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Agenda 2030

Political article

17 reasons for a more effective SDS

The consultation procedure on the Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) ended in February. Numerous organisations were sharply critical of the draft. The Federal Council must focus more strongly on development opportunities for the poorest.

Political article

Who is afraid of the NGOs?

The Responsible Business Initiative failed in November because of a majority vote by the cantons, conservative economic associations could heave a sigh of relief. The backlash came nonetheless: Chronicle of a political attack on NGOs.

Political article

Swiss democracy needs a strong civil society

Today more than ever, we need a strong civil society – for the sake of effective development cooperation, for pro-development rules and regulations in the world economy, and for a vibrant democracy.

Article as analysis

The “Shadow Pandemic” and its Effects on the SDGs

The increase in gender-based violence during lockdowns, labelled the “shadow pandemic” by the UN, threatens the lives and livelihoods of women and girls in Nigeria. There is a need for collective action, writes Oladosu Adenike Titilope.

Article as analysis

Major challenge or wishful thinking?

The United Nations's sustainable development goals can only be achieved with full support of the economy. But is the corporate sector even willing and ready for this? Answers by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Political article

Noble intentions, short-sighted view

Three development economists were joint recipients of the 2019 Nobel Prize for Economics. Their approach and research methods are controversial, however.

Political article

After the elections...

Much has already been written about the 2019 parliamentary election results. One searched the media in vain for an assessment of their implications for Switzerland‘s development policy approaches or its foreign policy.

Political article

Laos: Unresolved fate of civil rights activist

Seven years ago the civil society activist Sombath Somphone was kidnapped in Laos. Organizations from around the world are appealing to the Laotian government to tell the truth about Sombath Somphone's fate.

Political article

Switzerland at the heart of SDG financialization?

According to the UN, there's a funding gap of 2,500 billion $ per year to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Raising this money will require private sector involvement – this is the current political consensus. Switzerland's financial centre positions itself.