Research Program 2021-2024
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Security Implications of Digitalization: the Dangers of Data Colonialism and the Way Towards Sustainable and Sovereign Management of Environmental Data
Faculty of Science Institute of Computer Science Research Center for Digital Sustainability Bern, 30 June 2021 Security implications of digitalization: The dangers of data colonialism and the way towards sustainable and sovereign management of environmental data Report for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA Authors: PD Dr. Matthias Stürmer, Dr. Jasmin Nussbaumer, Pascal Stöckli Research Center for Digital Sustainability Institute of Computer Science University of Bern www.digitale-nachhaltigkeit.unibe.ch Principal: Yvan Keckeis, Morgane Bousquet Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA This study was prepared under contract to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The authors bear responsibility for the content. Table of Content Glossary ..................................................................................................................... 4 Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ 4 Management summary............................................................................................. 5 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 6 2 Literature overview ............................................................................................ 7 2.1 The power of Google, Apple, and Facebook 7 2.2 Concepts of data colonialism and digital sustainability 8 3 Interviews .......................................................................................................... -
Geneva Peace Week 2019 Evaluation Report
Geneva Peace Week 2019 Evaluation Report I. Overview This Evaluation Report provides the key data about GPW19, including the numbers of participants and speakers and feedback on the week from participants and event organizers. It highlights innovations in terms of networking, outreach and communications, and summarizes the resources mobilized for GPW19. It also sketches out the horizon for GPW20. GPW19 took place from the 4-8 November 2019. The main substantive trends emerging during GPW19 are documented in The Pulse of Peacebuilding 2020 that provides an overview of the key messages emerging from the panel discussions, practical workshops, games and role-plays, personal testimonials, debates, exhibits and documentaries that comprised the GPW19 programme. Some of the main organizational highlights for GPW19: • An estimated 1,400 participants took part in GPW19.1 Participants came from more than 50 countries, largely from NGOs, academia and international organizations.2 • A total of 310 speakers participated in GPW19 from more than 80 cities from across the world, including Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, North America, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America. • A key innovation of GPW19 was the focus on thematic curation by the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, with accompanying networking events: peacebuilding in Europe; building trust; cyberpeace; urban peace; and the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus. • A new conferencing application was introduced for GPW19 and significantly amplified the connections between participants and with speakers, thus increasing networking opportunities and information-sharing throughout the week and beyond. • Feedback from GPW19 participants was positive, with survey respondents rating their overall experience as ‘excellent’ (41%) or ‘good’ (45%). -
Water Conflict Management and Cooperation Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Journal of Hydrology 570 (2019) 875–892 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Hydrology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jhydrol Research papers Water conflict management and cooperation between Afghanistan and T Pakistan ⁎ Said Shakib Atefa, , Fahima Sadeqinazhadb, Faisal Farjaadc, Devendra M. Amatyad a Founder and Transboundary Water Expert in Green Social Research Organization (GSRO), Kabul, Afghanistan b AZMA the Vocational Institute, Afghanistan c GSRO, Afghanistan d USDA Forest Service, United States ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT This manuscript was handled by G. Syme, Managing water resource systems usually involves conflicts. Water recognizes no borders, defining the global Editor-in-Chief, with the assistance of Martina geopolitics of water conflicts, cooperation, negotiations, management, and resource development. Negotiations Aloisie Klimes, Associate Editor to develop mechanisms for two or more states to share an international watercourse involve complex networks of Keywords: natural, social and political system (Islam and Susskind, 2013). The Kabul River Basin presents unique cir- Water resources management cumstances for developing joint agreements for its utilization, rendering moot unproductive discussions of the Transboundary water management rights of upstream and downstream states based on principles of absolute territorial sovereignty or absolute Conflict resolution mechanism territorial integrity (McCaffrey, 2007). This paper analyses the different stages of water conflict transformation Afghanistan -
The Blue Peace Index 2020
The Blue Peace Index 2020 SPONSORED BY The Blue Peace Index 2020 1 Contents Acknowledgements 2 Executive Summary 4 What is the Blue Peace Index? 4 Why a Blue Peace Index? 4 Blue Peace Index: Key findings 6 Promoting Blue Peace: Key recommendations 8 Benchmarking indices: strengths and limitations 10 1. Introduction: The need for Blue Peace 11 1.1 The global freshwater crisis 11 1.2 The need for transboundary action 14 1.3 What is Blue Peace? 15 1.4 The benefits of Blue Peace: New public goods 17 2. Blue Peace in selected basins 23 2.1 Amazon River Basin 25 2.2 Mekong River Basin 28 2.3 Senegal River Basin 32 2.4 Sava River Basin 35 2.5 Tigris–Euphrates River Basin 38 2.6 Syr Darya River Basin 42 2.7 Amu Darya River Basin 47 3. Key areas for promoting Blue Peace 52 3.1 Political will: Moving water to the top of the political agenda 52 3.2 Stronger institutions: Building foundations for cooperation 53 3.3 Developing trust: Building up the “momentum of history” 53 3.4 Inclusive decision-making: Finding the common ground 54 3.5 Evidence-based decision-making: Informing and 55 communicating 3.6 Finance: Investing in Blue Peace 55 4 Annex I—Country scorecards 58 Endnotes 123 © The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited 2020 The Blue Peace Index 2020 2 Acknowledgements This report summarises the key findings of the • Dr Alan Nicol, Strategic Program Leader, Blue Peace Index research programme, developed Promoting Sustainable Growth, International by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) with Water Management Institute (IWMI) support from the Swiss Agency for Development • Ms. -
Portfolio 2016 Global Programme Water 2 Table of Contents
Portfolio 2016 Global Programme Water 2 Table of Contents About the Global Programme Water 4 Objective 1: Water Security in the Global Agenda 6 1.1 Strategic Networks 1.1.1 Initiative for a UN Intergovernmental Body on Water .............................. 7 1.1.2 Contribution to UN-Water ..................................................10 1.1.3 Global Expanded Monitoring Initiative (GEMI), Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water (GLAAS) ...................11 Objective 2: Water Governance 12 2.1 Strategic Networks 2.1.1 Global Water Partnership (GWP) .............................................13 2.1.2 Women for Water Partnership (WfWP) ........................................14 2.1.3 International Secretariat for Water (ISW) - Solidarity Water Europe (SWE) ..............15 2.2 Water Diplomacy Cluster 2.2.1 Blue Peace Global ........................................................16 2.2.2 Blue Peace in the Middle East ...............................................18 2.2.3 Water Diplomacy & Governance in Key Transboundary Hot Spots . .21 2.2.4 Establishment of a Global Hydrometry Support Facility and Innovation Hub ........... 25 2.3 Water Economics Cluster 2.3.1 SuizAgua Colombia...................................................... 26 2.3.2 SuizAgua Andina.........................................................27 2.3.3 Vietnam to produce more coffee with less water................................ 28 2.3.4 Scaling Up Payments and Investments in Watershed Services ..................... -
201130 SPG Final Report of Evaluation of Geneva Water
Revised draft report External Review of Geneva Water Hub Programme Submitted to: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Submitted by: Sthlm Policy Group Author: Nicklas Svensson Date: 30 November 2020 1 Acronyms CATIE Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza DCAF Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces GCSP Geneva Centre for Security Policy GoF Group of Friends GOWP Global Observatory for Water and Peace GPP Geneva Peacebuilding Platform GWH Geneva Water Hub GHLPWP Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace HCSS The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies hd Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue ICRC International Red Cross Committee ICWC International Centre for Water Cooperation IFI international financial institutions IHL International Humanitarian Law ISE Institute for Environmental Sciences IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature MOOC Massive Open Online Course MoU Memorandum of understandings NGO Non-governmental organizations OAS Organization American States OMVG L’Organisation pour la mise en Valeur du Fleuve Gambie / The Gambia River Basin Agency OMVS L’Organisation pour la mis en valeur du Fleuve Sénégal / The Senegal River Development Organisation OSU Oregon State University RBO River basin organization SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SIWI Stockholm International Water Institute SMAB Senegal-Mauritanian Aquifer Basin SPG Sthlm Policy Group TFDD Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Database ToC Theory of change ToR Terms of Reference UNDP United Nations Development Programme -
IDIAP RA2012 INT EN 8.05.2013.Indd
RESEARCH INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Publication details Production and design: Céline Aymon Fournier, Relations publliques, Idiap Drafting: Le fin mot… Communication, Fully Translation: Dave Brooks Graphic design: Atelier Grand, Sierre Photographic credit: Céline Ribordy, Sion; Sedrik Nemeth, Sion; Idiap, Martigny Printing: calligraphy.ch, Sierre Print run: 1,800 copies CONTENTS Messages “Idiap contributes to strengthening the economy of Valais” Olivier Dumas, President of the Foundation Council of Idiap 2 “We are more than ever aligned to society’s current concerns” Hervé Bourlard, Director of Idiap 3 Research Profile 5 Selected Research Activites Mobile Data Challenge: The Smartphone for Quality of Life 9 Mediaparl: Parliament As If You Were There 10 Armasuisse Project: To Communicate Securely 12 Ninapro Project: New Generation of Artificial Hand 13 Network Industrial Partners: The Trust of Giants 15 International Create Challenge: From Idea to Start-up in Three Weeks 16 Start-up News: Growth and New Commitments 18 Faces Lakshmi Saheer: Idiap’s First female Indian PhD 21 The Project Management Team: The Research Managers 22 Antoine Dorsaz, Financial Assistant : Passion Pays 24 Joining and Leaving 25 Distinctions 26 Theses Completed 27 Finances Operating Accounts 29 Sources of Funds / Costs / Comments 30 Balance Sheet 31 Organization Organizational Chart 33 Employees 34 Foundation Council 36 Advisory Board 38 Main Partners 39 Scientific Inserts Idiap Research Areas: Human and Media Computing II Scientific Progress Report IV Main projects in progress XVIII Major publications / Conferences XXVI A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT “IDIAP CONTRIBUTES TO STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY OF VALAIS” Olivier Dumas, President of the Foundation Council, Idiap Twenty years, and then.. -
CAN TECH SAVE the WORLD? Swiss Solutions to Protect the Environment
CAN TECH SAVE THE WORLD? Swiss solutions to protect the environment Foreword Switzerland’s idyllic landscapes, clear lakes and rivers, and harmonious urban planning are the result of many technological, policy and societal innovations. This development pathway, which places a responsibility towards future generations at its core, has established Switzerland as a leader in cleantech. Today, Switzerland is renowned for its expertise in fields including climate change, biodiversity, disaster management, smart waste management, sustainable finance, and urban planning. Thanks to its world-class research institutions, strong startup sector and ability to attract top talent, Switzerland constantly ranks among the most innovative countries in the world and is therefore uniquely positioned to offer cutting-edge solutions for a sustainable future. China, too, has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development through its ability to roll out innovative technologies at a large scale and high pace. Like all other countries, Switzerland and China are vulnerable to a wide range of effects associated with climate change, ecosystem degradation and pollution. As illustrated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, global challenges will require global cooperation. Bernardino Regazzoni The cooperation between Switzerland and China in the areas of Ambassador of Switzerland to China innovation and sustainability is strong. It includes over 250 partnerships between Swiss and Chinese Universities and over 300 Swiss startups with interests in China, supported by swissnex China and long-term partnerships between the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Chinese counterparts in domains ranging from clean air to zero-emissions buildings. Building a sustainable future requires the active engagement of all actors, including cooperation between the private and public sectors. -
Annual Report of the ETH Board on the ETH Domain 2020
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ETH BOARD ON THE Annual ReportAnnual 2020 ETH DOMAIN 2020 Prelude VISION As a driver of innovation, the ETH Domain strives to strengthen the competitiveness of Switzerland in the long term and contributes to the develop- ment of society through excellence in research, teaching and knowledge and technology transfer. It endeavours to serve as an exemplary beacon on an international scale by assuming its share of responsibility for the management of urgent social challenges, the enhancement of the quality of life, and the long-term maintenance of our natural resources. PSI Villigen ETH Zurich/ETH Board ETH Zurich Zurich Basel Empa/Eawag Empa Dübendorf St.Gallen WSL EPFL Birmensdorf Neuchâtel ETH Board Bern Eawag Kastanienbaum Empa Thun EPFL EPFL / WSL Fribourg WSL Lausanne Davos EPFL / WSL /Empa Sion WSL Cadenazzo EPFL Geneva ETH Zurich Lugano The ETH Domain and its institutions The ETH Domain consists of the two Swiss Federal Higher education, research and innovations of Institutes of Technology ETH Zurich and EPFL as the highest standard: the ETH Domain provides well as the four federal research institutes: the PSI, these services with over 23,000 employees, more WSL, Empa and Eawag. The strategic leadership than 35,000 students and doctoral students and supervisory body of the ETH Domain is the and a pool of around 880 professors. ETH Board. www.ethbereich.ch I www.ethrat.ch Prelude ETH Domain FACTS & FIGURES 2020 Students and doctoral students Employees with employment contracts (EC) Scientific 14,177 personnel Technical -
Wahlen Und Ernennungen Des ETH-Rats
PRESS RELEASE Appointments by the ETH Board of 10/11 December 2014 and departures 16 new professors at the two Federal Institutes of Technology At its meeting of 10/11 December 2014, the ETH Board appointed 16 professors at ETH Zurich and EPFL in accordance with the applications submitted by the two Presidents of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology. Bern/Zurich, 12 December 2014 – Upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Ralph Eichler, and the President of EPFL, Professor Patrick Aebischer, at its meeting of 10/11 December 2014 the ETH Board appointed a total of 16 individuals as professors, took note of the resignation of four professors and thanked them for their services, and awarded the title of professor to five individuals. The ETH Board also bade farewell to the President of ETH Zurich. Departure of the President of ETH Zurich Professor Ralph Eichler (*1947), currently President of ETH Zurich and Full Professor of Experimental Physics, will retire at the end of December 2014 after a successful career in science and management. After completing his studies and doctorate at ETH Zurich, Ralph Eichler gained international experience at prestigious research institutions and universities. After working as a scientist at ETH Zurich and as a project leader at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), he was appointed Associate Professor of Experimental Physics at ETH Zurich in 1988. In 1993 he was promoted to Full Professor, and in 1998 he became Deputy Director of the PSI, which he led as Director from 2002 to 2007. In 2007, the Federal Council appointed him as President of ETH Zurich. -
Newspecial-Septembre-2020.Pdf
DIGITAL EDITION SERVING THE PEOPLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN GENEVA SINCE 1949PRINT & newSpecial Towards a better normal 802– SEPT 2020 BETTER NEW NORMAL GENEVA CITIES HUB Suivez-nous sur: PANDEMIC RETOUR AUX SOURCES Opportunities and Entretien avec Sami The faces of Souvenirs de l'école Challenges – p. 5 Kanaan, Maire de new.special COVID-19 response – p. 35 Genève – p. 12 www. – p. 24-27 newspecial.org Thinksafer,BETTER, longerliving. insurance for Supplemental health staff members UN, ILO and WHO www.gpafi.org www.uniqa.ch Werbung 93_20_Ins_Denk_sicher_besser_laenger_leben_210x285abf.indd 1 14.01.20 16:42 DIGITAL EDITION SERVING THE PEOPLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN GENEVA SINCE 1949PRINT & newSpecial Towards a better normal 802– SEPT 2020 BETTER NEW NORMAL GENEVA CITIES HUB Suivez-nous sur: PANDEMIC RETOUR AUX SOURCES Opportunities and Entretien avec Sami The faces of Souvenirs de l'école Challenges – p. 5 Kanaan, Maire de new.special COVID-19 response – p. 35 Genève – p. 12 www. – p. 25-26 newspecial.org © Olivier Chamard © Olivier INTERIM EDITORIAL COMMITTEE COMITÉ DE RÉDACTION INTÉRIMAIRE Towards a better normal Vers une nouvelle normalité It is now mid-September and we are brac- Mi-septembre : nous nous préparons à ing for the rest of a year that continues to continuer cette année marquée par la pan- be characterised by the pandemic. Schools démie. Les restrictions ont été assouplies are reopening and new ways of working au niveau mondial, les écoles rouvrent et de are being implemented as restrictions are nouvelles méthodes de travail sont appa- being eased around the globe. rues. Le terme « nouvelle normalité » a été utilisé en référence principalement à l’uti- The term “new normal” has been used a lot lisation de masques faciaux et à d’autres to define this, mainly referring to the use mesures de distanciations physiques. -
Media Release ETH-Board, 26 September 2019
MEDIA RELEASE Meeting of the ETH Board on 25/26 September 2019 25 new professors appointed at the two Federal Institutes of Technology Bern, 26 September 2019 – At its meeting of 25/26 September 2019 and upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Joël Mesot, and the President of EPFL, Professor Martin Vetterli, the ETH Board appointed a total of 25 professors and awarded the title of professor to 5 individuals. It also took note of the resignations of 6 professors and thanked them for their services. Appointments at ETH Zurich Professor André Bardow (*1974), currently Professor at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, as Full Professor of Energy and Process Systems Engineering. André Bardow is an internationally acclaimed scientist. The main focus of his research lies at the interface between energy technology and process engineering, and his aim is to develop sustainable technologies for the transformation of energy and materials. He thus contributes to the development of renewable energy systems, including by utilising carbon from biomass and carbon dioxide. The appointment of André Bardow enables ETH Zurich to strengthen strategic areas of energy science and technology, as well as process engineering and the teaching of key disciplines. Professor Laura De Lorenzis (*1974), currently Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, as Full Professor of Computational Mechanics. Laura De Lorenzis is a recognised expert in computer-aided simulation methods. She applies them over different length and time scales in order to predict complex material behaviour. Her research, which has received an ERC Starting Grant (among other awards), takes a decidedly interdisciplinary approach and investigates topics such as failure mechanisms in a wide range of materials.