Humanitarian aid

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.

60 years of the SDC: demanding more, improving impact measurement, strengthening networks, and remaining agile. As this anniversary year draws to a close, the Director General of the SDC, Patricia Danzi, talks about her vision for the future of international cooperation, and considers the impact of historical events such as the takeover of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11. Read on for the full-length anniversary interview.

A year ago, the Swiss architect Emilie Schmid boarded a flight for Beirut wearing the uniform of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit as a member of a team that helped rebuild the city after the tragic explosion. She talks about her experience and the importance of Swiss humanitarian aid. We are publishing this article to mark World Humanitarian Day and pay tribute to the many people who dedicate their lives to helping others.

COVID-19 has an impact on our lives in Switzerland and abroad. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) summarises the most important information regarding travelling and living abroad in its COVID-19 news ticker. The information is constantly being added to.

Formerly head of the Humanitarian Aid Department at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), 75-year-old Toni Frisch has channelled his energies over the past six years into coordinating humanitarian aid in eastern Ukraine. Following the end of his term of office at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in June, now is the perfect time to spotlight his wealth of experience and forthright championing of those most in need.

In 2021, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation celebrates its 60th anniversary. Instead of just looking back, it's staying active, inspiring young people to tackle future challenges together. Its language – like that of its partners – is the language of the 2030 Agenda. In its work, the SDC combines humanitarian aid with development cooperation and multilateral engagement. Patricia Danzi shares insights on international cooperation as it stands – and where it is headed.