Stability in uncertain times: Together for strong international cooperation

Wars, the climate crisis and growing geopolitical tensions are shaping our times. Millions of people are losing their livelihoods, while funding for international cooperation is declining. In 2025, contributions from the world’s major development donors fell by more than 23% – the largest drop ever recorded by the OECD.

Especially now, cooperation across borders matters. That is why VSF-Suisse is joining 39 other Swiss NGOs in the campaign “Stability in uncertain times”, standing together for strong international cooperation.

Stability starts locally

For us, international cooperation is not about imposing solutions from the outside. Lasting change is created together with people on the ground. They know what their communities need and which solutions can work in their context. Development organisations can support them by strengthening local knowledge, expanding opportunities for action and creating new perspectives together. This approach is also at the heart of the joint campaign by Swiss NGOs.

At VSF-Suisse, our work shows us how important long-term cooperation is. Healthy animals, functioning local veterinary services and resilient livelihoods can help families and communities better prepare for droughts, disease outbreaks and other crises.

What happens elsewhere also affects Switzerland

Crises do not stop at national borders. Conflicts, climate change and economic uncertainty have consequences far beyond the regions directly affected. As a globally connected country, Switzerland also depends on a stable and peaceful world. International cooperation is therefore not only a matter of solidarity – it is also in our own interest.

Through “Stability in uncertain times”, more than 40 Swiss NGOs are sending a message together: a fairer and more liveable future is possible – if we continue to invest in it and take responsibility together.

Learn more about the campaign and why international cooperation matters:
www.swiss-ngo.ch

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