Meetings and Discussions

   

Public Lecture by H. E. Ambassador of Switzerland to Georgia Dr. Guenther Baechler

On October 20, 2011 GFSIS hosted H.E. Ambassador of Switzerland to Georgia, Dr. Guenther Baechlered delivered  public lecture on “Switzerland and the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights: Lessons for Georgia?”

The main principles of Swiss democratic system were explained and discussed. Special attention was given to Swiss federal system, its ability to maintain peace, stability and provision of human rights, problem-solving through power-sharing cooperation and compromise, and the protection of democracy through deepening the democracy itself.

One of the issues addressed was the issue of minorities. The Swiss approach to this issue through formal citizenship (a political, not a cultural, identity) was explained and discussed. The importance of the Swiss experience in democracy and pluralism for democratic development of Georgia was highlighted.