CommunicationPublished on 4 June 2021

«It's important for development cooperation to be able to react quickly to crisis situations»

In late May, thirty tonnes of relief supplies were sent from Switzerland to Nepal to help the country in its battle against COVID-19. According to Elisabeth von Capeller, the Swiss ambassador to Nepal, the delivery illustrates how to effectively combine development cooperation and emergency aid: Switzerland can react quickly to Nepal's requests for help while using its long-standing development cooperation partnership with the country to open up access and strengthen systems on the ground.

After landing in Kathmandu: Switzerland's aid delivery is brought to a warehouse, where it will then be transported to the places that need it most. — © Prabin Ranabhat / Pahilopost.com

We concentrated on supplies that we could provide immediately and that could be used to bolster the healthcare system.

Elisabeth von Capeller, Switzerland's ambassador to Nepal

It's important for development cooperation to be able to react quickly and flexibly to crisis situations.

Elisabeth von Capeller

Emergency humanitarian aid was provided quickly in response to Nepal's request for help, while Swiss development officials were able to use their long-standing partnerships and presence in the country to open up access and strengthen systems on the ground.

Elisabeth von Capeller