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In our development programme, which includes 30 projects in 21 countries, we design our own projects and further develop innovations.
The 2021–2024 phase exceeded targets despite initial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights include our collaboration with local governments in Albania and Nepal to create digital job platforms for access to the labour market.
In Mozambique, we established a training programme focused on practical skills, supported by robust collaborations between public and private sectors. Implementing green initiatives in Bolivia and Laos, such as better waste management systems and the development of eco-friendly businesses, led to significant and enduring environmental and economic improvements.
In our work, we have placed great emphasis on creating opportunities for women, young people, and vulnerable groups, thereby promoting inclusive growth and strengthening our commitment to equitable development.
How can digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to poverty reduction? Swisscontact explored this question at an event for clients, partners, and interested parties. Around 150 guests attended the presentations and the lively panel discussion, which was held at Google's headquarters in Zurich in November.
“AI should be developed with people, not only for them. If we want this technology to truly serve humanity, we must put the common good above profit,” said Kasia Odrozek, Director, Insights at the Mozilla Foundation and one of the panellists.
More than 2 million people live in the northern chars – islands created from river sediment that are particularly exposed to the tides – of Bangladesh. These smallholder farmers mainly earn their livelihood through agriculture (crop farming, livestock, fishing) and seasonal employment opportunities.
The focus of the M4C ("Making Markets Work for the Chars") project, which ended in 2024 after 12 years, focussed on building local market systems, such as for the processing of agricultural products, and improving financial services for the affected households. The project enabled around 75,000 people in the chars to achieve a better income.