2020 annual report on Swiss international cooperation: a year dominated by COVID-19

The 2020 annual report on Swiss international cooperation has now been published. In 2020, activities focused on efforts to combat COVID-19. Switzerland responded swiftly to the crisis to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its social, economic and humanitarian consequences. Numerous programmes were adapted and additional funds were allocated. Through its international cooperation strategy, Switzerland makes a significant contribution to crisis management and sustainable development.

01.06.2021

International cooperation and multilateral organisation Humanitarian aid

COVID-19 posed enormous challenges also for international cooperation in 2020. The pandemic is not just a health crisis. Its economic, financial and social consequences are aggravating the precarious situation in developing countries that are already affected by poverty, crises and need. Because a pandemic of this magnitude can only be tackled together, Switzerland responded quickly and unbureaucratically to the crisis, adapting numerous existing programmes and allocating additional funds to new global partnerships.

Never losing sight of long-term goals

Switzerland's international cooperation still faces challenges. The task now is to overcome the crisis, contribute to the economic recovery and not lose sight of long-term goals such as sustainability. Strengthening health systems, creating education and training opportunities, securing jobs, promoting SMEs and reinforcing the resilience of people and the economy will be more important than ever in the future.

Strengthening resilience

In addition to fighting COVID-19, Switzerland made progress in implementing the goals of its international cooperation strategy. Numerous programmes in areas such as basic education and vocational training, good governance and economic development were taken forward successfully. These programmes help to improve prospects at local level and strengthen countries' resilience in the face of crises and disasters.

Through its international cooperation strategy, Switzerland is making a significant contribution to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and to sustainable development.

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Dossier: COVID-19: Switzerland's international cooperation response

International cooperation and multilateral organisation Humanitarian aid

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International cooperation: the FDFA is mitigating the impact of COVID-19 around the world

The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic are particularly severe in developing countries. The FDFA has taken immediate action to mitigate the economic and health effects of the crisis there. It is providing emergency humanitarian aid, supporting international action, and focusing on the management of COVID-19 in ongoing bilateral and global development programs. Furthermore, Switzerland also provides assistance in the area of peace policy.

An African woman holds a microphone as she interviews another woman in a radio studio.

Foreign policy 20.02.2020

Switzerland's international cooperation for 2021–24 to focus on jobs, climate, migration and the rule of law

Switzerland's international cooperation work is a foreign policy instrument. Rooted in the Federal Constitution, its purpose is to alleviate need and poverty in the world, to foster respect for human rights, to promote democracy and to conserve the environment. The Federal Council adopted the International Cooperation Strategy on 19 February 2020, and is applying to Parliament for CHF 11.25 billion for its implementation.

An illustration of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, surrounded by icons representing human rights policy, peace policy, humanitarian policy and migration foreign policy.

COVID-19 07.05.2020

COVID-19, peace and human rights: history is accelerating

When we think of COVID-19, we immediately see overcrowded intensive care units with humming ventilators. So what do peace and human rights have to do with the coronavirus? Quite a bit, if you take a look behind the scenes at the FDFA's Human Security Division (HSD). As part of Switzerland's international cooperation activities, the HSD took quick, effective action to tackle head-on the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things by providing CHF 1 million in rapid response funding.