The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) launched the 'Together we're better' competition for the second time last August. The aim is to recognise and promote projects by young people which improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people in the Global South and contribute to achieving theUN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
'Together we're better' aims to provide opportunities to develop concrete responses in favour of global sustainable development and to involve young people in the implementation of Switzerland's international cooperation objectives.
Award ceremony at IC Forum in Geneva
A total of 62 entries were received. They can be viewed at www.togetherwerebetter.ch. The entries were reviewed by a jury composed of members from the SDC, SECO, the private sector, academia and civil society. Four projects will receive prizes in the categories 'Climate Change', 'Start-up', 'Think global act local' and 'Community'. The award ceremony will take place in Geneva on 31 March, the first day of the two-day International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum).
Innovative projects covering a broad spectrum
The submitted projects cover a broad spectrum: fighting poverty, improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable or tackling environmental problems. The topics range from proposals to alleviate plastic pollution and water filters that can be produced locally to digitalised education programmes and innovative forms of social work.
Geneva IC Forum: platform for youth projects
The IC Forum 2022 is a two-day conference organised by the SDC and SECO and their partner organisations which hosts discussions on solution-oriented approaches to climate change and international cooperation. All teams with valid entries can present and discuss their project at the forum. The SDC and SECO are organising various workshops together with the participants. The forum is a platform for exchange with experts from international cooperation, science, politics, business and civil society. In-person or online participation is free of charge. Further information and registration: www.icforum.swiss.
Sustainability: a strategic goal
Switzerland is committed to mitigating climate change, in line with the priorities of Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23. This goal is also set out in the International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24, which contributes to poverty reduction and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Further information:
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"Together we're better" - a price for committed young people youtube video (de)
2030 Agenda youth competition: 60 new ideas for sustainable development
More on Switzerland's foreign policy strategy cascade
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