Switzerland

Switzerland's official development assistance has increased by an average of 5% per year since 2000. In 2012 it rose by 4.7% compared to 2011. This corresponds to CHF 2,833 million, which is CHF 126 million more than in 2011. The increase is due mainly to the extra funds approved by parliament to enable Switzerland to achieve the goal of 0.5% of gross national income by 2015 and by cost increases connected with reception of asylum seekers.

With an ODA of 0.45% of GNI, Switzerland is one of nine countries that increased their volume of contributions in 2012. For 2012 it occupies the 10th position (2011:11th) of the 24 member states of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which published its international comparison on April 3 (see press release attached). The percentage of national income earmarked for development is a recognised indicator making it possible to compare the performances of donor countries in relation to their economic affluence. Switzerland is a member of the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD and produces an annual statistical report on its development aid.

Switzerland's official development assistance is jointly allocated by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). It includes expenditure on humanitarian aid, development cooperation, cooperation with the countries of Eastern Europe and sums allocated to poor countries by other departments. At the end of May, the FDFA and the EAER will publish detailed information on the allocation of funds in the annual report on Switzerland's development cooperation in 2012.

Further information:

Press release OECD/CAD of 3.4.13
PAD table for Switzerland and international comparison (SDC Internet Site)

Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs