|
9/11/09 - Switzerland’s aid volume was USD 2.02 billion in 2008 (2.19 billion CHF), an increase of more than 6% over the previous year, and a total of 0.421% of its gross national income (GNI). In 2008 it had already surpassed its Monterrey commitment to contribute 0.4% of its GNI to ODA by 2010. Switzerland should adopt a 0.5% target for its aid, keeping in mind the 0.7% UN target. This is one of the recommendations of the Peer Review of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Swiss development co-operation, which was launched today in Bern.
At the request of parliament, the Federal Council has evaluated options for a growth path towards a 0.5% ODA/GNI ratio by 2015 and acknowledged the general objective of increasing ODA. However, given the current financial constraints the Federal Council will ask for additional means from parliament for the multilateral Development Banks as from 2013 only.
Switzerland has a long tradition of international assistance; its aid to humanitarian causes and multilateral donors serves as lessons in good practice. Switzerland also contributes to international thinking on governance and development in fragile situations. Despite a strong emphasis on the world’s poorest countries (65% of bilateral ODA), Swiss aid is dispersed among too many countries and sectors. Switzerland now strives to strengthen its geographic and sector focus. In doing so, it should confirm that the primary goal of all its development co-operation is poverty reduction, including equitable and sustainable development.
Some 80% of Swiss aid is managed jointly by the Swiss ministries of Economic and Foreign Affairs. While welcoming the steps Switzerland has taken to reinforce its strategic approach to development co-operation, the review notes that greater cohesion between the two ministries would reduce duplication and transaction costs. Through ongoing institutional reforms, more authority will be delegated to field offices so as to make development co-operation more effective.
In reforming its aid system, Switzerland will need to do more to set standards, monitor outcomes and assess impact of its development co-operation programmes. Switzerland faces challenges in implementing some of the international principles for making aid more effective, particularly in fragile states.
Switzerland has made progress in bringing areas such as trade and the restitution of stolen assets in line with its commitments to development. It must build on such examples to ensure that all policies are coherent with its development aims. Switzerland must also strengthen efforts to communicate the positive results of aid in order to maintain strong public and political support.
For more information please visit www.oecd.org/dac/peerreviews/switzerland or contact Karen Jorgensen or Jolanda Profos at +33 1 45 24 94 61
>> Read the full report.
Follow us on :
   
|
