CommunicationPublished on 3 March 2021

"This systemic change has altered the role of Swiss NGOs"

Rahel Bösch, head of the Institutional Partnerships Division at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), talks about the role of Swiss NGOs in international cooperation and explains why the current political debates have little to do with the new programme contributions. A conversation about cooperation with Swiss aid organisations, the background to current political debates, and a long-standing partnership amid systemic change.

Rahel Bösch, head of the SDC's Institutional Partnerships Division, talks about the role of Swiss NGOs in international cooperation. — © FDFA

NGOs have helped shape Switzerland's development cooperation, and their expertise and strong tradition make them a key partner.

Whereas in the past you would go to a country to help those in need, now the focus is on promoting systems and cross-sectoral cooperation.

We want these funds to be used in their entirety in developing and transition countries and to make a real impact there.