Federal Council adopts report on collaboration with Swiss NGOs
Bern, 11.10.2023 - At its meeting on 11 October 2023, the Federal Council adopted a report on collaboration with Swiss NGOs in the context of international cooperation (IC). The report, covering the strategy period 2017–20, was drawn up in fulfilment of Schneider-Schneiter Postulate 20.4389 of 2 December 2020. The report sets out the legal bases and funding mechanisms for collaboration with Swiss NGOs and identifies the criteria they must fulfil in order to receive federal funding. It also provides examples illustrating the added value of the collaboration with Swiss NGOs in achieving the goals of Switzerland's IC and thus the 2030 Agenda.
Collaboration between state and non-state actors is becoming increasingly important to solving global challenges. The administrative units responsible for implementing the IC strategy – the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Peace and Human Rights Division in the FDFA as well as the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs in the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research – therefore work together with governments, multilateral organisations, private companies, academic institutions, and international, local and Swiss NGOs. These partnerships benefit from the valuable synergies and multiplier effects generated by the NGOs' knowledge and expertise.
Modalities and legal basis for collaboration
The administrative units responsible for implementing IC collaborate with Swiss NGOs through mandates and three types of contributions: targeted contributions, programme contributions and core contributions.
Collaboration with Swiss NGOs is governed by two distinct legal bases: the mandates are awarded in accordance with the rules of public procurement law and the contributions are governed by the Subsidies Act.
The administrative units responsible are legally required to monitor the use of funds to ensure that it is efficient and cost-effective. In order to fulfil this legal mandate, they have a comprehensive system at their disposal to manage and monitor collaboration with NGOs. The system allows them to measure the implementation of IC objectives and to identify and minimise operational and political risks in their collaboration with contracting partners at an early stage.
CHF 1.2 billion was allocated to Swiss NGOs over the four years of the IC strategy period 2017–20.
Selection of NGOs and importance of certification
NGOs are selected according to transparent and verifiable criteria and in compliance with legal requirements. Independent certification is a key criterion for NGOs to qualify for an SDC programme contribution (programme contribution to the international program of Swiss NGOs). The Federal Council's report therefore also addresses the significance of certification bodies in the awarding of programme contributions.
Address for enquiries
For further information:
FDFA Communication
Tel. Press service +41 460 55 55
kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Documents
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
