SDC and SECO promote projects by committed young people
Bern, 18.08.2021 - The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs are launching the second Swiss Youth and Future prize 'Together we're better'. The goal: recognising and promoting young people's projects. The projects aim to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people in the Global South and contribute to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All teams with eligible entries can present their project at the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) provide a platform for young people under 35 to exchange ideas with their peers and with experts from Switzerland's international cooperation. 'Together we're better' also aims to create an opportunity to elaborate concrete measures in favour of global sustainable development and to get young people involved in the implementation of the objectives of Switzerland's international cooperation.
Entry deadline, categories and prizes
Participants can submit their projects until 30 November 2021 at www.togetherwerebetter.ch . The SDC and SECO award prizes of up to CHF 12,000 in the following categories:
• 'Combating climate change': projects relating to 'climate change', the theme of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland
• 'Think global, act local': projects that address a global challenge and are implemented locally
• Start-up prize: Start-ups and projects with a business plan
• Community prize: projects that come out on top in an online vote
After the submission deadline, a jury composed of representatives of the SDC, SECO, NGOs and committed young people will review the submitted entries and select prize winners from among the most effective, innovative and sustainable projects in each category. The award ceremony will take place on 31 March / 1 April 2022 at the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland in Geneva.
Active participation in the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland
All teams with eligible submissions will have the opportunity to present and discuss their project at the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland. The SDC and SECO will also organise various workshops (webinars, idea pitch and speed coaching events) together with the participants.
Sustainability as a strategic objective
Switzerland is working to mitigate climate change in line with the priorities of its Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23, as set out in the International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24, which contributes to poverty reduction and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
