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Development policy

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

What does “sustainability” really mean?

Reflections on an overused concept, the aspirations of which are controversial even in academia. A change of paradigm is needed.

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

"The local people always know their needs best"

Patricia Danzi took over as head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) on 1 May, succeeding an FDFA diplomat who had reached the end of his career. In an interview, she lays out some initial priorities.

Article as analysis

“Poverty is a political choice”

The outgoing UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty leaves behind an alarming report. It posits that the narrative of declining global poverty is based on questionable figures. And the role of development cooperation is being overrated.

Article as analysis

Persistence pays off

In 2019, Alliance Sud reported in its magazine “global” on the Swiss agricultural firm GADCO in Ghana. Those in charge rejected the portrayal. Guest author Holy Kofi Ahiabu, the Ghanaian employee of Alliance Suds Kristina Lanz, faced intimidation.

Article as analysis

Five questions on the corona crisis in the South

What does the corona crisis mean for people in the global South? Highlighting some answers of five men and women with no claim to representativeness.

Article as analysis

Back to «normal»?

The corona pandemic is not just an epoch-making health and humanitarian challenge, but in many developing countries will also translate into a protracted economic, political and social crisis. International solidarity is needed now more than ever.