New digital technologies
As the digital transition progresses, Switzerland’s international cooperation seeks to harness technological innovations to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty, while actively mitigating associated risks.
New digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for individuals and societies worldwide. To ensure these technologies also benefit the most vulnerable, clear principles must be established to guide their development. Without proper legal frameworks and standards, these technologies pose risks such as cybercrime, surveillance, manipulation of public opinion, dependence on tech giants, and potential environmental harm. Switzerland’s international cooperation is committed to mitigating these risks.
Great potential for sustainable development
New technologies are an important part of Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy 2021-2024. Firstly, digital resources are being deployed in international cooperation projects and programmes to achieve the development objectives more quickly, efficiently and effectively. Globally, digital data and applications drive innovations crucial for development and humanitarian aid efforts. Secondly, we are supporting digitalisation in partner countries to enable their entire population to benefit from the economic, social and administrative advantages of the digital revolution. Technological innovations such as improved access to information, mobile payments and online financial services contribute significantly to the political, social and economic development of these countries. These innovations thus present significant opportunities for sustainable development.
Effective partnerships with the private sector and academia
The SDC works closely with the private sector and academic institutions to develop innovative solutions. It encourages technological initiatives throughout the world to improve the effectiveness of its projects. Technologies developed in partnership between Switzerland and partner countries can bring lasting improvements to the quality of life of millions of people, for example in the fields of agricultural technology, healthcare, disaster resilience and access to resources. The Swiss federal institutes of technology, internationally active Swiss start-ups, and multinational Swiss companies all play crucial roles as centres of innovation-driven research and development. Collaboration among these diverse stakeholders accelerates the adoption and impact of these technologies in partner countries.
Projects
Switzerland’s commitment to digitalisation for development is helping to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Below is a selection of SDC projects in which new technologies are helping to improve conditions for people in partner countries:
- Health sector, DYNAMIC: New technologies combined with rapid tests make it possible to improve the diagnosis and treatment of sick children.
- Migration, Migrant Money: Enhancing migrants’ access to more secure and affordable financial services.
- Agriculture, AgriPath: Supporting farmers’ transition to sustainable agriculture through effective and efficient digital channels.
- Water sector, HydroHub of the World Meteorological Organisation: Hydrohub assists national hydrometeorological agencies in developing and innovating their hydrometric approaches and technologies. The effective provision of hydrological services helps to reduce the risk of disasters, promote social and economic development and protect the environment.
- Governance, EGAP: This e-governance project in Ukraine aims to improve administrative efficiency, eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, and combat corruption.
- Employment, Market Makers: This project supports the creation of the first technology park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the software development training centre.
Links
Contact
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