Activities of the SDC

As the Swiss Government's centre of competence for international cooperation, SDC is responsible for development cooperation with the South and East, multilateral cooperation as well as for Switzerland's humanitarian aid.

Development cooperation with the South

The SDC contributes to the efforts to reduce poverty in countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and helps these countries to meet global challenges.

Humanitarian Aid

The humanitarian aid is an expression of solidarity towards population groups in distress. It focuses on emergency aid, reconstruction, and disaster risk reduction.

Cooperation with Eastern Europe

The SDC assists countries of the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia in building social market economies and in strengthening democracy.

Multilateral cooperation

Global challenges require common solutions and coordinated efforts by the international community. Switzerland is therefore committed to a strong multilateral system.

Global challenges

The SDC launched a series of thematic global programmes and is engaged in international policy dialogue in a bid to address global challenges and to promote globalisation that favours development.

Development policy

The SDC encourages discussion on development issues, incorporating its findings into the strategic approach of Switzerland's international cooperation.

Research and culture

Science contributes to solving development problems. Art and culture encourage freedom of expression and peacebuilding.

Swiss contribution to selected EU member states

The second Swiss contribution is a key part of Switzerland's European policy, helping to foster cohesion and stability in Europe.