In a recent interview with Filippo Grandi, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, he stated that Europe and Switzerland desperately need millions of immigrants to help support the economy and society. Grandi’s mission is to assist approximately 100 million refugees worldwide, and he believes that immigration is crucial to achieving this goal. During his visit to Bern, Grandi had a busy schedule, meeting with refugees, parliamentarians, and government officials. Despite his jam-packed day, he took the time to give an interview in which he emphasized the importance of immigration for the future of Europe and Switzerland.
“Europe and Switzerland need millions of immigrants”
According to Filippo Grandi, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the economy and society urgently need immigrants.
Filippo Grandi’s mission is to help approximately 100 million refugees worldwide.
Tamedia AG
Filippo Grandi is eating a carac bought in a local bakery when he enters the conference room of a Bernese hotel. “It’s my dinner,” the Milanese said apologetically, after the last bite of the chocolate pastry covered in popping green frosting disappeared into his mouth. Filippo Grandi is the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It manages 19,000 employees as well as a budget of 10 billion dollars. On this April day in Bern, he has a very busy schedule: meeting refugees, then parliamentarians, then the President of the Confederation Alain Berset, then the Minister of Justice Élisabeth Baume-Schneider. Between all these appointments, he gives us an interview. We have exactly thirty-five minutes available.
In conclusion, it is clear that the topic of immigration will remain a crucial issue for Europe and Switzerland in the years to come. As Filippo Grandi, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized, the economy and society heavily rely on the inclusion and integration of immigrants. It is important to remember that behind the statistics and policy debates are real individuals seeking a better life and fleeing dangerous situations. We must approach the topic of immigration with empathy and compassion, while also finding practical solutions that benefit both immigrants and their host countries.