22 December 2004

Bonn, Germany:  The UNV programme, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Swiss Centre for Information, Advice and Training (CINFO) have signed an agreement to strengthen its partnership through the mobilization of volunteers and the promotion of volunteerism.

The new agreement focuses on closer collaboration in the promotion of volunteer action, as well as the recruitment of Swiss nationals wanting to serve as UN Volunteers. It also encourages the promotion of South-South exchange through the recruitment and sponsorship of UN Volunteers from developing countries. As the national focal point for the UNV programme in Switzerland, CINFO promotes awareness of the UNV programme through various activities such as campaigns targeted at the public and media.

The SDC is Switzerland’s international cooperation agency within the Swiss Foreign Ministry. Together with other federal offices, SDC is responsible for the overall coordination of development activities and cooperation with Eastern Europe, as well as humanitarian aid.

Established in 1990, CINFO offers information and advice to people interested in employment options and opportunities in international cooperation, or who would like to commit themselves to improving the relations between the countries of the North and those of the South and the East. It also supports institutions working in international cooperation in their search for qualified professionals for assignments in Switzerland and abroad. To fulfil these tasks, CINFO works in close collaboration with Swiss, foreign and international organizations and institutions.