Development and Cooperation

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.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women takes place on Wednesday, 25 November. Every year, thousands of women and girls around the world are victims of violence. Switzerland supports the fight for respect and equal rights for women at the multilateral level and in its partner countries.

The world watched this September as devastating floods hit Sudan. Back in Switzerland, Yvonne Josy Müller tells us of her experiences working as a water and environmental sanitation expert for the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit. We also talk on durable solutions – a key concept accompanying Switzerland's activities in the region – with Amir Hamid, Humanitarian Aid Adviser in Khartoum.

The level of poverty in the world today has an impact on future society. In 2020, one in ten people lives in extreme poverty, according to the UN. United for sustainable development, the world's nations have committed to eradicating poverty by 2030. Switzerland is playing a very active role to achieve this goal. A multi-actor approach and commitment on the ground are vital success factors. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a key partner. Ten facts and fugures.

The Geneva Health Forum 2020 took place online and focused on innovative global health solutions. It also highlighted the key role played by digitalisation, a topic of fundamental significance for Switzerland. The coronavirus pandemic has underlined the importance of taking a multilateral approach to the public health crisis; in this context, Geneva has consolidated its status as a hub of international and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Central America was hit hard by hurricane Eta. Switzerland is providing CHF 700,000 in emergency aid to help people in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.