Research plays an essential role in reducing poverty and global risks. Science creates the basis for a process of transformation towards sustainable development in all parts of the world. In doing so, it contributes to the resolution of development issues, and to progress towards solutions for the future. It questions, analyses, and delivers new findings and science-based recommendations to help speed up implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
International scientific cooperation has a long tradition in Switzerland. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has worked for decades with Swiss universities and higher education institutions, and various research centres in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The SDC primarily supports research initiatives that focus on global challenges such as poverty and hunger, inequality, resource scarcity and environmental changes in low- and middle income countries.
The findings and practical approaches generated by research are incorporated into the preparation and implementation of development programmes and projects, enhancing the effectiveness of international cooperation.
Switzerland invests around CHF 45 million of its official development assistance (ODA) budget annually in research projects that have a transformative impact on development.
