International cooperation
Logo FDFA FDFA
Logo FDFA
International cooperation
  • Jobs
  • Media
  • Contact
  • Back
  • SDC
    • News
    • News overview
    • Press releases
    • Events
    • Dossiers
    • SDC's Newsletter
    • Activities (work and mandate)
    • Development cooperation with the South
    • Humanitarian Aid
    • Cooperation with Eastern Europe
    • Multilateral cooperation
    • Global challenges
    • Development policy
    • Research and culture
    • Swiss contribution to selected EU member states
    • Organisation
    • Portrait
    • Publications
    • Facts and figures
    • Working with SDC
    • Lecture service
  • Themes
    • Agriculture and food security
    • Health
    • Fragility, conflict and human rights
    • Migration
    • Good governance
    • Gender equality
    • Disaster risk reduction, emergency relief, reconstruction and protection
    • Climate change and the environment
    • Water
    • Basic education and vocational skills development
    • Private sector development and financial services
  • Projects
    • Projects
    • Which projects are in the project database?
  • Countries
    • Afghanistan
    • Albania
    • Bangladesh
    • Benin
    • Bolivia
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Burkina Faso
    • Central African Republic
    • Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras)
    • Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)
    • Chad
    • Colombia
    • Cuba
    • The Great Lakes Region (Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
    • Haiti
    • Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya)
    • Kosovo
    • Mali
    • Mekong region (Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic)
    • Middle East (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq)
    • Moldova
    • Mongolia
    • Mozambique
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Near East
    • North Africa (Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria)
    • North Korea
    • North Macedonia
    • Niger
    • Serbia
    • South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan)
    • Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia)
    • Sudan / Eritrea
    • South Sudan
    • Ukraine
    • Tanzania
    • Yemen
    • Priority regions for international cooperation
  • Partnerships
    • State institutions
    • Federal administration
    • Cantons and municipalities
    • Governments in partner countries
    • Other donor countries
    • Multilateral organisations
    • UN agencies
    • International Financial Institutions
    • Additional international organizations and networks
    • Mandates and contributions
    • Mandates
    • Contributions to NGOs
    • Information and downloads for contractors and contribution recipients
    • Private sector: public-private partnership
    • NGOs
    • Research institutes
    • Information for specialists
    • Course offerings
  • Impact
    • The SDC’s impact
    • SDC reports
    • Tools for measuring impact
    • Policy coherence
  • Strategy 21-24
    • International cooperation strategy 2021–2024
    • FAQ IZA-Strategie
    • Principles of cooperation
    • Legal bases
    • Economic development
    • Jobs
    • Private sector engagement
    • Sustainable development and poverty reduction
    • Climate change and the environment
    • Peace and governance
    • The rule of law
    • Funding
    • Human development
    • Migration
    • Gender
  • News
  • News overview
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • Humanitarian Aid
    • Internationale Zusammenarbeit und Multilaterale Organisationen
    • Europa, Mittlerer Osten und Nordafrika
    • Subsahara Afrika, Asien und Lateinamerika
    • Klima, Wasser und Ernährung
    • Gesundheit, Bildung und Soziales
    • Wirtschaft, Technologie und Forschung
    • Frieden, Gouvernanz und Migration
Bolivian farmer who uses a small solar system to help her with her agricultural work

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 21.09.2023

A Plus For Humanity: the SDC podcast

Every day, a great number of Swiss women and men work on the SDC's development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects. In the SDC podcast, they tell us about their projects and provide insight into the lives of local people.

A person holding hazelnuts.

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 11.09.2023

How Switzerland helps Georgian farmers increase exports of organic hazelnuts

From fish to meat and vegetable dishes, to bakery and confectioneary, hazelnuts are a staple ingredient in Georgian cuisine. Moreover, hazelnuts are one of the country’s most important agricultural products. With a steady demand for organic food, the industry has a potential for growth. The SDC has launched a private sector engagement partnership to enable Georgian farmers to increase productivity and income from organic hazelnut production.

Seven men on a glacier in the mountains making scientific measurements in the snow.

Climate, water and nutrition 07.09.2023

Countering Climate Change

Climate change is felt around the globe. Floods, droughts, and extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Sea levels are rising. These changes threaten the livelihood of people, in particular the poor and vulnerable. Switzerland’s international cooperation strategy 2021–2024 identifies addressing climate change as a thematic priority.

The picture shows Michelle Jalkh on a field visit in Akkar, Lebanon, together with representatives of the Lebanese Red Cross and a Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit expert.

Humanitarian aid 19.08.2023

Local faces of SDC humanitarian aid

19 August is World Humanitarian Day – a time to shine a spotlight on the people working to help communities in need. Larsan Traore in Mali and Michelle Jalkh in Lebanon belong to the ranks of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)'s local staff. Here they talk about their work and commitment in the humanitarian field.

A group of people discuss in Niger.

Peace and human rights 10.08.2023

The FDFA is closely monitoring the situation in Niger

Switzerland is concerned about the developments in Niger and condemns the seizure of power by the armed forces. It calls for dialogue, respect for human rights and the return to constitutional order. Due to the alarming developments the expatriate staff of the Cooperation Office of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) left Niger temporarily. As soon as the situation allows, they will return to Niger. Switzerland continues to support the people of Niger particularly through humanitarian aid. It is adapting its activities in the field of development cooperation, in line with the situation.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 15.06.2023

International cooperation under the sign of the war against Ukraine

The year 2022 was replete with major challenges: climate disasters, the war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as energy and food crises. Switzerland's engagement made an important contribution to efforts to overcome these pressing issues. The Swiss International Cooperation – Annual Report 2022 has compiled the key stories, facts and figures from this year.

Specialists from the SHA meet representatives of the Nicaraguan Red Cross.

Humanitarian aid 16.06.2023

Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit still going strong at 50

The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is a key component of Switzerland's international cooperation. Founded half a century ago, it now counts some 550 specialists, who can be deployed anywhere in the world to provide assistance in the event of natural disasters or other crises. Discover through pictures and videos some of the programmes and operations that have marked the history of the SHA.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation Humanitarian aid Europe, Middle East and North Africa Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America Climate, water and nutrition Health, education and social welfare Economy, technology and science Peace, governance and migration

International cooperation and multilateral organisation

Bolivian farmer who uses a small solar system to help her with her agricultural work

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 21.09.2023

A Plus For Humanity: the SDC podcast

Every day, a great number of Swiss women and men work on the SDC's development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects. In the SDC podcast, they tell us about their projects and provide insight into the lives of local people.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 15.06.2023

International cooperation under the sign of the war against Ukraine

The year 2022 was replete with major challenges: climate disasters, the war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as energy and food crises. Switzerland's engagement made an important contribution to efforts to overcome these pressing issues. The Swiss International Cooperation – Annual Report 2022 has compiled the key stories, facts and figures from this year.

A group of young people pose for a photo.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 10.02.2023

"Improving education to achieve the future we want"

Main beneficiaries, but also actors: young people play a key role in education. This will be the focus of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum), which will be held in Geneva on 15 February. Samuel Espinosa Gómez and Mohammed Habib Fuseini will travel from Mexico and Ghana to participate as young ambassadors.

Children are sitting between school desks. The teacher helps them with their schoolwork.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 08.02.2023

“Investing in education is one of the most important things we can do as a society”

The Jacobs Foundation works to improve education systems worldwide. The Swiss philanthropic organisation will share its experience at the IC Forum 2023, which will focus on international cooperation in this field. In an interview, Donika Dimovska, Chief Knowledge Officer, presents some of the initiatives carried out from the Ivory Coast to Colombia to provide the most appropriate learning solutions for each child.

A group of young people are sitting around a table. Together they are doing schoolwork.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 07.02.2023

"The financial sector can play an important role on the path to sustainable funding for education"

Economist Anja Hochberg will participate in the International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) in Geneva on 15 February. In an interview, she explains why she is committed to education and what it takes to finance education projects.

International cooperation and multilateral organisation 06.02.2023

"Education empowers people to shape their own lives"

Ursula Renold, Professor of Education Systems at ETH Zurich, is participating in the International Cooperation Forum in Geneva on 15 February. In this interview, she explains why she is committed to education and what it takes to reform education systems effectively in different cultural contexts.

More articles on the topic 

Humanitarian aid

The picture shows Michelle Jalkh on a field visit in Akkar, Lebanon, together with representatives of the Lebanese Red Cross and a Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit expert.

Humanitarian aid 19.08.2023

Local faces of SDC humanitarian aid

19 August is World Humanitarian Day – a time to shine a spotlight on the people working to help communities in need. Larsan Traore in Mali and Michelle Jalkh in Lebanon belong to the ranks of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)'s local staff. Here they talk about their work and commitment in the humanitarian field.

Specialists from the SHA meet representatives of the Nicaraguan Red Cross.

Humanitarian aid 16.06.2023

Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit still going strong at 50

The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is a key component of Switzerland's international cooperation. Founded half a century ago, it now counts some 550 specialists, who can be deployed anywhere in the world to provide assistance in the event of natural disasters or other crises. Discover through pictures and videos some of the programmes and operations that have marked the history of the SHA.

Des personnes sont sur un amas de pierres provenant d’un bâtiment effondré.

Humanitarian aid 20.03.2023

Switzerland provides emergency humanitarian aid to Turkey and Syria

Following the search for survivors by Swiss Rescue in Turkey, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit of the FDFA has entered a second phase of support. Experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, including doctors and engineers, are now on the spot to continue helping the Turkish and Syrian population. Relief supplies have also been transported to the affected areas.

Céline Ritter Schenk examines a new-born baby.

Humanitarian aid 09.03.2023

"The parents want to be sure that their kids are OK."

Mosaic Hospital in the centre of the Turkish city of Antakya was short of staff after the earthquakes in February 2023. Four specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) stepped in and provided counselling for children and parents. Doctor Céline Ritter Schenk was a member of the team.

Humanitarian aid 27.02.2023

Ignazio Cassis reaffirms Switzerland's support for the people of Yemen

Members of the international community, which is continuing to provide financial support for the humanitarian response to the crisis in Yemen, joined the pledging event co-hosted by the governments of Sweden and Switzerland and organised in conjunction with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

A mother with her child.

Humanitarian aid 24.01.2023

Switzerland remains committed to support Ukraine in winter

Targeted attacks on energy infrastructure and basic supply systems have aggravated the situation for civilians in Ukraine. Since September, the SDC has prepared an action plan to help the population to cope this winter. This plan, in the amount of CHF 100 million, includes the reprogramming of SDC-supported activities, the delivery of winter equipment and the rehabilitation of housing and energy infrastructure.

More articles on the topic 

Europe, Middle East and North Africa

A person holding hazelnuts.

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 11.09.2023

How Switzerland helps Georgian farmers increase exports of organic hazelnuts

From fish to meat and vegetable dishes, to bakery and confectioneary, hazelnuts are a staple ingredient in Georgian cuisine. Moreover, hazelnuts are one of the country’s most important agricultural products. With a steady demand for organic food, the industry has a potential for growth. The SDC has launched a private sector engagement partnership to enable Georgian farmers to increase productivity and income from organic hazelnut production.

Girls' school in Syria: SDC Director General Patricia Danzi, Ambassador Maya Tissafi and others talking in front of a blackboard to a classroom of schoolgirls.

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 15.11.2022

Syria: humanitarian aid regardless of conflict lines

Together with Ambassador Maya Tissafi, SDC Director General Patricia Danzi has visited Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The focus of the visit was on Switzerland's humanitarian work.

A farmer in Aswan Governorate sits cross-legged in his field near the Aswan High Dam.

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 07.11.2022

The SDC is actively engaged in improving drinking water management in Egypt

The SDC has been working in Egypt since 2017 to improve drinking water management and make water distribution more equitable in disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the Aswan Governorate. Egypt, where COP27 is being held in early November, is among the African countries with the highest water stress.

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 05.10.2022

Sandro's dream to have his own cheese dairy

Sandro Didebashvili is one of seven students from the Swiss Agricultural School Caucasus in Georgia who visited Switzerland for two weeks, learning about animal husbandry, fodder and cheesemaking. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) supports Georgia in agricultural education and training.

Two women are packing food. Packages of pasta lie on a table in the foreground.

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 10.06.2022

Swiss aid in Ukraine: a lot of crisis management and even more flexibility

Switzerland is adapting its international cooperation activities to the situation brought about by the Russian attack. Existing contacts and resources are being used to meet the increased need for humanitarian aid. Projects already under way on 24 February 2022 will be adapted and expanded in cooperation with local partner organisations or the authorities. Actors of international cooperation in Ukraine report on their experiences.

 Patricia Danzi and Ambassador Simon Geissbühler

Europe, Middle East and North Africa 22.04.2022

Young generations in the Near East – between challenges and new perspectives

Back from the Near East, SDC Director General Patricia Danzi and Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, head of the Peace and Human Rights Division, share their experiences. Their visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory gave them an insight into what the Swiss Cooperation Programme for the Near East 2021–24 is doing in the region.

More articles on the topic 

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America

Plusieurs réalisatrices et réalisateurs tiennent une conférence en extérieur face à un nombreux public.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America 27.07.2023

Locarno Open Doors: fostering social development through culture

For over 20 years, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been supporting the Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival. Its goal is to strengthen the role played by culture as a driver of stability in society and social development by supporting films and filmmakers from countries in the Global South and East. Cuban director Daniela Muñoz is benefiting from this support. Here she shares her experience.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America 21.02.2023

Standing up for Beninese women

On 12 February 2023 – one month after the general elections – Benin's National Assembly has welcomed its new members of parliament. For the first time in Benin's democratic history, twenty-eight of the 109 parliamentary seats will be occupied by women. Switzerland's governance and gender equality programmes have helped to strengthen women's political leadership.

SDC Assistant Director General Nicolas Randin visited beneficiaries of the electric vehicle in Domboshava, Zimbabwe.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America 06.12.2022

AIDS: "The progress achieved in the past 20 years is impressive"

Mozambique and Zimbabwe are two of the priority countries for Switzerland's international cooperation work. In November, Nicolas Randin, SDC Assistant Director General and head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Division, paid working visits to Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Three smiling women cross a bridge in Nepal.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America 10.10.2022

Switzerland–Nepal: building bridges on the path to federalism

Nepal has seen profound changes in recent decades, from a monarchy to the adoption of a federalist constitution in 2015. Swiss development cooperation, which has been present in the country for over 60 years, has been continuously adapting its approach to ensure its continued effectiveness. Ahead of the visit to Kathmandu of SDC Director General Patrizia Danzi and Barbara Böni, head of the Asia Section, we examine the past and future of Switzerland's work in this Himalayan country.

Aerial view of the South East Asian delegations standing near a dam.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America 16.09.2022

"The challenges facing Switzerland are also our daily reality"

We interviewed Phonepaseuth Phouliphanh, secretary general of the Lao National Mekong Committee, in Martigny, a town located at a large bend in the River Rhône, during a study trip to the heartland of Swiss water management expertise. He spoke with us about his impressions and the best practices he observed during this visit, which was organised by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperatio. Read on to find out more about the common challenges we face and our cooperation for a sustainable future.

The two Asian delegations posing in front of a dam in Martigny.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America 09.09.2022

Sharing know-how between the water towers of Switzerland and Mekong

Switzerland shares six rivers and four lakes with its neighbouring countries. The use of these water bodies is regulated by cross-border cooperation treaties dating back several decades. Based on this extensive experience in sustainable TWM, Switzerland shares it technical and policy expertise with delegations from Asia via the SDC – this time during a field visit focusing on practical cases in Geneva, Martigny and Bern.

More articles on the topic 

Climate, water and nutrition

Seven men on a glacier in the mountains making scientific measurements in the snow.

Climate, water and nutrition 07.09.2023

Countering Climate Change

Climate change is felt around the globe. Floods, droughts, and extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Sea levels are rising. These changes threaten the livelihood of people, in particular the poor and vulnerable. Switzerland’s international cooperation strategy 2021–2024 identifies addressing climate change as a thematic priority.

Birdview of a river and its different branches.

Climate, water and nutrition 17.03.2023

“Blue Peace prevents conflicts and contributes to greater stability”

Blue Peace is a Swiss initiative that combines diplomacy and development cooperation. Christian Frutiger, Deputy Director-General of the SDC, explains.

Photo of a woman in the background wearing a yellow dress. A rice crop is in the foreground of the photo.

Climate, water and nutrition 09.12.2022

Global food crisis: acting collaboratively

The global food crisis is one of the main challenges the world faces today. As is often the case, it is the most vulnerable people who are affected first and suffer disproportionately from its impact. In response, SDC acts in a collaborative and crosscutting manner to mitigate it.

Donne e bambini camminano davanti a carcasse di animali presso il villaggio di Sagalo, nella zona di Korahe, nella regione somala dell'Etiopia, 21 gennaio 2022.

Climate, water and nutrition 06.12.2022

Drought and famine in the Horn of Africa – a vicious circle of multiple crises

Millions of people are affected by the consequences of the drought in East Africa. Parched soils and dying livestock are destroying livelihoods and leading to a food crisis on a vast scale – the situation is dire. The SDC is also active in the region, supporting development projects and humanitarian relief efforts to mitigate the crisis.

Climate, water and nutrition 05.12.2022

Global food crises have multiple causes

828 million – this is the staggering number of people currently suffering from hunger worldwide. That's 10% of the world's population. Climate change, conflicts, COVID-19, and economic crises: the ongoing global food crisis has multiple causes and triggers, all of which are placing enormous stress on communities. The food crises that result from these triggers can also reduce people's lives to a struggle for survival.

Women and children carry water canisters through a village of simple huts in Somalia.

Climate, water and nutrition 12.10.2022

"People are dying because aid can't reach them"

The effects of climate change are exacerbating political, social, economic and ecological stress factors and increasing the risk of conflicts. The Berlin Climate and Security Conference aims to find answers to these problems. SDC Director General Patricia Danzi explains why climate and security cannot be considered in isolation and how Switzerland intends to raise the issue in the UN Security Council.

More articles on the topic 

Health, education and social welfare

Young data science entrepreneurs from the Gaza Strip on the EPFL Campus.

Health, education and social welfare 10.07.2023

Gazan IT Talents Join Swiss Start-Ups and Research Labs

Five young and ambitious data science entrepreneurs from the Gaza Strip embark on a life-changing journey to Switzerland. For the coming four months, these talented individuals are getting exposure to an international working environment as interns in Swiss start-ups and research laboratories at prestigious universities in Lausanne and Fribourg.

 A ward in a Kantha Bopha children's hospital filled with patients and carers.

Health, education and social welfare 17.03.2023

SDC continuing to support the Kantha Bopha children's hospitals in Cambodia for another five years

Over the past 30 years, the Kantha Bopha children's hospitals founded by Dr Beat Richner have significantly improved healthcare for people in Cambodia. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has backed these efforts since the very beginning and will continue to support the hospitals until 2027. SDC Director General Patricia Danzi signed an agreement to this effect with the Kantha Bopha Foundation on 17 February 2023.

SDC Director General Patricia Danzi visiting an IT training centre in Nepal. The participants in the discussion sit in a circle. Among them are two students.

Health, education and social welfare 09.02.2023

"We don't want to talk about young people – we want to talk with them"

In this interview, SDC Director General Patricia Danzi talks about the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland and explains why it's so important to include young people in the discussion. Education is one of the most important sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda – and it's also one of the goals that suffers from acute financing problems. What does that mean for those who are impacted? And most importantly, how can we stop this harmful trend? This year's edition of the IC Forum will shine a spotlight on education.

Mwawuganga is sitting on the stage. In front of her are some scenic props.

Health, education and social welfare 18.08.2022

Stories from the South and East on the Zurich stage

The Zürcher Theater Spektakel will welcome international artists from the Global South and East from 18 August to 4 September 2022. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has a long-standing partnership with the festival aimed at supporting artists from the Global South and East. The stage lights come on and we are instantly transported to Kenya with theatre maker Wanjikũ Mwawuganga.

Syrian refugee girls sit in a classroom in Lebanon and stretch their hands.

Health, education and social welfare 26.04.2022

Applying lessons from the Swiss school system to development cooperation

A solid school education is crucial to development. The Swiss school system is highly regarded and has considerable as yet underused potential to serve as an inspiration for development cooperation work. That is about to change. Switzerland creates added value in developing countries and can help shape educational agendas, says Sabina Handschin, education expert at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), in this interview.

A woman in the foreground is walking with mosquito nets in her hands. Behind her are children.

Health, education and social welfare 25.04.2022

Fighting malaria: Switzerland's unique expertise

Health challenges cannot be viewed in isolation. One example of this is malaria, a disease linked not only to environmental but also to socio-economic factors. Accordingly, we have to take joint action on multiple fronts. The SDC promotes cross-sectoral interventions in line with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, as shown by the teamwork within the Swiss Malaria Group.

More articles on the topic 

Economy, technology and science

 Dozens of coconut shells strewn on the ground.

Economy, technology and science 13.01.2022

Swiss research tackles global challenges

The SDC is launching a new development research programme with a long-standing partner, the SNSF. The programme supports high-level scientific research aimed at finding practical solutions to global problems. The programme makes a direct contribution to achieving the objectives of the foreign policy and international cooperation strategies.

In the picture, four women of Indian origin pose smiling in front of the metal parts to be assembled.

Economy, technology and science 21.06.2021

Integrating human rights in business is a matter of global concern

The introduction of a mandatory corporate due diligence obligation widely supported last November with the Responsible Business Initiative has, in fact, already been implemented in recent years by many Swiss companies, including SMEs. Back in 2016, the Federal Council adopted an action plan on the subject based on the UN Guiding Principles introduced ten years ago. However, much promotional work remains to be done.

An EGAP project technician unpacking the contents of a mobile suitcase in an elderly person's home.

Economy, technology and science 28.05.2021

Switzerland supports Ukraine in its digital transition

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), supports a public services digital transformation project in Ukraine. Today, Patricia Danzi, the SDC Director General, and Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, sign a memorandum of understanding in Kyiv to extend the E-Governance for Accountability and Participation Program (EGAP). This project forms part of Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy and Digital Foreign Policy Strategy.

Old air conditioning units on the exterior of a building.

Economy, technology and science 23.02.2021

Clean cooling systems to fight global warming

Rising temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme heat waves are driving up demand for cooling and air-conditioning systems, especially in urban areas in emerging countries. Air conditioning saves lives. But air conditioning is also one of the main causes of global warming. To break this vicious circle, tackle climate change and alleviate poverty, Switzerland promotes energy-efficient cooling solutions.

In the picture we see SDC Director General Patricia Danzi sitting at a table and looking into the camera. In the background we see her office with a map of the world on the wall.

Economy, technology and science 02.02.2021

"Sustainable development would not be possible without business"

SDC Director General Patricia Danzi talks about the role of the private sector in international cooperation, explains how the new guidance regulates cooperation, and highlights how the involvement of businesses in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is ultimately a win-win situation for all. A conversation about poverty reduction, equal opportunities and human dignity.

More articles on the topic 
The FDFA online
  • Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
  • Switzerland's European policy
  • Swiss contribution to selected EU member states
  • About Switzerland
  • 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
  • International Police Missions of Switzerland
  • One world
Social media channels
Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
Swiss representations abroad
Federal Administration online
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
  • Terms and conditions
  • Impressum