Published on 22 August 2025

What does the SDC do?

The SDC plays a central role in implementing Switzerland’s international cooperation and focuses on fragile and conflict-affected regions. Through its humanitarian aid, bilateral development cooperation and global approach, it works to alleviate need and poverty, uphold human rights, promote democracy and protect the environment.

Switzerland’s international cooperation encompasses four main instruments: humanitarian aid, bilateral development cooperation, promotion of peace and human rights, and a global approach. It is implemented by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).

The SDC’s work is concentrated on fragile and conflict-affected regions. It helps partner countries tackle development problems and poverty, with a focus on improving access to health and education for disadvantaged populations. The SDC also works to address climate challenges and improve prospects, especially for women and young people, through vocational skills development and income generation.

Depending on the context, the SDC focuses on one or more of its five preferred implementation approaches:

• Strong, targeted multilateralism;
• Locally-driven actions;
• Promotion of new digital technologies;
• Leveraging Swiss expertise;
• Enhanced cooperation with other actors.

International cooperation through the ages

The SDC's mandate and operations are influenced by global events , development policy phases and determined by Swiss domestic and foreign policy.

The IC Strategy 2025-2028 determines the SDC's activities and work today.