Projects

Caucasus Geoparks’ Network in the South Caucasus (“Geoparks”)

01.12.2024 - 31.05.2031

Based on the South Caucasus’s unique geological heritage, the project strengthens rural livelihoods and climate resilience in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia by developing selected geopark sites, and promoting ecotourism and local jobs. Implemented by the Georgian NGO CENN with regional partners, it guides sites toward UNESCO Geopark recognition. By fostering cross-border cooperation, the initiative promotes dialogue and stability in a fragile region, an objective that is of strategic interest to Switzerland.

Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus (WEE)

01.09.2024 - 31.12.2026

Switzerland has been successfully supporting women and their businesses in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan since 2017. In this final phase of the project, Switzerland aims to institutionalize gender-related policies at national and local levels, build the capacities of the governmental and non-governmental partners to continue promoting women's empowerment and encourage the private sector to support more women in the formal economy.

Contributions 2024 to ICRC Country Programs in protracted crises

01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024

The ICRC is the most important partner of SDC in the humanitarian field. About one third of the SDC Humanitarian Aid budget is allocated to the ICRC. The contribution of CHF 56 million to ICRC country programs reflects Switzerland’s interest to have a strong ICRC throughout the world and to contribute to alleviate the suffering of people affected by conflicts.

ICRC Operations Appeals 2023: Additional Allocation to ICRC Operations Azerbaijan

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023

SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.

Allocation of SDC Funding (MENA Europe Division) in 2023 to ICRC Operations in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023

SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.

ICRC Operations Appeals 2022: Allocation 2022 - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine

01.01.2022 - 31.12.2022

SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.

Regional Arts and Culture Project in the South Caucasus

15.11.2021 - 30.06.2026

By supporting documentary films, documentary theatre and photography as powerful tools of contemporary art, the project will challenge social stigma, promote inclusion and human rights through empowering the civil society, nurturing intercultural dialogue and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus

01.08.2021 - 31.07.2024

In 2017, Switzerland embarked on a multi-donor project which laid a solid foundation for women’s economic empowerment in the South Caucasus, yet, further support is needed to fulfil women’s rights, which remain constrained by structural and cultural barriers. The Swiss-funded contribution will support capacity-building and provide technical assistance at institutions and policy level and, combined with activities at grassroots level, benefit at least 1’850 vulnerable women in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia

Strengthening the Climate Adaptation Capacities in the South Caucasus

10.11.2017 - 14.11.2023

The project will (i) facilitate the development of multi-hazard mapping and risk assessment methodology enabling 1.7 million inhabitants’ reduced exposure towards climate-induced hazards in Georgia; (ii) contribute to the safer livelihoods and infrastructure of 373’800 residents in ten municipalities by developing response and preparedness plans; and (iii) foster evidence-based policymaking and advocacy on climate adaptation, natural hazards and mountain development in the South Caucasus.

A more inclusive job market for women in the South Caucasus

01.11.2017 - 31.07.2021

In the three countries of the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia), many women face job market discrimination. In the absence of policy to create equal opportunities and jobs for women in the formal economy, women work unprotected in the informal sector. The Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus project seeks to promote women's economic empowerment to facilitate their equal access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Country/region	Topic	Period	Budget
South Caucasus	Gender Equality nothemedefined Women’s equality organisations and institutions	01.11.2017 - 31.07.2021	CHF 3’763’327

Regional Arts and Culture Project in the South Caucasus

Dancers on a stage in colorful dresses throw clothes in the air.

01.10.2017 - 30.09.2021

By providing a platform for the development of contemporary art, the Regional Arts and Culture Project promotes intercultural dialogues and exchanges in the South Caucasus. Implemented in collaboration with partners based in Georgia and networks in Armenia and Azerbaijan, the project aims at supporting visual arts (documentary film and photography), building up professional capacities, engaging civil society, and boosting local art scenes with a small grants’ fund.

Higher Income in the South Caucasus Thanks to Competitive Agricultural Products

A man in a protective suit holding a honeycomb full of bees on the roof of a high-rise building.

01.04.2017 - 30.04.2022

Livestock farming is an important source of income for a large part of the rural population in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. But many farmers live from subsistence farming and produce just enough food for their own needs. The aims of the project are to strengthen smallholder farms and to provide them with access to markets. This way, farmers can sell their honey, meat, cheese and wool products, and sustainably increase their incomes.

Country/region	Topic	Period	Budget
South Caucasus	Inclusive economic Development Agriculture & food security nothemedefined SME development Agricultural development	01.04.2017 - 30.04.2022	CHF 5’100’000

Projects

Project database