Notice

This multimedia story format uses video and audio footage. Please make sure your speakers are turned on.

Use the mouse wheel or the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate between pages.

Swipe to navigate between pages.

Let's go

deza-seco-jahresbericht-2022-en

Logo https://admin.media-flow.ch/deza-seco-jahresbericht-2022-en?extlink

Introduction

Goto first page
"2022 presented huge challenges: climate disasters, the war of aggression against Ukraine and energy and food crises. Switzerland made a crucial, clearly focused contribution to tackling these challenges through its broad-based commitment to supplying humanitarian aid, undertaking development projects and promoting peace. 2022 also showed that Switzerland's international cooperation work can adapt flexibly to changing needs, enabling us to help people on the ground quickly and efficiently in a targeted manner."

Patricia Danzi
Ambassador, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)


Goto first page
"The challenges facing our partner countries are greater than they have ever been: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices, food shortages, debt crisis and inflation. Through its international cooperation work, Switzerland is ideally placed to help countries tackle these problems and provide specific assistance on a bilateral basis, e.g. in Ukraine, regional basis, e.g. in Central Asia, and on a multilateral level by working with development banks. We achieved a great deal last year and will continue our efforts unabated."

Helene Budliger Artieda
Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)  


Goto first page

Basic services

Switzerland's international cooperation is committed to both providing humanitarian aid and to improving living conditions in low-income countries. This includes improving access to basic services such as education, health and finance.


Goto first page
Goto first page

Economy

Switzerland is committed to economic and private sector development in low-income countries. It works with young entrepreneurs to create decent jobs. It also works on innovative financing instruments to mobilise public-private investment for businesses.


Goto first page
Goto first page

Peace

The rule of law, respect for human rights and the inclusion of women and disadvantaged people are among the most important prerequisites for peace and long-term development. Switzerland supports local civil society and authorities in the fields of advocacy, monitoring state activities and public accountability.


Goto first page
Goto first page

Environment

The climate is heating up and the effects such as droughts and floods are already causing great suffering. At the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021, all countries agreed on how to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Switzerland is particularly committed in areas such as food, production, consumption, energy, health, cities and financial systems.


Goto first page
Goto first page

Ukraine

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a campaign of military aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing armed conflict in the east of the country escalated into a full-scale war. The war caused extensive suffering for the civilian population and led to adjustments in the Swiss cooperation programme.

Switzerland responded swiftly and decisively building on its long-standing experience. This chapter provides an overview of what has happened over the past year.
Goto first page
Goto first page

Statistics

International cooperation activities by the SDC and the SECO constitute the major part of Swiss Official Development Assistance (ODA), which also includes contributions from other federal offices as well as activities supported by cantons and municipalities.
Goto first page
Goto first page

Attacks on civilians, blockades of villages, destruction of crops by armed groups: the deteriorating security situation in Mali has forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of people, compelling them to abandon their fields and livestock.
Goto first page
More than 7 million people depend on humanitarian assistance in Mali. Food imports have reached 70%. The regions of Mopti in the centre and Timbuktu in the north of the country are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and therefore to the risk of famine.
Goto first page



In partnership with the consortium ACF Spain and the International Rescue Committee, Switzerland set up a food and nutritional insecurity response project integrating protection (RIAP) in 2022. The CHF 2.8 million project covers the regions of Mopti and Timbuktu.

RIAP was designed using a nexus approach, combining humanitarian and development interventions applied in conflict situations.
Goto first page





Among the emergency aid measures, RIAP provides targeted food assistance in the form of cash transfers during the agricultural lean season, between June and November. During this period, villages are at risk of food shortages because the previous year's reserves are exhausted and new harvests are not yet ready.

Thanks to these measures, beneficiaries can buy seeds and other agricultural inputs, stock up on food and fodder and continue their activities.
Goto first page
Mossa has received support for his family garden: "Every day I harvest cabbages, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, carrots and aubergines". When his harvest is good, he shares his produce with his neighbours.
Goto first page
Within the framework of RIAP, Switzerland is also committed to ensuring that the population can use agricultural and pastoral land without being exposed to abuse. The project thus contributes to reducing risks and promoting a protective environment.

Advocacy actions are undertaken to mitigate the impact of armed conflict on the population by mobilising community or religious leaders close to the armed groups.
Goto first page
To date, RIAP has covered the food and nutritional needs of over 30,000 people. Thanks to a system of early detection, children suffering from malnutrition are rapidly treated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also  benefit from nutritional monitoring.

In addition, an innovative monitoring mechanism using satellite imagery and agricultural monitoring allows data on the food situation and population movements to be collected and analysed and communicated to the responsible authorities.

For further information:
SDC website: Mali


Goto first page

Their names are Moustapha and Rainatou, and they have one thing in common. They are among 215 young Nigeriens picked for training as online activists.

Niger has a large youth population; more than two thirds of people are under 25. A strengthened national education system and civic education prepare young people for their role as citizens who can contribute to the development of their communities.
Goto first page





As part of its programme to support democratic governance (PAGOD) in Niger, in 2022–21 Switzerland supported an innovative initiative by the Nigerien NGO EPAD to promote a culture of good governance and youth participation in decision-making through digital activism.
Goto first page
The initiative focuses on the use of social networks to raise public awareness of MPs' actions and promote accountability.

The project identified 215 young influencers, who received training to disseminate high-quality, ethical content using a human rights-based approach.
Goto first page









They took part in workshops on youth civic engagement and public participation. They learned about online writing techniques, rules of good conduct and cybercrime law in Niger.

They also received regular support to help them provide information to influence public policy and encourage good governance.
Goto first page










The project brought together various stakeholders (online activists, MPs, government services and traditional leaders) to discuss how their communities function and how to involve young people and women in budgeting processes. It also provided opportunities to share best practice, e.g. community management techniques.
Goto first page





"Recently, the town hall asked us to accompany them to the villages to present the general report, which has never happened here in Tanout before", says an online activist from the town of Tanout.
Goto first page
The online activists' best posts were entered into a competition. A need remains to build the capacity of elected officials to use digital technologies and to encourage more young women to get involved in online activism.

Rainatou Hamidou Ousmane

Facebook profile (fr)
Facebook post (fr)

Moustapha Elh Adam
Facebook profile (fr)
Facebook post (fr)

For further information:
PAGOD YouTube: Activisme numérique (fr)
Goto first page

Goto first page

The SDC mainly focuses on the lowest income countries. In 2022, more than one third of bilateral spending was for sub-Saharan Africa.

SECO is more active in middle-income countries. Cooperation in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East accounted for almost half SECO's bilateral expenditure in 2022. Asia accounted for roughly a quarter of the total.
Goto first page

Goto first page

SDC programmes and projects are based on the needs of its partner countries and tailored to match the given context. The SDC's humanitarian aid work is a reflection of Switzerland's solidarity towards people in need.
Goto first page
SECO's economic and trade policy measures contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Goto first page

The SDC mainly focuses on the lowest income countries. Nearly half of the funds are allocated to Africa and the Middle East. Aid to Ukraine accounts for more than a third of spending in the Europe/Middle East and North Africa region in 2022.
Goto first page
SECO is active in middle-income countries and helps with their economic transition. Africa and the Middle East account for a quarter of total expenditure. Aid to Ukraine accounts for half of the expenditure for the Europe/Middle East and North Africa-MENA region in 2022.
Goto first page

The climate crisis requires mitigation measures to reduce its effects and adaptation measures to limit its impact on people. Climate is a cross-cutting theme addressed by the international cooperation projects and programmes.
Goto first page
Good governance is a cross-cutting theme addressed by the international cooperation projects and programmes. Good governance includes competent management of public services, democratisation, the rule of law, combating corruption and promoting human rights. In economic terms, this also extends to such principles as transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, efficiency and participation.
Goto first page
Gender is a cross-cutting theme addressed by the international cooperation projects and programmes. Gender equality is factored into all projects, a significant number of which also include specific measures to reduce gender inequalities.
Goto first page

Up until 2015, SDC resources increased steadily so as to reach the parliamentary target of 0.5% gross national income (GNI) for Swiss official development assistance (ODA).
Between 2016 and 2018, international cooperation funds were affected by savings measures.

The increase in SDC spending between 2020 and 2022 is linked to additional funds approved by Parliament in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the war in Ukraine.
Goto first page
Budgetary resources allocated to SECO increased after 2011, in line with Switzerland's target of reaching an ODA/GNI ratio of 0.5% by 2015.

Between 2016 and 2018, its resources were reduced as a result of the federal government's cost-cutting measures.

The increase in 2022 is linked to additional funds approved by Parliament in response to the war in Ukraine.
Goto first page

Scroll up
Scroll left
Scroll right
Scroll down

Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Subsaharian Africa

Asia

Latin America

Goto first page

Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe supports the countries of the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus in their efforts to establish a social market economy and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

In North Africa, Switzerland's engagement aims at contributing to a more inclusive, prosperous and peaceful region.

In the Middle East, SDC is working to provide protection and basic services for refugees and others in need, and to ensure sustainable water management.
Goto first page

Switzerland's international cooperation concentrates almost a third of its resources on sub-Saharan Africa.

The focus of development cooperation is on the access of poor people to basic social services (health, education), infrastructure (water), employment and income, and sustainable growth.

The Humanitarian Aid department implements programmes in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Central Africa and Southern Africa. It is active in various areas such as strengthening resilience to the effects of drought, protecting civilians in armed conflicts, food security, access to water and sanitation.
Goto first page

Through its transition aid to countries in Central Asia, Switzerland supports regional and national water ressources managment, private sector development, as well as reforms in the public sector and the health sector.

SDC's activities in East and South Asia focuses on countries and regions with persistently high multidimensional poverty rates, for example in terms of income, security or limited access to basic services.

SECO's economic development cooperation supports Vietnam on its path to sustainable, market-led growth. Activities in Indonesia contribute to overcoming sustainable development challenges and making its economy more competitive, resilient, equitable and resource efficient.
Goto first page

The SDC's activities in Central America focus on good governance, respect for human rights, inclusive economic development, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. After 40 years of fruitful international cooperation work, Swiss bilateral cooperation is planning to withdraw from the region in 2024. Until then, Switzerland is working to consolidate the gains that have been achieved and withdraw from the region in a responsible and considered manner.

In Peru, SECO’s main areas of support are the development of economic institutions, private sector competitiveness and access to basic public services. In Columbia, where certain areas continue to be heavily impacted by the presence of organized armed groups and organized crime, SECO is working to create better economic prospects, thereby also contributing to lasting peace.
Goto first page

Women in particular are suffering because of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. This is why the SDC has to factor in the difficult conditions affecting women and girls, even more so than in the past. Through UN Women, for example, it is supporting local women's organisations in the country.
Goto first page
Afghanistan is currently undergoing one of the biggest humanitarian crises worldwide. Almost half of the Afghan population is suffering from malnutrition, and the trend is rising. A record 24.4 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in 2022 – some six million more than in the previous year. According to estimates, the number will reach 28 million in 2023.
Goto first page
Meanwhile, the Taliban are increasingly restricting human rights. Since they took control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have issued numerous decrees that affect women in particular: women are restricted in their freedom of movement, they are not allowed to attend secondary school and have to wear the full veil. The December 2022 decision to exclude women from working in NGOs is forcing these women into poverty and jeopardising the work of many NGOs.
Goto first page
Despite the extremely precarious circumstances, Switzerland retains its active commitment in the country, in solidarity with the Afghan people. As soon as the Taliban came to power, the SDC adapted its programme to the new circumstances, thus ensuring a pragmatic continuation of aid. It has USD 30 million at its disposal for this purpose. The SDC helps to protect human rights and meet basic needs. The key focus areas of its programme are: 
  • Human rights
  • Basic needs 
  • Food security 
  • Basic education 
  • Agriculture

Goto first page
The Swiss cooperation office in Kabul was temporarily closed when the Taliban took power in August 2021. The team has been temporarily integrated into the Swiss embassy in Islamabad until a return to Afghanistan is possible. Visits to SDC partners in Afghanistan take place on a regular basis.
Goto first page
The multi-layered crisis in Afghanistan is not only further destabilising the country, but has implications for the entire region and also for the West. With over 7,000 applications, Afghanistan was once again the top country of origin for asylum seekers in Switzerland in 2022.
Goto first page
In the area of migration, Switzerland is involved in the regional Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). This UN initiative supports Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, Iran and Pakistan, in dealing with the refugee crisis. As a core member of the SSAR, the SDC provides concrete support to a UNHCR project for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

For further information:
FDFA website: "Switzerland doesn't just abandon people"
SDC website: Afghanistan




Goto first page

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide and undermines all efforts to advance gender equality. One in three women around the world has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in her life. In humanitarian contexts, GBV is the most widespread human rights violation, affecting up to 70% of women and girls. In armed conflicts, sexual violence is often used as a tactic of warfare, primarily, but not exclusively, against women and girls. The elimination of all forms of GBV is a strategic priority in the SDC's commitment to gender equality.
Goto first page
The prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has had an enormous impact on survivors, most of whom are women and girls. Men who have been unable to protect their female family members often reject them out of shame and concerns about the family's reputation, and often engage in violence themselves. Men who are active in conflicts resort to violence because of their own psychosocial distress and trauma. The low status of women and girls in Congolese society and unequal power relations between men and women foster the use of violence.
Goto first page






The SDC supports the project 'Men Combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against Women (Tupiganishe Ujeuri)' to overcome perpetuated violence and trauma and to tackle the underlying causes of gender inequality.
Goto first page
The aim of the project is to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, mostly women and girls, to process their trauma and regain control of their lives, while improving their status within their families and communities. To this end, men affected by armed conflict also receive psychosocial support and group counselling. Together with women, they reflect on and work through the trauma of war and begin to develop positive attitudes towards their female household and community members.
Goto first page
The project supports medical care, therapeutic support and legal counselling for women and girls affected by sexual and gender-based violence in this conflict-affected region. It also works with men who have themselves experienced and perpetrated violence, and helps to build solidarity structures within the community.
Goto first page
In group discussions, men learn to recognise the causes and effects of their actions and to work together to change underlying social norms. They reflect on gender inequalities, gendered roles and responsibilities, perceptions of masculinity, and a more balanced management of common goods and power in the household.
Goto first page
Applied community-based psychosocial work not only provides aid to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, but also helps to rebuild damaged relationships, trust and mutual support within conflict-affected households and communities. Entrenched societal patterns and destructive patriarchal structures that undermine the social fabric and resilience of affected communities are addressed together in a process of healing and reflection. This reduces the potential for violence in the community and helps its members to come to terms with and overcome conflict.
Goto first page

Goto first page

Official development assistance (ODA) from member countries of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) totalled USD 204 billion in 2022. Switzerland takes the 9th position in the ranking comparing the ODA of DAC member countries as a percentage of their gross national income (GNI). Five countries (Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Denmark) are within the target set by the United Nations, which aims for amounts invested in ODA to reach 0.7% of GNI.

In terms of financial volume, the largest donors are the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France. Switzerland take the 11th place in absolute numbers.
Goto first page

The increase in international cooperation funds up to 2015 made it possible to meet the 0.5% ODA/GNI target set by Parliament that year. After 2016, ODA decreased due to lower asylum costs and cost-saving measures for international cooperation funds. Based on the additional resources for the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, ODA has increased since 2020.

In 2022, the sharp rise in costs related to the reception of asylum seekers in Switzerland following the war in Ukraine lead to an increase in ODA, although at the same time the resources available for international cooperation decrease.

In recent years, international cooperation implemented by SDC and SECO has accounted for an average of 80% of total ODA. In 2022, this share falls to 63%.
Goto first page
Goto first page

Multilateral ODA includes core contributions from SDC and other federal agencies to international development institutions. International financial institutions (IFIs), of which the International Development Association (IDA), were the main beneficiaries of Switzerland's multilateral ODA, followed by United Nations agencies and finally other international organisations.

During the last fifteen years, the share of multilateral ODA did remain relatively stable, between 20% and 25% of total ODA. In 2022, this proportion falls exceptionally to 18%, due on the one hand to an increase in bilateral ODA following the war in Ukraine, and on the other to a relative decrease in multilateral contributions.

Contributions to international non-governmental organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are considered as bilateral (not multilateral) ODA.
Goto first page
Goto first page

Pakistan has experienced one of the worst disasters in its history. At the end of August 2022, an exceptional monsoon flooded a large part of the country, which remained under water for several weeks. The Pakistani authorities launched an appeal for international aid. The SDC responded quickly by deploying members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to the Swat Valley in the north-west of the country. They repaired 11 schools, 8 suspension bridges and 16 water distribution systems.
Goto first page
In Pakistan, the floods affected more than 33 million people, claiming 1,500 lives. The damage was extensive and many infrastructures and homes were destroyed. The loss of crops and the inability to cultivate completely flooded land was a major food security concern. The risk of transmission of water-related diseases was also high.
Goto first page


As soon as the floods began in August 2022, the Pakistani authorities quickly organised relief operations. Given the scale of the disaster, they launched an appeal for international aid. The SDC reacted immediately by deploying a first SHA detachment to Mingora in the Swat Valley.
Goto first page
In less than three months, SHA teams repaired 11 schools and eight suspension bridges to enable the valley's inhabitants and children to regain access to local markets and schools. The SHA rehabilitated 16 water systems and implemented cash-for-work programmes to mobilise local labour to clear roads of debris, mud and other obstacles. Local communities were involved in the design and implementation of all these activities, which benefited over 30,000 people.
Goto first page
The Swat Valley is a region that the SDC knows well from previous projects. Pakistan was one of the SDC's priority countries until 2020, when it brought to an end its half-century-long engagement. The schools that the SDC rebuilt after the terrible floods of 2010 all stood up well to the recent floods.
Goto first page
In total, the SDC allocated CHF 3 million to respond to the consequences of this disaster in Pakistan. CHF 2 million supported the activities of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of the UN's emergency appeal. The IOM was active in the southern provinces of the country, which were particularly affected by the disaster. In addition, CHF 200,000 was granted to the NGO Helvetas, which carried out projects in the areas of drinking water, distribution of food and medicines, as well as basic necessities in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The rest of the funding covered activities carried out by the SDC.
Goto first page

In Haiti, gender inequalities are significant, with women experiencing limited access to resources and unequal opportunities compared to men.

Yet Haitian women can make a significant contribution to the country's development, both as individuals and collectively. Swiss cooperation supports women through a number of programmes and projects, which aim, for example, to assist them in launching income-generating activities, taking active steps to save money and pursuing vocational and professional education and training.
Goto first page







In rural areas, women have minimal access to productive resources. The SDC's PAGAI programme empowers women by supporting income-generating activities such as selling produce from their vegetable gardens, initiating savings schemes, and investing in livestock. Women are also better able to assert themselves at home and in community organisations.
A PAGAI programme participant reports: "Since the training course, my husband has been helping me to do the laundry and cook. And when I come home from the market after a day selling our produce, he no longer asks me how much I got for each item."
Goto first page


In the south-east of the country, the 18-month PROMES programme, led by Haitian NGO Fonkoze, builds communities' capacity to handle everyday challenges and enhances their resilience against natural disasters, lifting women out of extreme poverty. For women with male partners, different activities are organised for all the members of the family. The men are offered workshops on positive masculinity, which helps to reduce domestic disputes and violence.
Goto first page







Several programmes promote the inclusion of women in trades where they are under-represented. The focus is on training, particularly in the construction trades, and fostering entrepreneurship. At least 30% of the women participating in the SQUAT programme receive training in trades that will enable them to enter the labour market and earn an income. In 2022, more than 400 women artisans obtained a state-recognised certificate. Some 150 innovative projects, just over half of which were led by women, have benefited from 180 hours of advice and support on how to set up and run your own business.
Goto first page




Swiss cooperation prioritises local governance in Haiti, with women mayors playing a vital role in partnerships to increase the proportion of women in municipal staff. This cooperation also involves working closely with Haiti's National Federation of Women, an organisation representing women mayors nationwide.
Goto first page
All SDC programmes in Haiti incorporate a gender perspective, whether in agriculture, vocational education and training, social protection, risk and disaster prevention or governance. The gender dimension is emphasised even more in small-scale projects such as those promoting artistic activities or the protection of human rights. Gender-based violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation are major scourges in Haiti. A number of projects to address these issues have been supported. This community-based work is being carried out by small, dedicated Haitian organisations operating in areas that are often difficult to access.

For further information:
SDC website: Haiti
SDC website (fr): Programme d’Appui à la Production Agricole en Haïti (PAPAH)
Goto first page

Digital technologies are fundamentally changing economies, societies and almost every aspect of people’s lives. They bring tremendous opportunities to accelerate progress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the digital divide has also become the new face of inequality, reinforcing existing inequities in access, power and patterns of exclusion.
Goto first page
To leverage the great potential of digitalisation for development while leaving no one behind, digital transformation must be thoughtfully designed and implemented with people and human rights at the centre. This is the objective and work of UNDP worldwide, supported by Swiss contributions for this UN agency and its programmes.
Goto first page
The UNDP responds to countries that seek assistance by advising on their digital strategies and governance frameworks, implementing digital public infrastructure, deploying inclusive digital solutions, and fostering digital literacy for all. The UNDP offers notably the “Digital Readiness Assessment” which takes a whole-of-society approach to planning and strategising digital transformation, resulting in more inclusive and equitable national-level digital strategies. In Mauritania, the UNDP's Digital Readiness Assessment helped create the first government agency for digital transformation.
Goto first page





In 2022, UNDP supported over 30 countries on aspects of their national digital strategies, supporting governments to design and implement holistic strategies and increasing public institutions' resilience and inclusion through digital technology and digitalisation.
Goto first page
This work demonstrates that digital transformation can be a driver for more sustainable and inclusive development in relation to public services, economic development, resilience building and climate adaptation. In Bangladesh, for example, the UNDP supported the government’s flagship programme 'Digital Bangladesh' to improve access to public services through a network of more than 5,800 digital centres. This distribution model means that people now do not need to travel more than 4km to access basic services.
Goto first page
In Ukraine, the UNDP is helping to sustain essential government services, including through support to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, making digital platforms and processes more relevant for the provision of wartime digital public services. The UNDP notably supported the design of the Diia portal and Diia mobile app, where Ukrainians can apply for financial assistance. As of February 2023, 1.4 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine have registered and applied for monthly financial assistance through this e-solution, which is providing a digital lifeline for people on the move.
Goto first page
In India, the UNDP has supported the government’s implementation of CoWIN (COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network) - the digital backbone of the country’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, which is one of the world’s largest. This open and inclusive platform aims for universal vaccination and enables monitoring of vaccine utilisation, coverage and  wastage throughout the system. CoWIN has achieved great results, as it registered 1.1 billion people (84% of the country’s total population) for COVID vaccination and been used to deliver 2.04 billion doses, resulting in over 855 million people being fully vaccinated (two doses) as of July 2022.In India, the UNDP has supported the government’s implementation of CoWIN (COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network) - the digital backbone of the country’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, which is one of the world’s largest. This open and inclusive platform aims for universal vaccination and enables monitoring of vaccine utilisation, coverage and wastage throughout the system. CoWIN has achieved great results, as it registered 1.1 billion people (84% of the country’s total population) for COVID vaccination and been used to deliver 2.04 billion doses, resulting in over 855 million people being fully vaccinated (two doses) as of July 2022.  

For further information:
UNDP Digital Strategy 2022-2025
A digital lifeline for Ukrainians on the move
Digital solutions for improved vaccine access







Goto first page

In July 2022, representatives of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Switzerland met in Bad Ragaz to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their constituency in the Bretton Woods institutions and exchange views on future cooperation. The Bretton Woods institutions are the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.
Goto first page





The constituency representatives discussed how their countries are tackling the economic and social challenges raised by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Other topics on the agenda were energy and food security, economic stability and climate change – issues affecting all countries in the constituency.
Goto first page
At a seminar, the countries presented examples of how they are dealing with the opportunities and risks for the economy, society, the environment and the financial system. Switzerland underscored the importance of the World Bank Group and the IMF in helping countries achieve the development goals of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Goto first page






Over the past 30 years, the constituency countries have established a great deal of trust and – as evidenced in Bad Ragaz – this facilitates cooperation among them. Switzerland's contribution as head of the constituency was acknowledged by all members. This also gave Switzerland an opportunity to address issues such as governance and the sustainable energy transition.
Goto first page
Scroll up
Scroll left
Scroll right
Scroll down
Goto first page

In 2000, the Tanzanian government established the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), a social protection mechanism strongly geared towards reducing extreme poverty and safeguarding against relapses into poverty. Its core instruments are cash transfers, public work and livelihood enhancement. The Swiss contribution to TASAF covers approximately 100,000 beneficiaries.
Goto first page
TASAF contributes to improving livelihoods and increasing household incomes, savings, assets and investments of communities. In remote areas, it also supports infrastructure development (for example in the health, education and water sectors) as part of its public works programme.
Goto first page
The programme helps to roll out electronic payment solutions across the country. Cash transfers, for example for children’s education, as well as livelihood grants are increasingly paid to beneficiaries electronically to their mobile wallets or bank accounts.

In addition to managing cash benefits, the programme monitors health and education compliance in beneficiary households, which improves children's education and enables families to live independently without their children being obliged to work. This enables the children to go to school. Enrolment in school has increased from 70% to 79% and at the same time average child labour has decreased by 19 hours per week.
Goto first page
The programme focuses on improving people's livelihoods, enabling them to be economically active so that they can exit the programme.

To achieve this, access to financial services and small enterprise development are promoted. Savings and investment support groups help people meet their daily expenses and run their own businesses. So far, over 30,000 savings groups with over 400,000 members have been mobilised. This is followed up with training and business coaching. 
Goto first page



Switzerland supports 200 beneficiaries from Kilosa, Misungwi, Singida and Pemba district councils in this process. With the lessons learnt, the project will be further scaled up to include other districts.
Goto first page








In 2021/22, the programme reached over 1.3 million households (55.7% women). The programme has a significant impact on the voice of women in the use of income and in children's health and education issues. The payment of the introduced disability pension has reached around 100,000 households.
Goto first page




Since the beginning of the programme, the household savings rate has increased by almost 4% and the number of self-employed outside the agricultural sector by 4.3%.

Further Information:
SDC website: Tanzania
SDC website: Tanzania Social Action Fund

Goto first page

The Kantha Bopha children's hospitals founded by Dr Beat Richner have made a significant contribution to improving the health system in Cambodia. In 2022, the hospitals celebrated their 30th anniversary. The SDC will continue its support to the hospitals until 2027.
Goto first page
In 1992, paediatrician Beat Richner left his practice to rebuild the destroyed children's clinic in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. In the years that followed, his Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital Foundation built four more world-class children's hospitals supported by funding from the SDC.
Goto first page
Today, these five hospitals care for more than 80% of all seriously sick and injured children in the country – and give 2,500 Cambodians a job. "The Kantha Bopha hospitals are now run as public university hospitals and are an essential part of the Cambodian health system. This is a big step in terms of development," said SDC Director General Patricia Danzi at the signing of the contribution agreement with the chairman of the Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital Foundation, Dr Philip Robinson.
Goto first page
The hospitals have developed a solid model of highly specialised paediatric services that can care for more than one million outpatients and inpatients per year. In addition, more than 20,000 babies are born every year at the maternity clinic in Siem Reap.
Goto first page





The SDC and the Kantha Bopha Foundation have achieved a great deal together. In the last twelve years, for example, the neonatal mortality rate in Cambodia has fallen by 70% to 8 deaths per thousand live births; the under-five mortality rate has fallen by the same percentage, and the infant mortality rate has also fallen by 73% over the same period.
Goto first page
"Looking back on a successful 30-year partnership, we want to achieve even more in the next five years", continued Ms Danzi. Switzerland has agreed to grant the foundation an average of CHF 3.5 million per year until funding is phased out in 2027. During this period, the SDC will work closely with the foundation to shore up long-term financing for the Kantha Bopha hospitals.
Goto first page
"We are very grateful for the SDC's long-standing support", said Chairman of the Kantha Bopha Foundation Board of Trustees Dr Robinson, adding that the support would make it possible to ensure sustainable financing for the hospitals in the years to come. "Thanks to the commitment of the Cambodian government and the foundation's many patrons in Switzerland, we will be able to safeguard the operation of our hospitals and the provision of proper medical care for children and mothers in Cambodia in the long term."

Dr. Philip Robinson (2nd from right)
Goto first page
The SDC will continue to work with the Kantha Bopha Foundation and the Cambodian government to further integrate the hospitals into the health sector, for example by linking them to the social health insurance system, which is currently in its preparatory stages.

For further information:
SDC webseite: Mekong region
Goto first page

Extreme weather events such as floods, drought, heatwaves and storms wreak a heavy toll on human lives and wellbeing and lead to hundreds of billions of dollars of economic losses. Human-induced climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme events, causes widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people, with the most vulnerable people disproportionately affected.
Goto first page
Early warning systems (EWS) are a proven, effective, and feasible climate adaptation measure that saves lives and provides a tenfold return on investment. However, one third of the world’s population, mainly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS), are still not covered by early warning systems. Early warning systems, climate services and disaster risk management are key cross-cutting adaptation options that, when combined, enhance the benefits of other adaptation measures when combined.
Goto first page
Adaptation to weather and climate hazards urgently requires early warning as well as preparedness and response plans, but national agencies and services in many developing countries remain unable to meet this demand. The Climate Risks and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative was launched in 2015 as an innovative pooled financing mechanism to support LDCs and SIDS in the provision of multi-hazard early-warning systems that lead to early action, in order to efficiently reduce impacts and adapt to increasing weather and climate-related risk.
Goto first page
Switzerland supports countries that suffer most from climate change through its active participation at the CREWS Initiative. The Initiative’s initiative’s implementing partners (WMO, World Bank/GFDRR and UNDRR) jointly provide analytical and advisory services, technical assistance, capacity building, and operational support through regional and national projects. The combined expertise of the SDC and MeteoSwiss increases the impact and sustainability of CREWS.
Goto first page
Since 2016, CREWS has assisted 74 LDCs and SIDS to develop early warning systems through national and regional projects. For instance, in Burkina Faso, CREWS is bringing much-needed advanced weather advisories to small-scale rural farmers across the country’s northern region through daily radio broadcasts. About 80% of Burkina Faso’s 22 million people are employed in the agricultural sector and benefit from expanded access to early warning systems. The project also includes a sand and dust storm warning system that covers Burkina Faso as well as which is extended to Senegal, Chad, Mali, Niger, Cape Verde and Mauritania.
Goto first page
At least 8 of 10 trained farmers now rely on forecasts delivered through community radio to decide on crop choice, location, when to sow, plant, fertilizefertilise, irrigate, and harvest. Topline results? Far less loss and lower costs, greater yields and a 267% average income increase over 2 years.
Goto first page
In 2022, the UN launched the Early Warnings for All Initiative, with the ambition to cover all of the earth’s population with early warning systems within 5 years. Its Action Plan includes a new scaling-up framework developed by the CREWS Initiative and Green Climate Fund. CREWS is considered widely recognised as as the key mechanism to help LDCs and SIDS to achieve the goals of the Early Warnings for All Initiative.

For further information:
CREWS website
UNDRR website
GFDRR website
WMO website
WMO website: Early Warnings for All


Goto first page

At the beginning of March 2022, SDC Director General Patricia Danzi and Ambassador Dominique Paravicini, Head of Economic Cooperation and Development at SECO, travelled to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, where they launched a new regional cooperation programme for 2022–26. These joint trips are an ideal opportunity to explore and examine new approaches together.
Goto first page







The processes set in motion in the region 30 years ago take time to accomplish but also require a shift in mindset. From the beginning, the key to Swiss success here has been a commitment to build and maintain trusting relationships and promote learning and exchange among like-minded people. Given their similar past, the countries of Central Asia continue to face similar challenges today.
Goto first page
Straddling the geopolitical space between China and Russia, these countries have perfected a balancing act of dancing with the bear and dragon at the same time. The post-Soviet states clearly still have close ties with Russia: the Russian language is omnipresent, and many citizens hold a Russian passport. Labour migration and remittances account for up to 30 per cent of gross domestic product.
Goto first page







Switzerland maintains a diverse portfolio in Central Asia. It also represents these countries in the same constituency at the Bretton Woods institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. This has enabled Switzerland to build a special, partnership-based relationship with them over the past 30 years.
Goto first page
In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, for example, Switzerland is making its mark: here, mountain guides, ski instructors and tour operators rave about Pontresina and Arosa, the Swiss ski resorts they visited for training and inspiration with the support of Swiss development cooperation.
Goto first page
Close
The international water conference held in Tajikistan in June 2022 was another opportunity to highlight the 30th anniversary. Water diplomacy is an important area of development cooperation between Switzerland and the Central Asian states. For example, Switzerland is helping to advance the region's water and energy programme by supporting river basin management and plans to include integrated water resource management in national legislation.
Goto first page






Switzerland intends to continue its engagement in Central Asia. Of particular importance is adapting this cooperation to the needs on the ground, especially now in light of the Ukraine crisis. There will be an even greater need for support on economic development, governance and climate issues. The underlying reform processes will remain a crucial issue. Switzerland will continue to support these countries in their economic and political development.
Goto first page

The Horn of Africa is facing one of the worst and longest droughts in recent history. More than 36 million people are affected, of whom 23 million are experiencing acute food insecurity. Food, feed crops and millions of livestock have been lost.

Local conflicts and a worsening economic situation linked to a difficult post-Covid recovery, the war in Ukraine and a sharp rise in inflation are exacerbating the crisis.
Goto first page




Women, children and minorities are the most severely affected by the food crisis. They are at greater risk of sexual violence, abuse and neglect.
Goto first page
To mitigate the impact of the crisis and address its underlying factors – poverty, conflict, climate crisis – Switzerland has increased its support for the Somalia Resilience Programme (SomRep).
Goto first page
The SomRep programme plays a key role in boosting pastoralist communities' resilience to climate shocks in Somalia. The programme aims to build local capacities, diversify livelihoods and develop drought early warning systems. SomRep has improved food security for some of the most vulnerable communities. The programme benefited more than 100,000 drought-affected people in Somalia in 2022.
Goto first page
Based on the 'nexus' approach, SomRep is easily adaptable from long-term development initiatives to emergency response.

It draws on contingency funds to deal with emergencies. These funds can be quickly deployed to save lives and cover immediate basic needs while preserving development gains.
Goto first page
SomRep has mobilised such funds during drought periods to rehabilitate infrastructure (e.g. wells, livestock pens, fodder production sites), provide safe drinking water and distribute non-food items (hygiene products, medicines, mosquito nets, clothing).
Goto first page
Contingency funds are an innovative nexus instrument that is mainly used in fragile contexts characterised by a variety of crises (armed conflicts, climate crises, etc.).

For further information:
SDC website: Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya)
Goto first page

Climate protection starts with everyday life: the Swiss NGO Fastenaktion, an SDC partner organisation, is supporting the construction of energy-efficient cooking stoves in rural Kenya, helping to combat hunger.
Goto first page
The implementation of Switzerland's international cooperation and the 2030 Agenda requires effective and efficient cooperation between governmental and non-governmental actors. To this end, the SDC supports international programmes run by Swiss NGOs. The SDC currently provides annual programme contributions of approximately CHF 135 million to fund 27 partnerships with Swiss NGOs, NGO alliances, umbrella organisations and associations. This approach results in synergies and multiplier effects and strengthens civil society in partner countries.
Goto first page
As an SDC partner organisation, Fastenaktion develops and implements numerous projects worldwide which together strengthen civil society at the local level, promote gender equality and combat hunger and climate change. For example, in remote areas of central and southern Kenya, Fastenaktion is running a project to promote the widespread use of energy-efficient and affordable cooking technologies. This initiative reduces energy consumption and pollution and creates jobs for both women and men in the targeted regions.
Goto first page
In rural households, people traditionally cook on open three-stone fireplaces – an inefficient technique with serious environmental, health and social consequences. The new masonry cooking stoves, equipped with closed combustion chambers, cut firewood consumption by almost half. With biomass accounting for 90% of rural energy consumption, the project's economic, social and environmental potential is considerable. In nine years, over 28,000 fuel-efficient stoves have been installed, saving more than 70,000 tonnes of CO2 in total.
Goto first page
Less demand for firewood reduces deforestation and indoor air pollution, which disproportionately affects women and girls. Local artisans construct the stoves from locally sourced materials. Most of the components, such as baked earth bricks, can be purchased at little cost or produced by the end-users themselves. Consequently, a durable stove can be built and kept in good working order for a relatively modest investment. The project subsidises the construction of stoves to ensure that even the poorest can benefit from this efficient technology.
Goto first page
This energy-efficient cooking stove project also promotes gender equality by providing training to residents regardless of their gender. The ultimate goal is to provide a regular income. Since closed stoves consume less wood than open fires, all participants save money and spend less time gathering wood. The resources saved can then be invested in purchasing seeds, resulting in higher crop yields and an overall improvement in living conditions.
Goto first page
The cooking stove project is in line with Kenya's national energy policy and has the support of the local population: all participants benefit, civil society is strengthened, and women receive targeted economic assistance. "The stoves are more environmentally friendly and offer people a better quality of life", says Mary Mulinge, who has been building stoves with her husband for the past seven years and is one of 177 trained artisans.

For further information:
Fastenaktion website: Kochofen-Projekt Kenia (de)

Goto first page

SMEs in LDCs and lower-middle income countries, among them Zambia and Zimbabwe, are crucial to reaching the SDGs. They contribute to the economic development, creating seven out of 10 jobs and contribute up to 40% to GDP. However, they face challenges to find investors, although they seek relatively small amounts of capital, which prevents them from growing.
Goto first page







“Blended finance”, a combination of public development finance and private capital, should in principle address this problem. But between 2012 and 2017 only 6% of private finance mobilised by official development finance went to the countries most in need.
Goto first page





Launched in 2020, the Bamboo-UNCDF Initiative for the Least Developed (BUILD) Fund is an innovative blended finance instrument designed to bring finance to SDG-oriented in LDCs and LMICs. Managed by Swiss-based Bamboo Capital Partners (BCP), the BUILD Fund has already raised USD 55 mio. The objective is to mobilise additional USD 200 million from commercial (private) investors.
Goto first page
The money will be invested in four sectors:
  1. Food security, nutrition and agribusiness
  2. Financial inclusion and innovation
  3. The green economy and renewable energy
  4. Local infrastructure
The amounts invested range from USD 250’000 to 2.5 million. The ambition is to improve the lives of 11 million people over 10 years of fund operations.
Goto first page
In complementarity to the investments, business advisory support is provided to the participating SMEs. It is Switzerland’s ambition to engage with the private sector, to create jobs, to improve livelihoods and to sustainably manage natural resources in developing countries. It is expected that the support to SDG-oriented SMEs will enable them to grow and provide affordable goods and services to the wider public.
Goto first page
Switzerland will support the BUILD Fund with two separate but complementary contributions: First, a direct investment of CHF 5 mio into the BUILD Fund that can be deployed globally in countries and sectors with the highest financing gap. Second, an indirect investment of CHF 9 mio by way of a contribution to the UNCDF to be used for investments into SMEs in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Goto first page

The Geneva Technical Hub (GTH) has been established in 2021 by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to tackle complex technical problems and find solutions that can be applied in diverse refugee contexts. GTH aims at improving the living environment of refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities.
Goto first page
GTH is composed of several experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) bringing humanitarian and technical expertise in disaster risk reduction, energy, environment, shelter/housing, settlement planning, water, sanitation and hygiene. GTH collaborates with the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETHZ) for the development of innovative technical tools to support the work of UNHCR.
Goto first page
The inclusion of adequate communal open spaces in refugee settlements is very important for the environment. It maintains the ecological balance and reduces climate change and related disaster risks. The GTH through the EPFL has developed a guideline for site planners. With its 7 design principles, the layout of settlements for refugees and internally displaced people will become more resilient and strengthen social cohesion.
Goto first page
In the absence of access to national electricity grids, many refugee and IDP camps are dependent on diesel generators. However, switching to renewable energy requires data on energy consumption, which are hardly available. In a pilot project in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya GTH installed two smart energy meters on diesel generators, allowing for real-time remote monitoring of fuel consumption The data collected will inform the design of tailored renewable energy systems that will reduce the environmental footprint of electricity consumption.
Goto first page
Refugee settlements are often based in water scarce areas with high risk of sudden lack of access to water. In Northern Uganda, the GTH expert has established Rapid groundwater potential maps that substantially increased the predictability of successful groundwater drilling, thus triggering the transition from emergency water supply, like water trucking and hand pumps, towards sustainable solar-powered pumping systems.
Goto first page
85% of displaced populations in camps use unsustainably harvested biomass, such as firewood, for cooking. This has negative consequences for indoor air quality, conflict over natural resources and the safety for women, girls and boys. It also reduces biodiversity and emits greenhouse gases.
Goto first page
Solar cooking makes cooking cleaner, safer and more sustainable. The GTH evaluated the technology and product readiness of solar-electric cooking and found that several devices were successfully tested in the field. Further research and outreach will be conducted to achieve also commercial viability.

For further information:
UNHCR website: Geneva Technical Hub
Goto first page

The COVID–19 Fund in Nepal was launched to help businesses recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. The initiative has produced results: the interest-free loans have prevented layoffs and actually led to the creation of new jobs.
Goto first page
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) create jobs and promote development, especially in the countries of the Global South. Nepal was a good example: in 2018, it had 300,000 MSMEs, which accounted for 22% of GDP and employed 1.7 million people. But the crisis triggered by the pandemic plunged MSMEs into serious difficulties.
Goto first page
In October 2020, the SDC partnered with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and One to Watch (a private fund manager) to launch a COVID–19 fund to support MSMEs. One hundred companies received one-year interest-free loans from private banks under this initiative. Forty companies also received training in financial management, accounting and marketing.
Goto first page
Naman Care Home is one of the enterprises supported through the COVID–19 Fund. This care home for the elderly was founded in Kathmandu in 2018. During the pandemic crisis, its reserves were almost completely depleted. The loan has enabled Naman Care Home to guarantee the quality of its healthcare, improve protection measures, take in new patients and preserve jobs.
Goto first page
Leather Wings is another SME that has received support from the fund. "The financial and technical support enabled us to recover from the crisis, continue our activities and retain our staff", says Suraj Dahal of Leather Wings. Founded almost 40 years ago, the company manufactures leather shoes and employs around 60 people. The funding programme also helped the company reach out to other private investors.
Goto first page
The COVID–19 fund not only prevented layoffs, but also enabled the 100 MSMEs to create more than 400 new jobs. Private banks have granted additional loans under the COVID–19 fund programme and are now offering technical assistance for business development.

For further information:
One to Watch website
SDC website: Nepal
SDC website: Switzerland - Nepal: building bridges on the path to federalism
Goto first page

Reliable and sustainable infrastructure improves people's living standards. This means roads, bridges, public buildings, data cables, educational institutions and power and water supply installations. What's more, good infrastructure is essential if countries are to develop their economies and fight poverty.
Goto first page
This is why the Federal Council decided in October 2022 that Switzerland would support the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) with USD 75 million. PIDG mobilises private sector capital for building climate-friendly infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and in South and Southeast Asia. It uses public funds to lower the risk of investing in infrastructure projects, making it possible to mobilise private sector funds that would otherwise not flow into developing countries.
Goto first page
With PIDG's support, for example, the Ninh Thuan solar park was built in southern Vietnam. This has a generation capacity of 168MW and serves almost 200,000 people.
Goto first page
The power generated in the solar park will be fed into the national grid with a 20-year purchase guarantee, reducing Vietnam's annual carbon emissions by 240,000 tonnes.
Goto first page
Switzerland has supported PIDG since its inception in 2002. Since then, PIDG has:

  • mobilised USD 37.6 billion, of which USD 23 billion from the private sector
  • provided access for 220 million people to new or improved infrastructure
  • put 120 infrastructure services into operation and
  • created 322,000 jobs
Goto first page

Achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement calls for a wide range of financing sources. The private sector plays a key role here, and official development assistance can be used to leverage the private finance mobilised.
Goto first page
SECO takes a specific approach to harnessing private engagement for development cooperation. For example, it seeks agreements that generate funding and know-how from the private sector. It also facilitates private investments that deliver tangible development results, and it encourages public-private partnerships.
Goto first page
In 2022 SECO commissioned a study on the extent to which this approach contributes to sustainable development in its partner countries. While certain challenges were identified, the independent evaluation found that SECO has been successful overall and that these projects meet the needs of its partner countries.
Goto first page
One example of how SECO works with the private sector is the Meloy Fund, which promotes investment in sustainable fisheries and seafood businesses in Indonesia and the Philippines. The companies in its portfolio are designed to provide local fishing communities with a livelihood while protecting natural resources.
Goto first page
More than a billion people are financially dependent on coastal fishing. Coasts account for some 80 to 90% of jobs in the fishing industry worldwide and half of the world's fish catch. At the same time, marine habitats with their coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds are crucial for climate change mitigation and resilience.
Goto first page
Rather than directly investing in the Meloy Fund itself, SECO finances technical assistance projects to attract further private investment. For example, technical assistance can serve to train fishing crews and other supply chain partners in sustainable fisheries management. While the adjustments needed to implement this are often very costly for companies, they also offer better income opportunities because certified high-quality fish products can command higher prices.
Goto first page
A well-managed sustainable fishing business can generate a solid income. Moreover, a sound business can be relied on to repay the Meloy Fund for its investments. This lowers the investment risk for investors, enabling the Fund to offer sustainable financial services.
Goto first page

In November 2022, a SECO delegation travelled to Indonesia to discuss labour and employment issues with representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Labour and with Swiss and Indonesian social partners. Switzerland supports efficient manufacturers in the Indonesian textile and garment industry that provide jobs with decent working conditions.
Goto first page
The Swiss delegation visited the PT. Sumbiri garment factory in Central Java, which employs almost 4,000 people. Since 2015 it has been operating in line with the Better Work programme initiated by Switzerland and the International Labour Organization. The factory has increased its participation in social dialogue and improved cooperation, health and safety standards in the workplace.
Goto first page










Boris Zürcher

Head of the Labour Directorate at SECO

Open video

Goto first page








SECO's mission falls under Switzerland's sustainable foreign economic policy and demonstrates in practice how the free trade agreement between the EFTA states and Indonesia is being implemented.
Goto first page
The textile and garment industry employs over 60 million people worldwide, predominantly women. In some countries, textiles account for 70% of total exports. The Better Work programme helps export companies to comply with national labour laws and international labour standards. It advises and trains management and workers in workplace cooperation, quality management, occupational safety and cooperative human resource management, as well as environmentally friendly production methods.
Goto first page
By the end of 2022, Better Work had improved the working conditions of some 3.3 million employees. Switzerland has supported the programme since 2009. In 2022, the next strategic phase up to 2027 was announced. In addition to continuing the work done so far, the aims now are to help companies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and improve supply chain resilience to global shocks.
Goto first page

At the beginning of 2022, Switzerland could look back on many years of engagement in Ukraine. Cooperation had started in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union and was based on well established relationships and contacts with the population, the authorities and civil society. Cooperation was geared towards the needs of the population.
Goto first page
After the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of armed conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014, Switzerland significantly stepped up its engagement - in particular through its support for the peace process and humanitarian aid.

In 2015, Switzerland dispatched several transport convoys to the separatist areas of eastern Ukraine, where they provided local communities with medicines and water-purification chemicals. Switzerland was the first non-belligerent country to deliver aid on this scale to both sides of the line of contact.
Goto first page
Cooperation is currently based on the Cooperation Programme 2020–23, which aims to advance reforms and strengthen democratic institutions, support digitalisation, promote sustainable urban development, strengthen SMEs, and bolster the health sector.

Ukraine was already a priority country for Switzerland's international cooperation before Russia started its military aggression. Cooperation is implemented jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Peace and Human Rights Division, and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
Goto first page







The situation changed when Russia launched its military aggression on 24 February 2022. Switzerland condemns the Russian attack and stands in solidarity with Ukraine. In 2022, the Federal Council approved two supplementary credits to assist the affected population. Switzerland also adapted its existing programmes in Ukraine.
Goto first page

The climate in the Bolivian highlands is harsh, and climate change is making conditions for farmers even more difficult. That's why the SDC is supporting local people to adapt production methods to these tough conditions and market their products.
Goto first page
At a height of over 4,000 metres, the Bolivian Andes is home to a combination of barren soil, intense sunlight, and freezing temperatures. For local smallholder farmers, this has always been a significant challenge – one that is now becoming even more complicated because of increasing droughts and storms caused by climate change.
Goto first page
The goal of the inclusive markets project is to help improve living conditions for local people who farm and raise livestock in the Andean valleys and altiplano.
Goto first page
The specific objectives are:
  • More income for smallholder farms
  • Greater resilience to the effects of climate change
  • Better working conditions
  • Women's empowerment
  • Improved governance through public pressure

Goto first page
Close
One example from the project is the use of spraying drones in the high mountainous areas, which are difficult to access. As a result, farmers use less spray, which is better for the health of the people working in the fields and reduces environmental pollution. It also increases crop yields. The inclusive markets project is being implemented by Swisscontact together with local partner organisations.
Swisscontact YouTube: Innovative Technologien auf dem Land
Goto first page
The successful project was evaluated in 2022 and strategies for its extension were developed. Here are the results:
  • 30,000 smallholder farms have increased their income
  • Over 52,000 self-employed women and men have optimised their working conditions
  • 17,000 smallholder farms have improved their climate change adaptation strategies
  • 17,000 women have become more empowered
For further information:
Swisscontact website: Inclusive Markets in Bolivia

Goto first page

In the hours following the start of the military aggression, Humanitarian Aid worked flat out. Within hours, Switzerland mobilised a six-member rapid response team from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), who travelled to Poland to offer assistance to refugees on the border with Ukraine.

A total of 70 SHA members were deployed. On 11 March 2022, the Federal Council approved a first supplementary credit to increase humanitarian aid in Ukraine and the wider region to CHF 80 million. Existing projects made it easier to mount a rapid response.
Goto first page
During the initial phase, much of Switzerland's support was channelled through Ukraine's neighbouring countries, as the situation in Ukraine was very unstable. The rapid response team set up a logistical centre on the Polish side of the border, delivered relief supplies to Romania and provided assistance to refugees in the Republic of Moldova.

The Swiss embassy in Kyiv was temporarily closed. Ambassador Claude Wild travelled with several embassy staff members from Ukraine to Moldova to continue their work from there.
Goto first page
Swiss aid was delivered without interruption. Switzerland supplied winter tents and hygiene facilities. In addition, it bought nearly 5,000 tonnes of locally sourced food, which was distributed in a targeted manner. Close coordination with the Ukrainian government, municipalities and local civil society ensured that aid was delivered as effectively as possible. Humanitarian Aid's work is aligned with the existing cooperation programme for 2020–23.
Goto first page
The Mental Health for Ukraine project is a good example. Since 2018, Switzerland has supported Ukraine in expanding its mental health facilities, implementing reforms and conducting awareness campaigns. During the initial emergency phase of the project, specialists also provided support to traumatised people from eastern Ukraine at railway stations in the west of the country. In addition, a trauma treatment project was launched in six hospitals to strengthen the mental health sector.
Goto first page
Switzerland adapted its existing projects to the war situation, for example in the area of urban development, where a completely new set of needs emerged. The war forced more than 12 million people to leave their homes. Many found refuge in the cities of western Ukraine, leading to a dramatic population increase in those cities. The newly arrived residents need water and electricity and access to health services. They produce waste and their children are enrolled in local schools. This presents urban planners with a whole new set of challenges.
Goto first page
A Swiss urban planning project is now advising local authorities on the integration of IDPs and helping them to establish partnerships with aid agencies. The existing trust-based relationship with the municipality has proven to be an advantage. Established networks also contribute to the delivery of humanitarian aid. Switzerland has on numerous occasions been able to arrange for local partners to receive humanitarian supplies.
Goto first page
Switzerland also lent its support to multilateral initiatives such as those of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which helps to preserve the competitiveness of SMEs. In particular, it assists SMEs in the north and east of the country which have lost their production facilities to relocate to new ones and maintain their supply chains. Robust economic framework conditions are also vital for SMEs. The EBRD's initiative also supports the reforms Ukraine needs to achieve this.
Goto first page
Switzerland is also contributing to a World Bank initiative that helps to maintain the Ukrainian state's essential non-military functions. Switzerland's assistance helps to ensure that Ukrainian state employees' salaries and pensions continue to be paid. It is in the interests of all that police officers, teachers, waste collectors and bus drivers, for example, can continue to do their jobs and receive their salaries.
Goto first page

On 4 and 5 July 2022, global attention turned to Lugano. At the invitation of President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis, 59 international delegations gathered for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) at the Palazzo dei Congressi on the shore of Lake Lugano to formally launch the reconstruction process for Ukraine.
Goto first page
The URC is a regular event launched in 2017 under the name Ukraine Reform Conference. The conference is organised by Ukraine and a partner country. In 2021, Switzerland assumed this role from Lithuania. The conference in Lugano was renamed the Ukraine Recovery Conference because it was the first URC to be held since Russia launched its military aggression against Ukraine.
Goto first page
On 5 July, President Ignazio Cassis and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal presented the Lugano Declaration, which sets out the principles for Ukraine's reconstruction. Key elements are "to build back better" and the conviction that reconstruction on the one hand, and reforms, anti-corruption efforts, transparency and safeguards to ensure an independent judiciary on the other are not conflicting goals, but rather interdependent. The Lugano Declaration also stipulates that Ukraine will steer the reconstruction process.
Goto first page

The cold winter months have been an enormous challenge for Ukraine, exacerbating conditions for the vulnerable population. Even before the onset of winter, around 40% of local people were dependant on aid. Many places had no access to drinking water, power or telecommunications after Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and basic supply systems. Over 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been damaged. Switzerland’s Winter Aid Action Plan has contributed to helping the Ukrainian population survive the difficult winter.
Goto first page
A second additional credit of CHF 100 million was used to help Ukraine through the cold winter months. Large contributions were made to projects in the areas of emergency and humanitarian assistance, energy infrastructure and the railway system. These projects were implemented by multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
Goto first page
The Winter Aid Action Plan included the restoration of houses and energy infrastructure. It also meant that ongoing activities supported by the SDC were adapted to meet the newly emerging needs. Winter aid also included the delivery of equipment.

Switzerland was able to draw on the network it has built up over many years in Ukraine to reliably distribute aid throughout the country. By the end of 2022, nearly 1000 tonnes of relief supplies were delivered from Switzerland to Ukraine, including generators and portable heaters.
Goto first page
Through its partner organisations, Switzerland’s support helped to replace windows, doors and utility pipes, and to improve the insulation of buildings. Centres for people who were forced to leave their homes and flee to other regions in Ukraine were also renovated. Such activities contributed to preparing adequate living conditions for people during the winter months.
Goto first page
For example, in cooperation with the NGO Right to Protection (R2P), the SDC supported people in the regions of Sumy and Chernihiv, both of which were partly occupied. Many buildings were severely damaged, with broken windows and heating systems.

Electric heaters and fuel briquettes were distributed to help people in those regions cope with the harsh winter conditions. R2P teams of lawyers, social workers, psychologists and health advisors also travelled throughout the regions to help people in need, providing psychological support for example.
Goto first page

Ukraine's neighbours have also been severely affected by the military aggression against Ukraine. In addition to economic shocks such as an energy crisis, the disruption of imports and exports, and inflation, over 8 million refugees have crossed the borders from Ukraine into neighbouring countries. Switzerland’s support for people affected by the war also extends to other countries in the region, with a focus on Moldova.
Goto first page
Following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, Moldova faced an unprecedented security threat and received large numbers of refugees from Ukraine transiting through or staying in Moldova. Health and social protection systems are overstretched and the needs of refugees, host communities and other vulnerable groups remain high.

The large number of refugees has also led to an increase in human trafficking. Despite these challenges, and being one of the poorest countries in Europe, Moldova has demonstrated great solidarity with people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Goto first page
As a result of Switzerland’s long-standing support to Moldova since 2000, the Swiss cooperation office was well positioned to support Moldova in responding to new and increasing challenges. The cooperation programme was adapted to the new situation, including through the addition of several humanitarian projects, while efforts were made to promote cooperation between humanitarian aid, development, social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Goto first page
A quarter of the first humanitarian aid package of CHF 80 million decided by the Federal Council in spring 2022 was used to help neighbouring countries respond to the influx of refugees from Ukraine. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) were supported with CHF 11 million to implement response plans in countries neighbouring Ukraine. The remaining funds of just over CHF 9 million were used for direct support in Moldova.
Goto first page
For example, Switzerland provided improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to Moldovan families hosting Ukrainian refugees. Swiss partner organisation Skat worked with local contractors to construct sanitation facilities (toilets and showers) to improve hygiene, privacy and dignity, comfort and accessibility. The project improved health, well-being and environmental protection for a total of around 1,200 beneficiaries.
Goto first page








Ecaterina’s was one of the households supported through this project. She was living with her newborn baby while her husband was working abroad. In April 2022, Ecaterina took in a relative from Ukraine and her 5-year-old daughter without hesitation. Thanks to this project, her unfinished house and bathroom have been completed, which has helped her enormously.
Goto first page
With CHF 6 million from the second aid package for the winter aid action plan, Switzerland strengthened Moldova’s financial capacity to address increased energy vulnerability and energy poverty caused by high inflation of around 35%, fluctuating energy prices and uncertain supply of energy resources in the latter part of 2022.

Both Moldovan and refugee households at risk of energy poverty were supported through the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund of the government of Moldova, managed by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), with compensation for energy bills.
Goto first page

Switzerland has been carrying out International Cooperation (IC) in Ukraine since the 1990s. This timeline shows the steady increase of Swiss Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Ukraine over the years. Since the start of the full-fledged war in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Switzerland has nearly quadrupled its ODA to Ukraine from 42 million CHF to 206 million CHF.
Goto first page
In 2022, Switzerland disbursed a total of around CHF 270 million in connection with the war in Ukraine. The assistance was achieved through its international cooperation and other measures taken to support the population affected in Ukraine as well as neighboring countries. According to official development assistance (ODA) standards defined by OECD, not all of the measures taken by Switzerland are recognized as ODA. The share of ODA to Ukraine amounts to CHF 206 million.
Goto first page
In the international comparison 2022 for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Ukraine, Switzerland ranks on 9th position. The comparison shows ODA spending as percentage of the gross national income (GNI) between member countries of the Development Aid Committee (DAC). ODA eligibility and reporting rules are defined by the OECD. In 2022, Switzerland has provided additional support to Ukraine which is not eligible in ODA.
Goto first page
Various departments are involved in the Swiss cooperation with Ukraine. The budget distribution and the instruments of the departments have changed over time and have been adapted to events on the ground. This chart shows how Switzerland’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Ukraine has changed since the 1990s.
Goto first page
Scroll down to continue Swipe to continue
Swipe to continue
Close
Overview
Scroll left
Chapter 2 Basic services

Chapter 3 Economy

Chapter 4 Peace

Chapter 5 Environment

Chapter 6 Ukraine

Chapter 7 Statistics

Scroll right
  • ACF-E / Alex Kühni / Annie Spratt / Louis Calvez / UN Photo: Eskinder Debebe, John Isaac / Zach Vessels /