E+E in Swiss international cooperation
Education and economy are core themes of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). SDC’s Economy and Education (E+E) section is one of seven thematic sections. The E+E section’s role is to promote policy dialogue, set norms, provide advisory services to all SDC units, develop and implement strategic partnerships, and ensure capacity development and institutional learning in the field of economy and education.
The E+E team works either directly or in coordination with other SDC entities or Federal Offices toward the objective of «contributing to inclusive, peaceful and green development for people and the planet».
Global context
SDC is set in a context of two overarching trends: the end of convergence between poorer and richer countries, and the emergence of the polycrisis.
Current crises – including conflicts, climate change, natural disasters and COVID-19 impacts have led to reduced economic growth forecasts and increased youth unemployment, posing significant risks to socio-economic development and social cohesion. The education sector, also impacted by these multiple crises, faces a $100 billion annual financing gap to achieve SDG 4 in low and lower-middle countries, with substantial consequences for children and youth, especially in conflict-affected regions.
E+E's main strategic implications within the global context
E+E is uniquely positioned to advance the objectives in the IC Strategy 2025- 28 focusing on human development (SDG 4) and sustainable economic development (SDGs 8 and 9) - with the creation of decent jobs acting as a pivotal «bridge» between education and economy - thus contributing to the reduction of poverty, hunger and inequalities (SDGs 1, 2 and 10).
- Embracing an inclusive, peaceful and green development as the overall goal of E+E
- Scaling PSE as the overarching modality for the entire SDC
- Becoming «fitter» for fragile and conflict-affected contexts
- Committing to a service-oriented E+E «business model» to serve the whole SDC
Key documents
Key links
- International Cooperation (IC) Strategy 2025–28
The International Cooperation (IC) Strategy for the years 2025 to 2028 defines Switzerland’s priorities for development and economic cooperation, humanitarian aid and the promotion of peace and human rights.