For the period 2013-2016 the Federal Council, for the first time, submitted a comprehensive Message on International Cooperation to Parliament. The four framework credits, totalling CHF 11.35 billion, fund the activities of humanitarian aid, technical cooperation and financial aid, economic and trade policy measures, as well as cooperation with Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Dossier
Message (key points in brief)

On 3 March 2002, the Swiss electorate voted in favour of Swiss membership of the United Nations (UN). Six months later, on 10 September 2002, Switzerland finally became a fully-fledged member. Over the last decade, Switzerland has played an active and innovative role in advancing the goals and furthering the development of the United Nations.

Achievements and prospects

A year ago the Federal Council issued mandates to five Federal Offices in three Departments to initiate support measures for North Africa. Approximately CHF 57m are available: CHF 4m for democratic transition, CHF 47m for economic development and CH 6m for migration and protection. Initial results have already been achieved.

Projects
Media release

Switzerland supports local authorities in Ukraine with technical know-how and financial contributions to enable them to deliver municipal services, including water supply, to their local communities more effectively.

Decentralisation of municipal services
Ukraine

Access to clean water and sanitation: Switzerland will champion these two issues during the upcoming 6th World Water Forum in Marseille (12-17 March 2012). The recently launched “Swiss Water Partnership” will showcase innovative technologies and ideas to solve the world’s growing water problem.

World Water Forum
Switzerland’s water footprint
Swiss Water Partnership

Solar cells, biodiversity, mountains, Greek philosophy: these are just a few of the subjects researched by students accepted on to the scholarship programme of the Swiss Contribution Fund for new EU Member states. Four students explain what their work entails and their experiences as guest researchers in Switzerland.

Sciex-NMS.ch scholarship fund
Swiss Enlargement Contribution

Switzerland and Mali recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out their shared rural development, education and local public management priorities for the 2012-2015 period. Particular focus is given to transparent governance. Efforts will be concentrated in the regions of Sikasso, Mopti and Timbuktu.

Cooperation with Mali
Cooperation Office (fr)

Thanks to an innovative franchising model for vocational training, some 20,000 poor young women and men in Nepal have successfully completed a training course and found employment. In Bangladesh the Katalyst project improves the market participation of disadvantaged communities.

Asia Brief Nepal
Asia Brief Bangladesh

With support from Switzerland, farmers in North Korea are protecting their very steep sloping land from erosion by planting fruit trees and grass ledges on the slopes, thus taking a step closer to sustainable production. The SDC has also recently launched a new drinking water and sanitation programme in the country.

SDC engagement in North Korea

In view of the fast-approaching sustainability conference, Rio+20, the latest edition of “Eine Welt” looks at the “green economy”. Analyses, statistics, and case studies demonstrate the potential and limitations of this economic model. The SDC magazine also features articles on Jordan and Tanzania. With many of its young people unable to find work, Jordan is pinning its hopes on the internet sector. Although better market access is improving the lot of Tanzania’s small farmers, some problems still persist.

View and order (de, fr, it)

This brochure draws on real-life stories to demonstrate the SDC’s achievements between 2006-2010.

The report

The biodiversity in mountain forests is nothing short of amazing. However, these forest resources are also a major source of income for local communities. The brochure “Mountain Forests in a Changing World” shows how these important ecosystems can be managed sustainably and preserved in the long term.

Brochure
Mountain partnership

Former humanitarian aid workers talk about their experiences, which span from 1945 to the present day. A fascinating book which documents the successes and setbacks, formative encounters and invaluable insights that were gained during these missions abroad.

Order (de)

Elisabeth Kaestli talks to 13 people from Tanzania about their struggle for survival, their day-to-day lives, and their optimism. In addition to these profiles, the author briefly describes her experiences as a white woman living in East Africa.

The book is available in German and Swahili from bookshops.

Behind the scenes: insight into the structure and activities of the SDC

SDC newsletter

Annual Conference 2012

Personal impressions of a relief mission in the Philippines