Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor Michael Spindelegger congratulates HORIZONT3000 on its 50th anniversary.

Vienna, 17 June 2011 - "Development cooperation in the form of provision of personnel is a valuable contribution for helping people to help themselves and also strengthens local institutions. Under the auspices of Horizont3000 development cooperation projects, more than 2,400 Austrians in more than 80 countries have helped to improve the living conditions of people who are not as well off as we are," said Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, paying tribute to the commitment of all Austrians whose personal dedication has made an important contribution to improving the living conditions of people throughout the world.

While in the early years it was mostly technical and craft skills or qualifications in the field of health and education that were sought, most skilled personnel today offer expertise in the IT sector, organisation and management. 80 HORIZONT3000 project workers are currently active in nine countries.

"The personal and voluntary commitment of over two thousand Austrians provides a role model for our society. It testifies to the fact that people in Austria are prepared to assume responsibility and want to play an active role in co-shaping their global environment," said Spindelegger. However, this commitment has to be supported by professional structures. "HORIZONT3000 is doing valuable work in this field, and is an important and well-tested partner of the Austrian development cooperation programme," stated the Foreign Minister. In 2011, the Austrian development cooperation programme is financing 70% of HORIZONT3000's volunteer personnel scheme, thus making an essential contribution to the maintenance of this key tool of international development cooperation.

For further information, contact:
Federal Ministry for European
and International Affairs
Press Department
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fay: ++43 (0) 50 1159-213
E-mail: abti3@bmeia.gv.at