2023 Annual Report: Far-sighted development cooperation more important than ever
International development cooperation in 2023 was marked by major upheavals. Swisscontact is convinced that has never been more vital for development cooperation to exercise foresight and adapt promptly to changing circumstances. In 2023, a total of 139 projects were successfully carried out in 41 countries. Swisscontact’s Foundation Council is now even stronger after gaining three new members from the private sector.
2022: a challenging year and a reinvigorated Foundation Council
Although the negative circumstances this past year have presented difficulties for international development cooperation around the world, in 2022 Swisscontact was still able to successfully implement 131 projects in 41 countries. These included business development projects, thanks to which around 3.8 million people gained access to better products and services. Starting in 2023, Swisscontact will gain even more knowledge and experience through our Foundation Council.
International development cooperation 2021: Viable partnerships are key
In 2021, Swisscontact implemented 122 projects in 40 countries. Despite insecurity and ongoing restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 101,800 people around the world nevertheless completed programmes in vocational education, business training, and labour market integration. In addition, 56,300 new jobs were created or spared from downsizing.
New member of the Swisscontact Executive Board: Franz Kehl is the new Director of Products & Solutions
After an extensive and rigorous evaluation procedure, the Swisscontact Foundation Council has appointed Franz Kehl to the Executive Board as its newest member and Director of Products & Solutions. He will begin his tenure at Swisscontact in January 2022.
The former Chairman of the Swisscontact Foundation Board, Heinrich M. Lanz, passed the torch to his successor Thomas D. Meyer on 2 June 2021. Meyer and the new CEO, Philippe Schneuwly, who takes over from Samuel Bon, will form the new team at the head of Swisscontact from June 2021.
International development cooperation in the “COVID year 2020”: using digitalisation to foster resilience in people and businesses
In 2020, Swisscontact worked in a total of 39 countries and implemented 117 projects. Thanks to the long-term approach and strong local roots of these projects, 94,900 people were able to complete programmes in skills development, entrepreneurship and labour-market insertion despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In the area of company development, 870,200 farmers and SMEs received access to better services and products, enabling them to more effectively weather the current crisis.
