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Each year, the IC Forum brings together key actors from politics, business, research and philanthropy to engage in critical dialogue, think outside the box, foster mutual learning and develop solutions that drive real change. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (Directorate for Development and Cooperation) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) jointly organize the event.
Swisscontact was able to showcase its broad project portfolio and how it is working towards economic growth and inclusion. Besides Swisscontact having a stand in the marketplace, three projects supported by Switzerland and the Swiss private sector and implemented by Swisscontact were presented. (To learn more about the showcased projects, scroll down to the end of the page)
Poverty and income inequality remain major global challenges. Sustainable development requires not just economic growth but also inclusion—ensuring opportunities for those left behind. The private sector is key to this transformation, driving job creation and innovation.
Small and medium-sized local businesses drive economic growth and social prosperity worldwide. The private sector creates most jobs, fosters innovation, and understands local market dynamics, making it essential for delivering goods and services that benefit poor communities. However, entrepreneurs need access to capital, digital tools and knowledge to thrive.
Swisscontact's CEO, Philippe Schneuwly, took part in a panel discussion about the local privat sector as the backbone of prosperity. The panelists explored the opportunities and challenges facing the local private sector.
Based on the overarching topic: Small and medium-sized local companies are a driving force for economic growth and social prosperity. The discussion aimed to gain insights from entrepreneurs and International Cooperation specialists on how the local private sector drives development in partner countries and explore innovative ways in which international donors and philanthropy can help unleash the private sector's potential.
Swisscontact pioneered the Market Systems Development approach, which tackles the root causes of economic challenges by strengthening entire market systems for lasting impact at scale. With this good development practice, Swisscontact is building resilient economies that leave no one behind.
Swisscontact empowers people and businesses by strengthening market systems, ensuring that its work is demand-driven and sustainable. Rather than working directly with beneficiaries, Swisscontact transforms systems and supports key actors like cooperatives, training providers, and startup incubators and accelerators.
For example, Swisscontact fosters entrepreneurship by accelerating startups and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems. By collaborating with local partners, Swisscontact ensures solutions are tailored, inclusive, and locally led. True development happens when target communities shape projects and when partnerships are built on trust and mutual respect; principles that drive Swisscontact's commitment to sustainable impact.