Swisscontact 60 Years Anniversary Celebration in Yangon

Since its founding 60 years ago, Swisscontact has firmly believed in the principle that people can improve their livelihoods, based on their own strengths. Success is seen when people are able to participate in the local economy as producers, employees or consumers. 

To achieve this goal, Swisscontact has worked closely with the private sector from the very beginning. Swisscontact is supported by Swiss companies, and it implements projects in partner countries together with national governments and local companies. In this way, it has been able to gain a deep understanding of the local environment and its challenges, allowing it to make important contributions to sustainable economic, social and environmental development.  

H.E. Daw San Wint Khine, Pa-O Ethnic Affairs Minister, Mon State Government attended the event and delivered the opening remarks. In her opening remarks, she shared how Swisscontact has been promoting economic, social and environmental development globally and in Myanmar. She highlighted the excellent collaboration between Swisscontact and the Mon State Government, and how she looks forward to achieving future milestones with Swisscontact in the coming years, and continuing to tackle the development needs of Myanmar.  

After that, H.E. Mr. Tim Enderlin, Ambassador of Switzerland to Myanmar addressed the audience highlighting the relevance of the dual apprentice training pioneered in Myanmar in partnership with Swisscontact, under the Vocational Skills Development Program (VSDP). 

Mr. Florian Meister, Deputy CEO of Swisscontact delivered his remarks, reflecting on the 60 years journey of Swisscontact and the vision for further sustainability. 

In the event, Swisscontact Myanmar staff and graduates from its projects introduced featured videos and shared their life experiences in the time following their participation in the projects.

The event was concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Manish Pandey, Country Director, Swisscontact Myanmar and Regional Director, South Asia where he emphasised Swisscontact’s commitment to the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) and inclusive economic development in the country. 

The event was attended by Director Generals and Directors from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Hospitality and Tourism, Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, as well as representatives from development organisations, and partners from the private sector.