Eva Schassmann remembers the lunch breaks at SAD. Many of the colleagues of that time have become good friends.
What was your role at SAD?
I worked at SAD from 2004 to 2006, as a member of the sport and development team. Among other things, I helped organise the second Magglingen Conference on Sport and Development, and evaluated the social effects of UEFA projects in eastern Europe. I was also responsible for back office for the working group on sport and development. This expert committee was made up of representatives of the FDFA, the Federal Office of Sport, the office of the UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Adolf Ogi, Swiss Olympic and SAD. The working group reviewed external project applications in the area of sport and development, and gave recommendations for support to the FDFA.
What is the best memory you have of your time at SAD?
Someone regularly cooked for everyone at lunchtime. I’ve got great memories of that. In summer we’d cook together in the garden at Lindenhof, and chat. A lot of my friends now are former colleagues from that time.
Where do you work now and what do you do?
Today, I am responsible for development policy at Alliance Sud, the umbrella organisation of the six leading Swiss Development NGOs: Swissaid, Swiss Catholic Lenten Fund, Bread for All, Caritas, Helvetas and Swiss Interchurch Aid. Last year, in this role, I was a part of the negotiations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda presents a view of our world in 2030, developed by all countries, and requires better cooperation on sustainable development from all countries in all policy areas. This includes Swiss policy better reflecting the interests of the poorest sections of society in developing countries. In discussions with the administration and with members of parliament, I try to ensure that these goals will be implemented.