Andreas Missbach

The UN Climate Change Conference COP29 has come to an end, while the climate crisis is destroying the livelihoods of millions of people. While delegates from the Global South criticise the inadequate climate financing, Swiss Environment Minister Albert Rösti shirks Switzerland's responsibility, citing budget restrictions and the mobilisation of private funds. This is an affront, writes Andreas Missbach.

Globally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an effective and welcome cooperation partner, says its Administrator Achim Steiner. He is concerned over dwindling financial support from countries like Switzerland. Interview by Laura Ebneter, Marco Fähndrich and Andreas Missbach

A careful reading of the International Cooperation Dispatch 2025–2028 sent by the Government to the Parliament left us somewhat aghast. But the big shock came at the beginning of June, when the IC also came under scrutiny in the Council of States as part of the discussion on the army dispatch.

For the first time two years ago, Colombia elected a President, in the person of Gustavo Petro, who did not come from the old elites. In a country where huge swathes of territory are still controlled by armed groups, his government has set an ambitious goal, that of "Paz Total" – total peace.

Eighty years ago, 43 countries met in the US resort town of Bretton Woods and laid the groundwork for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The entire post-war order is often exaggeratedly ascribed to that conference. A recently published book puts things in perspective.

In fragile contexts, does only a strong army help? Solid research shows that development cooperation can play an important role even in an exceptionally difficult environment, writes Alliance Sud Director Andreas Missbach.

Just before the summer break, the Swiss government launched the consultation procedure on the International Cooperation Dispatch 2025-28. In a monologue, Director Andreas Missbach explains what it is about (and what he found risible).

The next crisis is as certain as the fact that tomorrow a tram will stop at Paradeplatz, the heart of Switzerland‘s financial sector. What no one knows is just when and from where it will originate in the gigantic and complex financial system.

What does Pakistan have to do with a bank in Silicon Valley which invests short-term client funds in long-term paper, the value of which diminishes when interest rates rise?