensive home office... This is roughly what the perfect job could sound like. The latest data suggests that in reality, employees' priorities are more diverse than these platitudes. Does fair pay play a key role in the job? Yes - in Switzerland and Austria it is even significantly higher than in Germany (Switzerland: 67% vs. Austria: 65% vs. Germany: 59%). A not insignificant proportion would also be happy with a flexible working time model, with the Swiss in particular standing out here with 47% (compared to 42% in Germany and 39% in Austria). But: "A fulfilling working day is multi-faceted. In addition to an attractive salary, a good working atmosphere, flexible working hours, job security and appreciation turn out to be key drivers in the job search and leave supposedly decisive framework conditions such as the possibility of working from home or the much-discussed 4-day week far behind at the end of the day," emphasizes Thomas Schwabl, founder of Marketagent Schweiz AG. "In terms of employee retention and satisfaction, employers are therefore called upon to master the important balancing act between attractive cornerstones and these essential feel-good aspects."

*Top 10 I D: n = 326, AT: n = 2,773, CH: n = 638 II Multiple answers possible

Shift already happened

The labor market has become noticeably more dynamic in recent years. The public debate about a reduction in working hours has been fueled time and again, and not without good reason. After all, the Swiss would like to work an average of 34.5 hours. "Goodbye to the 40-hour week" is not only being said in Switzerland, however, but also in the two neighboring countries. While Austrians would prefer a workload of 33.5 hours, the average for Germans is 31.7 hours, the lowest level in the three-country comparison. If their job allowed it, they would work around 41% of these hours from home. The preferred proportion of remote work is only higher in Switzerland with 44% (vs. 37% in Austria).

Furthermore, work-life balance is increasingly becoming a key issue in today's fast-paced working world. When faced with a direct choice, the majority of Swiss respondents clearly prefer a work-life balance (78%) to a career (22%). Work-life balance is therefore not just a fashionable buzzword, but a fundamental aspect of modern working culture. It is therefore important for employers to enable such a balance without jeopardizing operational goals.

High satisfaction does not prevent job changes

A look at the satisfaction levels in the current job allows employers to breathe a sigh of relief. After all, 78% of Swiss employees state that they are very or fairly satisfied in their job. In Austria and Germany, the figure is even slightly higher at 83% and 79% respectively. However, the fact that employers cannot rest on their laurels and that competition for the most talented people remains high is shown by the high willingness of employees to change jobs. In Switzerland, no less than 41% feel the desire for a career change, even though they perceive their chances on the labor market far less positively (45%) than Germans (67%) and Austrians (64%). However, one reason for this is probably the considerable jump in salary that they expect with a new job, which they put at 31% (compared to 28% in Austria and 25% in Germany). The war for talent is therefore far from over and it is still important to set the right incentives, emphasizes the Labour Market Compass. 

Source: Marketagent Switzerland

The swissalbs Entrepreneur Award 2024 celebrates the innovative strength of the Albanian community. The award will be presented at the swissalbs Entrepreneurs' Ball, which will be held for the fourth time on September 7. Over 500 guests from Swiss business and politics are expected to attend.

Five innovative entrepreneurs

The event will once again honor entrepreneurs of Albanian origin who have achieved success in various sectors. The following five nominees will be judged by the jury this year:

• Flamur Jashari is the founder and CEO of Yuuniq, an innovative digital health startup from Switzerland. Yuuniq is an AI-based assistant for personalized medicine that equips medical practices with advanced tools for genetic profiling and efficient patient monitoring. It revolutionizes the relationship between practice and laboratory by integrating demographic, physiological and habitual data to make personalized medicine accessible to all.
• Muhamed Ramiqi is COO and Founding Partner of Apriko, an intelligent software solution and back-office service for recruitment agencies. The company simplifies and digitalizes the complex business of personnel service providers and aims to fully automate daily work processes and administrative tasks.
• Liridona Makica is the founder and managing director of Spitex Dona, based in Kloten. The company provides professional nursing and care services for people in their own homes, including medical care, domestic support and social assistance. Spitex Dona aims to enable patients to lead a self-determined life in their own environment and improve their quality of life.
• Floriana Binaku is the founder of the renowned Swiss fashion label Anari Atelier. Close collaboration with customers is at the heart of Anari Atelier. The company wants its customers not only to feel beautiful, but also to be able to actively participate in the development process. Anari Atelier has already been seen at Luisa Via Roma in Cannes and world star Ayra Starr was dressed in the brand's clothes for her tour.
• Albert Gjukaj is co-owner and Senior Store Manager of the Lucerne shoe store Mr. Dapper. Mr. Dapper stands for an exclusively qualified range of men's shoes. In addition to style and quality, ecological and social responsibility are among the company's core values. The shoemaker Albert Gjukaj alias Mr. Dapper has mastered his craft at the highest level and has already proven this at numerous international competitions.

Top-class jury

The winner of the swissalbs Entrepreneur Award is chosen by a jury. This year's jury consists of the well-known personalities Roland Brack, entrepreneur, investor and founder of BRACK.CH, Nadine Jürgensen, co-founder of elleXX, Andri Silberschmidt, National Councillor and gastronomy entrepreneur, Vllaznim Xhiha, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur, as well as Kristian Kabashi, last year's winner and founder of Numarics.

Arbela Statovci, co-founder and Head of Communications at swissalbs, comments on the upcoming event: "Our mission at swissalbs is to support and inspire entrepreneurs of Albanian descent so that they can be even more successful in the Swiss economy. The swissalbs Entrepreneur Ball is an ideal opportunity to strengthen connections within our swissalbs community and promote future business opportunities." As last year, the event will be hosted by food blogger and TV personality Zoe Torinesi. Musical highlights will be provided by Selami Kolonja, an established singer on the Albanian music scene. A special keynote speech will be given by Marco Gredig, Managing Director of Cargologic AG, the leading Swiss air freight handling company for 70 years.

Source and further information

Since 2013, the Swiss Green Economy Symposium has been using concrete examples to show how cooperation between business, politics, science and NGOs can contribute to greater prosperity, environmental protection and a more peaceful coexistence. Solutions are discussed and recipes for success shared. The symposium inspires its participants - decision-makers, implementers and innovators - to take concrete action. This year, the SGES is focusing on the crucial question: How can we resolve conflicts faster and more effectively for the benefit of people and the environment in a sustainable way through improved cooperation? The event provides a platform to discuss these questions, exchange ideas and promote partnerships.

The SGES starts on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 27, with the SGEXperience (company visits). The companies Burckhardt Compression, Stadler Rail and Zimmer Biomet will open their doors to participants and present their efforts for a more sustainable future. There will be a joint closing event at the Grüze innovation laboratory of the city of Winterthur
at the networking aperitif. In the evening, the topic of sustainable supply chains will be discussed at the international pre-event.

On Wednesday, August 28, after a welcome address from the City of Winterthur and the opening message from Daniel Dubas, Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda and Head of the Sustainable Development Section at the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE), the following important questions will be discussed in keynote speeches and panel discussions: What opportunities and challenges does
biodiversity? How can we implement the circular economy, e.g. for batteries? How can we protect supply chains against risks? In the afternoon, eight specialist conferences (innovation forums) will explore and discuss key sustainability topics in greater depth, e.g. the digitalization of healthcare, climate protection in companies and the circular economy in construction.

On Thursday, August 29, top-class experts will discuss the following topics in the main program: How can we build and live sustainably and healthily? How can we create an effective ecosystem for carbon capture? How can we solve conflicts together? In the afternoon, seven innovation forums will again discuss burning sustainability issues in greater depth. Examples include: How can we manage nutrient cycles more intelligently? How can we rapidly expand renewable energies and ensure energy efficiency? How can we implement the circular economy for plastics?

On Thursday, as on Wednesday, the Swiss Green Economy Symposium will end with a networking aperitif from 5 pm. Because with joie de vivre we can commit ourselves much better to sustainability. 

Program: sges.ch/program

Since 1991, when the first Würth Shop was opened in Lonay near Lausanne, the company has continuously expanded its branch network in order to offer its customers a wide range of products and optimum service. When selecting locations, the expansion team makes sure that the distance to the nearest Würth Shop is no more than 20 minutes' drive for customers. With the opening of the 50th store in Sévaz (FR) in March of this year, Würth is now represented in all regions of Switzerland.

Full range plus advice

The wide range of high-quality products is designed to meet the immediate needs of customers from all industries. Whether they are looking for tools, fastening materials, work clothing or shoes, Würth has the right product. Competent employees in the stores also provide advice. In the Würth Shops, customers learn everything about the products and their applications. They can also find everything they need for a safe and comfortable working day, from robust safety shoes and functional work jackets to reliable hearing protection.

Order online - pick up in the store

With the Click & Collect service, the desired products can be ordered online and collected from a selected Würth Shop within an hour. This saves valuable time and allows customers to complete their purchases quickly and conveniently. And if customers need a break, the store staff are happy to offer them a coffee.

Source and further information