All news (849)
Switzerland at the 2018 World Water Forum in Brasilia
20.03.2018
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Press release
EDA
Water as a source of cooperation instead of conflict, access to clean drinking water, and involving the private sector in efforts for sustainable water resources management: these are Switzerland's priorities for the 2018 World Water Forum, which began on 18 March in the Brazilian capital. The World Water Forum is the largest gathering of its kind, bringing together representatives from politics, civil society, research and the private sector from around 120 countries. The theme of this year’s forum is sharing water. The Swiss delegation is being headed by Pio Wennubst, director of the Global Cooperation Department at the FDFA's Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Mr Wennubst has been accorded the title of state secretary for the duration of the conference in Brasilia.
Switzerland highlights the importance of the political and economic participation of rural women and their land rights
16.03.2018
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Press release
EDA
On the margins of the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the Director of the Federal Office for Gender Equality, Sylvie Durrer, opened a panel discussion yesterday, organised by Switzerland together with South Africa, Egypt, New Zealand, the Philippines, Zambia, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Huairou Commission, on Participation of rural women in governance: Challenges and opportunities.
Water – joint responsibility, joint solutions
12.03.2018
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Article
DEZA
Technical and political solutions to sustainable water management are more important than ever. Water has become one of the key elements not only in the fight against poverty but also for peace and political stability. Because of its long-standing expertise and experience in the water sector, Switzerland is taking part in the largest international meeting on water in Brasilia, where it will present its approach to sustainable water management.
Switzerland and Bhutan reaffirm their close ties
08.03.2018
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Press release
EDA
During a working visit to Bern on Thursday, 8 March, President Alain Berset and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay reaffirmed the continuing close ties between their two countries. Up until ten years ago, Bhutan was a Swiss development cooperation priority country, but at the end of 2016 the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) ended its activities in the country. The official talks focused on prospects and opportunities under this new chapter in bilateral relations.
Displaced women are particularly vulnerable
06.03.2018
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Article
DEZA
Over 30 million women and girls worldwide have been displaced. On the occasion of International Women's Day on 8 March, gender specialist Ursula Keller explains the specific risks faced by female refugees and what the SDC is doing to help them.
Switzerland and Afghanistan sign agreement on development cooperation and humanitarian aid
06.03.2018
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Press release
EDA
On 6 March 2018, Swiss Ambassador Thomas Kolly and Afghanistan's Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi signed a framework agreement in Kabul on technical and financial cooperation and humanitarian aid. This enhances the legal basis for cooperation between the two countries. Switzerland has been engaged in Afghanistan since the 1970s and has had a permanent presence there since 2002. Through the ongoing Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) programme, Switzerland supports Afghanistan's political and economic reform process and provides humanitarian aid.
More rice with less water
28.02.2018
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Article
DEZA
One seventh of the organic rice sold in Switzerland’s Coop supermarkets comes from small farms in northern India that strive to save water. High environmental standards are maintained thanks to the public-private partnership behind the Water Productivity Project, WAPRO for short, conceived and co-funded by the SDC.
Swiss expertise and innovation as tools of international cooperation
13.02.2018
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Press release
EDA
At this year’s annual press conference, the SDC unveiled the issues it will be focusing on in 2018 and discussed the importance of innovation for cooperation. The agency’s Director-General Manuel Sager took the opportunity to illustrate various ways in which the SDC co-opts Swiss experts and expertise onto development projects.
Fostering freedom of expression and strengthening civil society: the role of culture in development cooperation
09.02.2018
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) supports various projects in culture and the arts in partner countries because artists and culture professionals have an important role to play in shaping economic, social and cultural life. The exchange of ideas between artists from countries of the South and East and Switzerland is therefore the focus of 'CROSSROADS – International perspectives on culture, art and society', an event co-organised by the SDC and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia in Basel and Geneva from 8 to 10 February.
Long-term prospects for young Africans
09.02.2018
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Article
DEZA
New financing mechanisms in international cooperation
18.01.2018
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Press release
EDA
The UN estimates that additional funds of USD 2.5 trillion a year will be needed until 2030 to achieve its development goals. On 18 January 2018, a conference in Zürich demonstrated new financing mechanisms, such as ‘Social Impact Bonds’ (SIB).
Off-the-radar humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
12.01.2018
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Article
DEZA
Several provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fallen prey to violent clashes. Civilians are fleeing en masse to escape death, and the humanitarian needs are colossal. Given the deterioration in the situation, the SDC has stepped up its humanitarian response, allocating additional funds and expertise.