Swisscontact

2023 was defined by significant upheaval in international development cooperation. In addition to poverty, people in our project countries are increasingly afflicted by armed conflicts and natural disasters as a consequence of climate change. We believe that a far-reaching approach to development cooperation adapted to local contexts is more important than ever. We are delighted to share our Annual Report. In 2023, Swisscontact successfully carried out a total of 139 projects in 41 countries. Click below to explore the highlights of our work: https://bit.ly/4dKaihM En español: https://bit.ly/3UVUAHK En français : https://bit.ly/4bxLCYy Auf Deutsch: https://bit.ly/44VBAxN #Swisscontact #WeCreateOpportunities #AnnualReport

Senior Expert Contact (SEC) ist ein langjähriges Globalprogramm von Swisscontact. Für unser Team in Zürich mit vier Teilzeitangestellten, sieben lokalen KoordinatorInnen in den Einsatzländern und ca. 700 SEC-ExpertInnen suchen wir per 1. Februar 2025 oder nach Vereinbarung befristet für ein Jahr ein Lead Assignments SEC (50%). Erfahren Sie mehr über die Aufgaben und Anforderungen und bewerben Sie sich online: https://bit.ly/4gj8RHz

In Lebanon, localisation is driving sustainable development. Our partnerships with The Nawaya Network and arcenciel under the Tafawoq project showcase how empowering local organisations leads to long-term, impactful solutions. Key Goals of Localisation: ✅ Build the capacity of local actors to lead initiatives ✅ Ensure decision-making stays with local partners while providing expert support ✅ Foster private sector collaborations to strengthen sustainability The Impact in Lebanon: • The Nawaya Network’s Naaam Business Solutions Center connects service providers in the construction sector to job opportunities while strengthening their skills. • arcenciel’s Re-Suit initiative recycles textiles, creating two social business brands that reduce environmental harm and offer affordable clothing to communities. 🤝 Through trust and shared responsibility, we’re co-creating solutions that not only tackle immediate challenges but also build resilience for the future. Read more about our commitment to locally led development in Lebanon: https://bit.ly/4f3o9iO This project is financed by the Leopold Bachmann Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. #Swisscontact #Localisation #SustainableImpact #Lebanon #Partnerships #Recycling #InclusiveDevelopment #GreenEconomy

In Bangladesh, 2.8% of the population lives with some form of disability, but for those aged 15 to 65, the unemployment rate soars to 72%—highlighting a critical gap in opportunities. But change is happening. As the demand for digital skills grows, new pathways to inclusion are emerging. Swisscontact is committed to supporting inclusive upskilling and reskilling initiatives that empower individuals and enhance their career opportunities. Through a partnership between the Building Youth Employability through Skills (BYETS) project and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), a five-month residential ICT training programme is empowering young Persons with Disabilities (PwD). By equipping them with essential digital skills, the project aims to enhance their ability to thrive in an evolving job market. This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is important to recognise the challenges and work towards a future where everyone has equal access to opportunities. Learn more about this initiative: https://bit.ly/4gi6Yea BYETS project is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh. #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #Inclusion #DigitalSkills #BYETS #Empowerment #PwD #SkillsDevelopment

Swisscontact, together with its partners, hosted a dynamic forum in Maputo to mark the remarkable achievements of Competency-Based Training over the past three years. With nearly 80 participants—ranging from companies and TVET institutions to government agencies and development organisations—the event showcased collaboration and innovation in aligning vocational training with labour market demands. Key Achievements (2021–2024): ● 5,392 youths trained, with 25% being women ● 1,607 internships facilitated, leading to 1,125 job placements ● 86 capacity-building sessions for trainers ● 38 workers certified through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) ● Entrepreneurship training for 308 graduates The discussions emphasised partnerships between training institutions and private sector actors, the transformative power of practical learning opportunities, and strategies for scaling impactful initiatives. As Regula Chavez-Malgiaritta, Country Director in Mozambique, stated: "Together with our partners, we have revitalised vocational training, empowering thousands youths with quality education. There is still much to do to ensure all young people in Mozambique are equipped for a thriving future." Discover more about how Swisscontact and its partners are shaping the future of vocational training and employment in Mozambique: https://bit.ly/41fK3MA #SkillsToBuild #VocationalTraining #YouthEmpowerment #Mozambique

While participation and agency have long been at the centre of international cooperation, a recent OECD Report states that only 1.2% of global Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds are channelled directly to local NGOs. Enabling locally led development, however, requires more than direct funding: It needs a dynamic interplay of complementary actors who together provide intermediation, technology transfer, and capacity sharing to achieve lasting progress at scale towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Swisscontact implements development projects but effectively provides services on demand to local stakeholders. We work hand-in-hand with local actors to co-create, co-invest, and provide technical assistance. Our recent position paper summarises our reflections regarding our commitment to improve our practices to be even more locally led. In our latest editorial, Alessandra Pellegrini explores the meaning of locally led development and unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and Swisscontact’s commitment to partnerships at eye level: https://bit.ly/3ZrcPYZ For a deeper dive into our reflections regarding our commitment to improve our practices, read our position paper on locally led development: https://lnkd.in/e2udXRMy #LocallyLedDevelopment #Localisation

#jobopportunity For this temporary position starting in March 2025, we are looking for a talented Social Media Manager (80-100%) to administer our global social media channels. Based in Zurich, you will be responsible for creating original content and managing our social media communities. Learn more about the tasks and apply via the online application portal: https://bit.ly/3Zv6GLK

Cocoa with a Purpose: Innovation and Upcycling in the Food Industry 🌱 In the fertile fields of Villanueva, Casanare, the Colombian company CasaLuker S.A has found a way to transform cocoa bio-waste into high-value products for the food industry. Their innovative initiative turns what was once considered waste into sustainable ingredients such as cocoa juice concentrate and cocoa fibre. This development not only boosts environmental sustainability, but also improves competitiveness and creates new employment opportunities in the region. Cocoa processing does not stop at the bean - 100% of the fruit is being utilised. Learn how this project is making a positive impact on local farmers, fostering innovation and opening new doors in the global market: https://lnkd.in/eiCTHQeC This initiative is supported by the Colombia Más Competitiva project, which is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by Swisscontact. #ColombiaMasCompetitiva #Cacao #CircularEconomy

120 asistentes y 44 ponentes nacionales e internacionales compartiendo experiencias, estrategias y buenas prácticas relacionadas con la movilidad humana, el desplazamiento forzado y los derechos humanos. Con un mensaje del Jefe de Cooperación de la Cooperación Suiza #COSUDE, cerramos esta semana llena de intercambios en el Foro Internacional de Movilidad Humana y Patrones de Vulneración. No te pierdas el reservorio de información: https://lnkd.in/eMGZEcBG Embajada de Suiza en Colombia Universidad Icesi #CreamosOportunidades #Derechoshumanos #Migración

On November 25, 2024, the third edition of the annual CAMESCO conference was successfully held under the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments initiative (https://lnkd.in/edWN4dyp), co-implemented by Khmer Enterprise and Swisscontact in Cambodia. This collaborative effort was funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Khmer Enterprise (KE). The event brought together over 190 participants, including local and international investors, entrepreneurial support organisations, development partners, and government representatives. CAMESCO24 remained committed to the mission of fostering a collaborative network dedicated to drive systemic change in Cambodia’s entrepreneurial and investment ecosystems. Key Highlights:  ● Impact Investing: The GSG Impact Cambodia National Partner pre-launch showcased bold steps for a vibrant impact investment ecosystem, with panels on leveraging networks to boost investments and sustainability.  ● Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Insights into the evolving landscape, strategic partnerships driving systemic change, and global trends like AI and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) shaping future solutions.  ● Networking Opportunities: Connections flourished as stakeholders from Cambodia and beyond collaborated to tackle pressing challenges and harness emerging opportunities 🙏 Thank you to all our speakers, participants, and partners for making this a transformative event. Together, we're shaping the future of entrepreneurship and investment in Cambodia. Let’s keep the momentum going. #CAMESCO2024 #CollaborationForImpact #Entrepreneurship #ImpactInvesting #Cambodia