For the SDC, local economic development is not just an economic matter but a cooperative approach which provides an excellent tool for bringing together different interest groups to agree on local cooperation that can help create jobs and income, in addition to improving governance.

SDC focus

Moreover, local economic development can also strengthen governance at national level. In countries like Kosovo or Burkina Faso, the SDC conducts local economic development activities which have been implemented simultaneously in several towns. This has enabled municipalities (or rather territories, because each town has close links with its peri-urban and rural hinterland) to exchange information and experience that are specific to them. This has led to better cooperation among local authorities and thus added weight to the local dimension in dialogue with central government.

Background

Local economic development brings together various stakeholders from civil society, as well as the public and private sectors. Its goal is to promote cooperation so as to develop a given area. Cooperation is a key factor in governance. Local economic development (LED) triggers a political process in which the protagonists have to negotiate the priorities bearing in mind the limited human and financial resources at their disposal.

Forces that drive the economy

Economic considerations drive the private sector. Cooperation on creating public goods, such as improved framework conditions for investment, calls for a private-public collaboration that is built into concrete projects ("We'll build the road, and you'll build the factory. You tell us what's not right about the investment climate, and we'll put it right."). In this way, combined LED efforts create new business prospects. The public sector needs the private sector for local economic development.

In virtually every country, it is the private sector that creates most jobs and generates income, and jobs and income are a priority for the public sector's customers and voters. Poverty reduction and – perhaps more important for a civil servant – re-election of the mayor and his staff depend on the generation of income.

Governance as a process

Civil society, like local associations, should also be part of planning and implementing development projects in which the economic dimension is obviously not the only issue at stake. The State and local government do not cover all the ground. So the three stakeholder groups – the public and private sectors and civil society – negotiate and cooperate on the basis of concrete information derived from evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy, as well as the opportunities and risks involved. This dynamic exchange between partners improves governance at local level.

Current projects

Object 157 – 168 of 971

Programme d’appui à l’Education Non Formelle (PENF)

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2022

Dans un contexte de crise multiforme ce programme offre des alternatives d’éducation et de formation professionnelle aux enfants et aux adultes sortie du système éducatif national. Avec la participation des acteurs locaux et des services techniques des régions de Mopti, Tombouctou et Sikasso, cette phase finale du programme permettra à 6’000 enfants de retourner à l’école et à 4’000 jeunes d’apprendre un métier. La Suisse contribue ainsi au développement et à la stabilité du pays en offrant des perspectives.


Allocation of SDC Funding to ICRC Operations in 2020

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020

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 to ICRC Operations in 2020

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020

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 to ICRC Operations in 2020

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020

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 to ICRC Operations in 2020

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020

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 to ICRC Operations in 2020

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2020

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.

 


Strengthening Drought Resilience in Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Areas of Somali National Regional State, Ethiopia (SDR - SNRS)

01.01.2020 - 30.04.2022

Pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods in Ethiopia's Somali National Regional State (SNRS) are increasingly threatened by environmental (climatic) changes and land degradation. GIZ along with Local Government partners aims at building the resilience of vulnerable pastoralist communities through proven land rehabilitation measures, the promotion of livelihood activities and capacity development of government and private sector institutions.


IHEID Revue internationale de politique de développement (phase finale)

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2021

With the objective to nurture facts-based debates on emerging issues pertaining to development policy and international cooperation, the Geneva-based journal "International Development Policy Review" (DevPol) regularly publishes peer-reviewed scientific research in different formats. DevPol also offers opportunities for young researchers from the Global South to publish their work and get exposure to the broader academic community.


Zürcher Theater Spektakel

01.01.2020 - 31.07.2024

The largest theatre festival of Switzerland, the Zürcher Theater Spektakel, is integrating the works of performers and theatre directors from the South and the East into the yearly programmes, com m petitions and networks. The partnership with SDC allows specific efforts regarding research, translations, pre-production works or co-productions, as to make sure the artists get additional visibility, skills and status, in Switzerland, internationally and in their own countries.


Voluntary Core Contribution to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2022

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is the leading and coordinating agency on health-related issues within the United Nations system. Switzerland supports its mandate to ensure the highest attainable level of health and well-being for all (SDG3). WHO’s normative function is its key strategic comparative advantage in global health governance. Its rights-based approach to health is also critical for advancing health equity. Switzerland’s programs are leveraged by the policy dialogue jointly carried out with WHO.


Chinese Zero Emission Buildings with Swiss Know-How (ZEB China)

01.01.2020 - 28.02.2025

By upgrading building emission standards, supporting demonstration buildings and enhancing capacities of professionals with Switzerland’s leading know-how on sustainable construction, the project will support low-carbon development of China’s building sector, which is the biggest in the world. It will also benefit the public health by improving the thermal comfort of buildings and reducing air pollution resulting from heating and cooling. 


Fonds d’Appui au Développement des Communes (FADeC)

01.01.2020 - 31.12.2023

Le Fonds d’Appui au Développement des Communes (FADeC) est un mécanisme efficace de transfert de ressources financières aux collectivités locales du Bénin. La contribution de la DDC au fonds permet aux communes de réaliser sur l’ensemble du territoire national d’importants investissements dans les infrastructures et services de base au profit de la population. En phase 2, la DDC renforcera notamment son appui aux structures de gestion, pilotage et contrôle du fonds. 

Object 157 – 168 of 971