Portfolio 3 - Inclusive economic development, youth employment and innovation

Use the opportunities of digitalization for job creation: Youth brainstorming at a “hackathon” (software development event) in Gaza sponsored by an SDC and UNDP job creation program
Use the opportunities of digitalization for job creation: Youth brainstorming at a “hackathon” (software development event) in Gaza sponsored by an SDC and UNDP job creation program. © UNDP, 2019

In order to reduce the negative impact of youth unemployment on social cohesion and stability, Switzerland contributes both to short-term employment and job retention as well as to improving conditions for innovative and inclusive business opportunities, with particular focus on youth and women. Through partnerships with the academia and the private sector, Switzerland enhances business related and digital skills, fosters entrepreneurship and pilots seed funding for start-ups with social impact. Sectors of engagement include the agriculture and agri-food industries that employ 25% of the workforce. Based on the results of assessments and economic returns, Switzerland scales up projects with like-minded donors that introduce climate-smart agriculture and green economy, optimizing the use of water resources. In order to increase job and business opportunities in the ongoing sector reforms, Switzerland advocates for the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises through business registration, quality standards for exports, green economy and digitalization. Partnerships are envisaged with Swiss actors including universities and the private sector (ICT, R&D and agri-food) as well as with relevant Israeli and regional actors. Areas of common interest include de-risking private sector investments in productive sectors to generate employment. The development of this portfolio, based on prior experience and pilot activities, is given high priority during the period 2021–24.