Fourth edition of the Swiss festival

This year, in a historic milestone celebrating 140 years of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Peru, the Embassy of Switzerland in Peru organized the 4th edition of the Swiss Festival, an event that not only marked a special anniversary but also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the arrival of Swiss Cooperation – SDC in Peru in 1964. The celebration took place with great enthusiasm at the Swiss Club in Miraflores, Lima, where admission was free for everyone, showing the warmth and openness that characterizes these two countries, and which are united by their love for the mountains.

Under the slogan “Switzerland and Peru: Committed to nature tourism, mountains, and water, for a sustainable future”, the festival was the perfect setting to present flagship projects of the two cooperation agencies: the Economic Development Cooperation SECO and International Cooperation – SDC, which is managed in the region from the Regional Hub in Lima. The joint Swiss cooperation booth was one of the most visited points of the festival.

The Lima Regional Hub presented two flagship projects:  Resilient Andes to Climate Change (Andes Resilientes al Cambio Climático), which seeks the climatic resilience of the rural population in the Andes, with a strong focus on water and food security; and Anticipatory Action in the Andes (AA-Andes), an initiative aimed at improving community preparedness for climatic events, enhancing early warning systems to protect their environment and way of life. These projects, managed from the Lima Regional Hub, are living examples of how Switzerland and Peru work together towards a more sustainable future, not only in Peru but also in Ecuador and Bolivia, countries where these initiatives are also implemented.

Visitors had the chance to gain direct insight into the ongoing projects in Peru and the surrounding region, facilitated by informative resources and engaging activities. These activities included interactive games that provided entertainment and posed challenges for both young and old alike. It was a space for learning and fun, where attendees could delve into topics of risk management and climate resilience, food security, and water resource management.

Beyond the booths and presentations, the Swiss Festival was a celebration of culture, gastronomy, and art.  From traditional Swiss dishes to musical performances that crossed borders, the event showed that Switzerland and Peru share much more than geographical similarities: they share a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.

This festival was much more than a celebration; it became a powerful bridge that brought the public closer to the collaborative work between Switzerland and Peru. This collaborative effort not only emphasizes the robustness of their partnership but also reaffirms their commitment to realizing the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda. This reflects a mutual vision: a collective journey towards sustainable development that fosters inclusive benefits for all.

Links of interest:
FS Resilient Andes to Climate Change
FS Anticipatory Action in the Andes (AA-Andes)

Related links:
Facebook Swiss Embassy in Peru
Instagram Swiss Embassy in Peru