Backstopping support for SDC’s Cluster Green thematic Knowledge Networks A+FS, CDE and RésEAU

Cluster Green Networks’ Members, Implementing partners, external, thematically related communities of practice and networks, Swiss Embassies and Country Offices, Geographic Divisions and the Humanitarian Aid Competence Centre, especially SDC partners and implementing organisations

Network membership:
A+FS: approx. 500
CDE: approx. 750
RésEAU: approx. 600

Know: Network members, country offices and multilateral missions have access to and contribute to a repository of up-to-date thematic information which provides them with straightforward operational guidance and clear orientation on Switzerland’s policies in the respective thematic area.

Learn: Network members and the whole of SDC have the possibility to take part in high-quality online, hybrid and in-person events which are relevant to their needs and allow them to contribute their own knowledge to the network through a mutual process of capacity-building.

Connect: Network members have the possibility to interact easily and exchange information on CG-themes through accessible online information structures, thus establishing the foundations for communities of practice.

Engage: Without substantial bureaucratic obstacles, country offices access through the CG Networks bespoke thematic support on specific operational questions to a degree which either resolves simple immediate problems or provides a roadmap to tackling more complex issues.

Expected results:  

Maintained Knowledge Platforms and membership management systems with information which is relevant, up-to-date and easy to find and navigate.

Learning events that are adapted to the needs of their target groups within SDC and across the networks, include relevant specialist expertise, and are based on the latest international insights.

Learning processes that connect members in such a way that knowledge can be created, transferred and applied across networks’ memberships and their organisations.

Tailor-made information, tools and advisory services which respond to the operational requirements of different parts of SDC and implementing partners.

Results from previous phases:  

SDC’s Thematic Networks were launched in 2008 and have proven to be essential to the knowledge management of SDC. To begin with, these networks were focussed on single thematic areas. However, in line with the progression of thought around the SDGs/Agenda 2030, it has been recognised that problems are best addressed intersectorily, i.e. by conjointly applying several thematic approaches to a given solution. This has led thematic networks to cooperate ever more closely, as needs apply. A number of SDC networks formalised their cooperation under the umbrella term of “Cluster Green”, for instance undertaking joint processes and learning journeys. Now, applying these experiences to a further step, the three Cluster Green thematic networks Agriculture and Foodsystems A+FS, Climate, DRR and Environment CDE and RésEAU will deepen this conceptual alignment and procure specialist services together. This is set to raise efficiency and the quality of output.

Key results of the previous phases include multiple learning events (e.g. with the CEDRIG tool; the food systems learning journey, etc.), advocacy (e.g. the one million youth action challenge) as well as information briefs and reports for the sectors covered by the three networks (more information can be found under the websites of the three networks).

Phase 1 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028   (Active)