How water is driving a pushback against authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
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Once seen as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Swiss-backed water projects are now helping to bolster local communities.
As Switzerland shakes up its foreign aid, will it stay committed to democracy?
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With the government planning to boost short-term humanitarian aid at the expense of longer-term projects, this could be bad news for democracy promotion.
After the ceasefire, survival still defines life in Gaza
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Nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza, peace remains elusive. Food queues, water trucks, and torn tents define everyday life as families struggle to meet basic needs.
Murder of Swiss aid worker remains unsolved as statute of limitations approaches
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Swiss aid worker Walter Arnold wanted to expose alleged wrongdoing. Three decades later, his murder remains unsolved as the statute of limitations is about to expire.
How Swiss cities are stepping up as foreign aid budgets shrink
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Local governments in Europe are defying state cuts to development assistance and helping cities in lower-income regions tackle problems like climate change.
Why Swiss China scholars can’t build the China expertise they need
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Increasingly stringent controls on overseas research into China have made it difficult for many scholars including those in Switzerland, to conduct research on China.
Swiss public backs development aid even as politicians cut budgets
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Most people support funding for development cooperation or would even like to see it increased, write Dina Pomeranz and Deborah Kistler.
War and drought push Lebanon agriculture to breaking point
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War, economic collapse and declining rainfall are pushing Lebanon’s agricultural sector to the brink. Even water projects backed by Switzerland are struggling to cope.
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Development banks are becoming increasingly important in light of cuts to foreign aid by Western countries such as the US and Switzerland. But what do they achieve for the Global South?
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In Afghanistan, women and girls in particular are paying the price for failed policies. The Afghan Fund in Geneva should finally act to recapitalise the Central Bank, writes Norah Niland.
Why Switzerland joined Trump-friendly FIFA to fund mini pitches in Palestine
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Switzerland and FIFA are building mini pitches for children in Palestine, despite continued violence and humanitarians struggling to meet people’s basic needs.
Millions of dollars linked to Magnitsky fraud case leave Switzerland
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A Russian citizen who held funds in Switzerland linked to a global tax fraud case wired at least CHF6 million from his UBS accounts. Our investigation shows a recent court ruling could have led to the confiscation of some of those funds.
Women harvest hope as extremist threat grows in Benin
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As terrorism spreads across the Sahel, women in northern Benin are turning to the shea tree to build economic resilience – with support from Switzerland.
As aid stalls in Haiti, can attack drones and soldiers end gang violence?
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A ‘forgotten crisis’ that draws little aid money from donors like Switzerland, Haiti is holding its breath as a new international military mission prepares to deploy.
Why UNRWA, a lifeline for Palestinians, is struggling for survival in Lebanon
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The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is facing an existential crisis. A visit to the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut shows how a political tug-of-war is playing out in the lives of the affected population.
Swiss NGO urges Bern to raise its climate ambition as US walks away from accords
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Delia Berner from Alliance Sud says Washington’s exit from climate treaties deals a “bitter blow” to climate justice and makes Switzerland’s climate‑finance delays “irresponsible”.
UN envoy: ‘Water must be put at the top of the political agenda’
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The UN secretary-general’s first special envoy on water, Retno Marsudi, wants member states to put this vital resource at the top of their political agenda.
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North Macedonia has been hit by USAID’s withdrawal. Fears are growing that ‘less Western’ countries will bridge the funding gap.
Swiss universities seek to stem tech espionage after Iranian scandal
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Swiss universities are set to tighten their vetting rules to curb tech espionage amid rising threats from countries like China and Russia.
How a project in Peru supports sustainable cocoa – and serves Swiss interests
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Switzerland supports farmers in Peru so they can produce in a more social and green way – and so chocolate producers have access to cocoa.
Why private finance for sustainable development is still bracing for impact
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Switzerland wants to rely more heavily on private capital to fund sustainable development, despite a mixed record for innovative schemes such as blended finance.
Syrian refugees in Lebanon in dilemma over staying or returning
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After the fall of the Syrian regime, some refugees are returning home, while tens of thousands are once again taking flight.
How a global plan to preserve forests launched a carbon offset debate
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The journey of a UN-backed scheme to prevent deforestation through carbon offsets exposes the challenges of influencing climate-related practices from afar.
Drug trade and land grabs threaten Amazon communities on climate front lines
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Drug trafficking, violence and weak state support overshadow Peru’s Amarakaeri reserve, where Indigenous communities are struggling to protect forests.
Charitable giving comes under pressure as donors slash education aid
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Donors like Switzerland are cutting funding for basic education in low-income countries. Can charitable foundations help fill the gap and improve learning outcomes?
The Davos set in decline: can the World Economic Forum save itself?
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Battered by scandal, the Swiss-based WEF faces a moment of crisis. Insiders say its future may depend on the success of next year’s meeting.
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The scandal at the Swiss food giant raises questions about its corporate culture and the health of its conglomerate model.
Why Switzerland must put human rights at the core of the OSCE
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The OSCE presidency presents an opportunity to refocus the organisation on one of its core mission, argue Eleonora Mongelli and Florian Irminger.
Lobbyists and oil-producers blamed for failure of Geneva plastics treaty
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Talks on a binding treaty on plastic pollution broke down on Friday. Several experts are pointing the finger at interest groups and oil- and plastic-producing countries.
Africa’s relevance is growing – and everyone wants in
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Africa is the future – by 2100, one in three people will live there. As the African Union’s clout grows, Switzerland is stepping up engagement.
Switzerland signs controversial reconstruction aid package for Ukraine
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The deal, which includes binding contracts for the involvement of Swiss companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction, has been widely criticised.
China’s project to mediate global disputes underlines divide between the West and the rest
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China has launched a new global mediation body to resolve disputes. How will this initiative reshape international conflict resolution?
Deep-sea mining: has Trump unleashed a scramble for the seabed?
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By forging ahead with deep-sea mining, the US is bypassing the UN and creating a diplomatic storm – with a Swiss firm at the centre.
Switzerland withdraws from democracy support in Bangladesh
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Promoting democracy around the world is one of Switzerland’s goals, but at the same time the funds for such efforts are dwindling.
Cultural aid cuts deal blow to Global South creatives – and Swiss diplomacy
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Switzerland is among many countries slashing foreign aid, including funding for the arts. Cultural institutions argue these cuts hurt artists – and donors’ national interests.
