South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan)

Switzerland's involvement in the South Caucasus is aimed at the needs and priorities of its three partner states in the region. It focuses on making economic development inclusive and sustainable, improving the efficiency of democratic institutions and human security.

Map of the South Caucasus region

The South Caucasus continues to face unresolved conflicts and tensions. While the region is of geopolitical significance due to its importance in terms of connectivity and for energy supplies to Europe, persistent tensions affect people’s safety and are an obstacle to economic and social development. Thanks to its long-standing experience in the South Caucasus, Switzerland is seen as a trustworthy partner to support these former Soviet countries in their political transition. It fosters greater cooperation between them on common interests that are not politically sensitive such as trading in agricultural products and climate change adaptation.

Inclusive and sustainable economic development

Developing the agricultural sector in the region is a priority in order to sustain an income for the rural population. In practice, this involves integrating small-scale subsistence farms in the agricultural value chains, which allows farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises to sell their products on national and regional markets. It also enables them to access financial services to take out a loan, attend professional training courses to update their knowledge and get customised support.

Agriculture and food security
Basic education and vocational skills development

Private Sector Development and financial services

Effective democratic institutions, human safety and security

Inclusive and sustainable economic development requires functioning democratic institutions, respect for human rights and a secure environment. That is why Switzerland aims to improve the efficiency of governmental institutions. It focuses in particular on building capacities at the local administrative level so that they can provide good-quality services, and at the national level in terms of better management of public finances. Switzerland also engages in conflict resolution by promoting dialogue between the parties in question. In addition, it is involved in natural disaster risk reduction along with adaptation to climate change with a focus on the sustainable development of rural and mountain regions.

Moreover, with its engagement for arts and culture, Switzerland supports the creation of opportunities for artists from the three countries to exchange and to contribute to the discussion on the future of the region.

State and Economic Reforms
Fragility and violence impede poverty reduction

Disaster risk reduction, emergency relief, reconstruction and protection

Organisation and partners

Switzerland’s involvement in the South Caucasus dates back to the relief aid it provided during the devastating earthquake in northern Armenia in 1988. In 1999, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) opened a regional cooperation office in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. While Swiss Humanitarian Aid ended its activities in 2016, Swiss efforts focusing on cooperation and peacebuilding activities in the region will continue. The 2017-2020 cooperation strategy is implemented jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the FDFA's Human Security Division (HSD) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Switzerland’s key partners in the South Caucasus:

  • Development partners (GIZ, ADA)
  • Local and international NGOs
  • Multilateral organisations e.g. UNDP, European Investment Bank, Bretton Woods institutions
  • Civil society organisations
  • Private sector

Current projects

Object 1 – 12 of 25

Strengthening the Climate Adaptation Capacities in Georgia

01.10.2024 - 31.03.2027

Since 2017, Switzerland has contributed to national and international efforts to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change in Georgia. It will continue to support the further development of the legal and policy  framework  for  natural  hazard mapping  and  zoning  in  2024-2027,  with  an  additional  focus  on strengthening the inclusion of women's voices, needs and capacities in disaster risk reduction. The project will also rely on the Swiss expertise on avalanche and landslide forecasting. 


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

01.09.2024 - 31.08.2026

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.


Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia - SEIRA

01.09.2024 - 31.08.2027

Switzerland will continue supporting Armenia in integrating refugees from Nagorno Karabakh into society while improving social cohesion and economic prospects in remote rural areas of the country. By contributing to activities of the UN World Food Programme and of a local NGO, it will support 1’500 refugee- and vulnerable local households towards sustainable development facilitating the transition from humanitarian aid to long-term development.


Armenia: Early Recovery after Floods 2024 (Direct Action)

08.07.2024 - 31.12.2025

Heavy rainfall in May 2024 led to flooding in Northern Armenia, four casualties, temporary displacement of 2’400 persons and considerable damage on public and private infrastructure. A Rapid Response Team of Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) assessed structural engineering (bridges, roads) damages. Based on that assessment, the proposed SHA Direct Action supports early recovery efforts in Armenia with pedestrian bridges, an event analysis and engineering advice.


Armenia SET Floods June 2024

03.06.2024 - 30.06.2024

Due to heavy rainfall since 25./26.05.2024, severe flooding occurred in two regions of Armenia, which caused some casualties and serious damage to infrastructural facilities such as bridges, roads, railroad lines, pump stations etc. The Armenian authorities asked for international support and accepted Switzerland’s offer for assistance through the deployment of a “SofortEinsatzTeam / SET”, specialized in carrying out structural assessments of damaged infrastructure. Decisions on optimum use of funds will be taken by the Crisis Cell chaired by the Head of HA in close coordination with the desk and Swiss representation in the country.


Georgia: Contribution to CoE Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027, Democracy Starts in Schools

01.01.2024 - 31.12.2027

Good governance is a prerequisite for sustainable development and peaceful societies. By tapping into the Council of Europe’s expertise in human rights, rule of law and democracy, Switzerland will continue to contribute to Georgia's democratic culture. Beyond the support to the CoE’s core programme, youth empowerment, with focus on their active participation in decision-making processes for responsible citizenship, is the focus of the Swiss supported intervention.


Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia

01.04.2023 - 31.03.2027

To engage more women in Georgia’s political and public life, the WILD project will

(i) increase the political literacy and skills of 1’150 locally active women, their organizations and public servants;

(ii) sensitize 60 journalists, and 150 data producers and users on gender-related reporting;

(iii) contribute to development and adoption of gender-responsive laws and policies, benefitting some 38’350 public servants. The project will engage with men to foster behavioural change.


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 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.


Modernization of Vocational Education and Training related to Agriculture in Georgia

01.09.2022 - 31.08.2025

Agricultural productivity and incomes are low in Georgia, which is largely due to obsolete knowledge and skills. The project contributes to introducing systemic changes in agriculture-related vocational education and extension services, increasing the role of private sector actors in planning and delivering vocational training. Rural youth, women and men, will thus be better trained and acquire more relevant skills; this will contribute to increasing their incomes and employment opportunities.


Sustainable Inclusive Growth in Mountainous Armenia (SIGMA)

01.06.2022 - 30.11.2026

Through an innovative intervention using the market systems development approach, SDC aims to generate additional income and decent jobs in rural mountainous areas of Armenia, where agriculture and tourism are the main source of income. Together with private and public stakeholders, at the local and national levels, the project will invest in selected value chains by promoting inclusive, climate smart, and sustainable economic growth in its first phase until end 2026.


Georgia: Local Economic Development (LED)

01.06.2022 - 30.11.2026

In order to address regional disparities in Georgia, this local economic development project will foster effective collaboration between local and national actors, including those from the public, private, and civil society sectors to develop market systems in specific value chains. The project builds on earlier major Swiss engagement to support decentralization, and will stimulate the generation of additional income and job opportunities, while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in local communities. 

Object 1 – 12 of 25