Eva Schmassmann is head of the Coordination Office at Platform Agenda 2030. A co-initiator of the platform, she guided its strategic orientation as director during its first two years before moving to her present role. In 2015 she was a CSO representative in the official Swiss delegation at the launch of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in New York.
1. Where does Switzerland stand in terms of implementing
Agenda 2030?
Switzerland’s progress on many of the SDGs is far ahead of other countries: we enjoy a high standard of education and excellent healthcare. But there are still people in our country whose disabilities or residence status leave them with inadequate access to education or medical services. As a wealthy country, we have a particularly poor record in terms of resource consumption. We have a huge footprint abroad and that means our pro capita contribution to global warming is high. Because we import over half our consumer goods, we burden people in other countries with environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. What can Swiss NGOs do to help us meet the SDGs?
The 17 SDGs offer broad scope for involvement – and, unfortunately, there is plenty to do. It is important to me that we don’t just focus on one area – gender equality, health or preventing biodiversity loss, for example – because synergies are important. The SDGs are interconnected in many different ways. As stakeholders for sustainability, we also need to understand the importance of
networking. Because no one can achieve Agenda 2030 on their own.
3. In terms of the goals, where do you feel Switzerland has a particular responsibility?
As one of the wealthiest countries, Switzerland must ensure that no one in our country is left behind – ‘leave no one behind’ is a key Agenda 2030 pledge. If we are unwilling to spend money on this, we are a setting a bad example for poorer countries. We also need to help ensure that other countries are better positioned to implement Agenda 2030. It is particularly important here that we gear our trade and tax policies toward sustainability.
New at stiftungschweiz.ch
Who is working towards which goals?
In their portraits, organisations can now indicate which goals they are working towards.
A valuable aid for sponsors and donors who want to keep an eye on the global context.
