Globalization, the breakdown of society, and the environment are the main challenges facing Switzerland between now and 2011, Swiss Radio International (SRI) reported on Saturday.

The ability of the economy, society and institutions to adapt to these challenges would be increasingly put to the test in the future, SRI quoted a new government report as saying.

Published every four years by the federal administration's strategy unit, the report aims to identify what are likely to be the most important topics for the government in the years to come.

Globalization was high on the report's agenda. It said the pace of world development and an increase in international competitiveness were major challenges for Switzerland.

To respond to this, political harmonization across the sectors was necessary, and the country must maintain its competitiveness and continue its policy of economic growth in order to keep up, said the authors.

A further challenge for Switzerland was social cohesion, which was being shaken by the ageing population and by integration issues, according to the report.

By 2050, it is estimated there will be one older person for every two Swiss of working age. At present this figure stands at one to four.

The report therefore called for the social security system to be amended to take into account demographic changes and to avoid placing too much of a burden on future generations.

The integration of foreigners was also flagged up as an extremely important topic.

"Understanding and mutual respect of different cultural groups living together in Switzerland are essential for the country's cohesion," said the report.

Environment was the final worry for the future. The report called for a stop to environmental destruction, as well as for a reduction in the use of non-renewable sources of energy and the risks from natural disasters.

It also urged sustainable use of resources and limited development of the countryside.

Source: Xinhua