International cooperation

For decades, aid tied to countertrade transactions has been frowned upon in international cooperation. Donor countries seem hardly bothered by it, however. On the contrary. In Switzerland, too, tied aid is again becoming acceptable. An analysis by Laura Ebneter

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

The Federal Council adopted the long-awaited Dispatch on the 2025–2028 International Cooperation Strategy in mid-May. In it, the Council stands by its policy of funding aid to Ukraine at the expense of the Global South, thereby ignoring the outcomes of the public consultation.

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.

Bolivia is gripped by a severe political crisis and its economic situation is dire. But growing urbanisation also offers opportunities for sustainable poverty alleviation, says Martín del Castillo.

In these times of crisis, former Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey finds that Switzerland's diplomacy lacks a clear stance. As guarantor of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland should step up its involvement in support of civilians.

The impact of international cooperation is a recurring theme in the media and in Parliament. Yet the ongoing debate says more about the shortcomings in the evaluations and the inadequacy of communication regarding international cooperation in general, than about the actual impact of projects.

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.

Fragile statehood is one of the biggest obstacles to effective and sustainable poverty alleviation. Alliance Sud has discussed the opportunities and limits of international cooperation in fragile contexts with Professor Christoph Zürcher.