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UNI Global Union has hosted the 5th annual Et Maintenant Forum in Nyon, featuring a host of speakers including journalists, politicians and technological innovators. The theme of the Forum was what the Nyon district will look like in 2030 in terms of housing, employment and way of life. According to recent demographic reports, we can expect a growth in population in the Nyon district of almost 30,000 people, with over 20%  over 65.

Guest speakers included the Syndic de Nyon, Daniel Rossellat, Nicolas Nova, consultant at Near Future Laboratory, Tibère Adler of ‘Avenir Suisse’, and Pierre-Yves Maillard, Socialist Président du Conseil d’Etat, as well as introductory remarks from UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings.

The forum also featured a debate between Luciana Vaccaro from HES SO and director of Adecco, Sandro Pohli, on the future job market moderated by Stéphane Benoit-Godet, editor in chief of Le Temps/Bilan.

Philip Jennings said “We have choices to make – the future is in our hands. UNI Global Union is fighting for a better world. This Forum may perhaps see the emergence of solutions to the problems facing the world on both a global and local stage.”

Daniel Rossellat said “An ageing population is a good problem, but a problem nonetheless. This forum can lead us to ask important questions – how can we adapt to provide for and help the elderly? How can we keep young people in the region? We must encourage solidarity and compassion between all age groups.”

Nicolas Novo discussed the pros and cons that Smart Cities can create: “Managing a city is not like playing Sim City, you can’t change things with a simple click of the mouse. Instead, we need to think hard about the ways we can marry the technological innovations that a Smart City can bring to the table with the human needs of the population.”

The debate between Luciana Vaccaro and Sandro Pohli saw a lively and interesting discussion on the future of the labour market on a local and international level.

Pierre Yves-Maillard talked about the ageing population of the district: “It’s a challenge for Nyon and for the whole Canton of Vaud. However, if we look at the demographic changes from 1990 to 2014, we have seen a 40 % increase in the population, so we have in a sense, already lived through a similar growth in population.”

“What is certain is that we not only needed to improve the quantity of facilities for elderly people, as well as young people, but the quality of these facilities.”