Switzerland's Multilateral Cooperation
Major global challenges such as global warming, health crises, armed conflicts and related food shortages require common solutions and coordinated efforts by the international community. Switzerland is therefore committed to a strong, effective and legitimate multilateral system. In particular, it cooperates with the various UN bodies and multilateral development banks, but also with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), whose activities are mandated by the international community.
As a small country with a very open economy, Switzerland relies on a strong multilateral system governed by common values, norms and rules. The United Nations play a key role in setting international standards, for example in the protection of global public goods such as the environment and water, human rights and gender equality, whereas multilateral development banks are instrumental in financing and supporting sustainable development in emerging and developing countries. With their capacity to ensure a rapid, targeted and coordinated response, the UN and its local partners, the ICRC, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also play a vital role in crises, armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing relief and humanitarian assistance.
The SDC's Multilateral Affairs and NGO Division is responsible for overall dialogue with organisations in the multilateral system. It does this in cooperation with other FDFA offices (UN Division, Peace and Human Rights Division, Directorate of International Law) as well as with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for multilateral development banks, and with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for the UNHCR.
SDC Key Documents
Multilateral Cooperation
A cornerstone of Switzerland's development and humanitarian aid policy
Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2025-2028
Switzerland's international cooperation strategy is a foreign policy instrument that is rooted in the Swiss Federal Constitution.
The ECOSOC Handbook
A practical guide to the United Nations Economic and Social Council
The GA Handbook
A practical guide to the United Nations General Assembly
The UN at Country Level Handbook
A practical guide to the United Nations Operational System
More information on the SDC mandate of multilateral cooperation can be found on the SDC website.
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