Swiss Review 1/2019

Swiss Review / January 2019 / No.1 ✆ from Switzerland +41 800 24 7 365 ✆ from abroad +41 58 465 33 33 E-Mail: helpline@eda.admin.ch Skype: helpline-eda www.eda.admin.ch/reisehinweise ✆ from Switzerland +41 800 24 7 365 ✆ from abroad +41 58 465 33 33 www.twitter.com/travel_edadfae Online registration for Swiss citizens travelling abroad www.fdfa.admin.ch/itineris App available for free for iOS and Android Travel advice Plan well. Travel well. 26 news.admin.ch Young Swiss Abroad: supporting, challenging and networking Young Swiss Abroad form the foundation of the community of Swiss Abroad, particularly that of tomorrow. Their experience, their knowledge and their motivation are important and valuable. The Division of Relations with the Swiss Abroad of the Consular Directorate of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) commits itself to stronger networking. It wants to promote exchange within and between the generations and specifically highlight its information offer. Modern, networked and customer-oriented services are the focus. The examples presented here indicate some of the opportunities these networks offer. In many places, the future of Swiss Clubs abroad is uncertain, even threatened. Increasingly showing an interest in the needs of the young generation is one way to counter this development. Today we are all required to join forceswith young people to think creatively about what relations with and activities in Swiss Clubs abroad are desirable in the future. In doing so, let us be open to new and even unusual ideas. JOHANNES MATYASSY, DIRECTOR OF THE CONSULAR DIRECTORATE, FDFA The Unione Giovani Svizzeri, Italy The Unione Giovani Svizzeri is a valuable network in which experiences – whether in relation to education, work or politics – can be exchanged. The association organises events and participates in Young Swiss Citi- zen Celebrations. Many young members are also active in the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad (YPSA). The YPSA, supported by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) and in close cooperation with the Swiss Clubs, has set itself the objective to link up young Swiss Abroad worldwide and strengthen ties to the homeland. We now have more than 700 young mem- bers who are active in local clubs or groups. Facebook: Unione Giovani Svizzeri Facebook: Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad Celebration of Young Swiss Abroad of the Grand Est, France The main purpose of this celebration was to raise awareness of Switzerland among younger children of mostly dual nationality and to promote ties between Swiss families residing in the consular district. This event also provided the opportunity for parents to in- form themselves about their rights and duties directly through contact with the staff of the Consulate General. Moreover, the presence of representatives of Swiss Clubs helped build bridg- es between modern-day families and clubs that have trouble acquiring new members. In less than 48 hours after the invitations had been sent to 759 children between the ages of 5 and 11, the maximum number of participants had been reached. The well-organized event led to friendly interactions and a good mood all around, which together with the beautiful weather contributed to the success of this celebration that just begs to be repeated. Further information: www.youngswissabroad.ch – www.swissemigration.ch