Switzerland has long been recognized as a leader in international cooperation, balancing humanitarian aid with long-term development investments that address the root causes of poverty, instability, and displacement. A coalition of Swiss foundations is now raising concerns about proposed shifts in the country's international cooperation strategy, including budget reductions, staff cuts, and a growing emphasis on short-term humanitarian response at the expense of long-term development programs.

The foundations acknowledge that humanitarian aid is essential for saving lives during emergencies. However, they argue that focusing primarily on crisis response rather than prevention is both short-sighted and more costly over time. They point to evidence from organizations such as the World Bank, OECD, and United Nations showing that investments in education, healthcare, climate resilience, economic opportunity, and strong institutions are among the most effective ways to reduce poverty, fragility, and conflict before they escalate into humanitarian crises.

The statement also highlights the critical role of education in expanding opportunities, strengthening social cohesion, advancing human rights, and building long-term prosperity. According to the foundations, weakening Switzerland’s development cooperation would not only impact public programs but also reduce the effectiveness of philanthropic initiatives and public-private partnerships that rely on those investments.

The group is calling on the Swiss Federal Council and Parliament to maintain Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation and continue investing in approaches that promote peace, resilience, and sustainable development. They argue that development cooperation is not just humanitarian—it is also an important tool of foreign policy, security, and global stability.

Do you think governments should prioritize immediate humanitarian aid or invest more heavily in long-term development programs that aim to prevent crises before they occur?