The Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal (2009-2012) provides the strategic orientation for the activities of the Swiss Government in support of inclusive democratic state-building, human security and socio-economic development in Nepal. The strategy focuses on the work of the Swiss Foreign Ministry (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation - SDC and Political Directorate, especially Political Affairs Division IV – PD IV).

• Overall Goal
• Guiding Principles
• Cross Cutting Issue
• Geographical Focus
• Financial Resources
• Human Resources

Click here for the 'Overview of Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal 2009 - 2012'

Overall goal: 

The overall goal of the Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal (2009-2012) is to support inclusive democratic state-building and to promote human security and socio-economic development in Nepal. Switzerland will focus on the peace process, human rights and livelihoods to ensure equitable access for women and men, in particular disadvantaged groups (DAG) , to rights, public goods and services.

Guiding Principles:

The Swiss engagement with Nepal is guided by the 10 Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations (DAC 2007), the Accra Agenda for Action and the general orientation of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. In particular, emphasis is put on:

• Whole-of-government approach: the Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal shall be based on a coherent application of all Swiss foreign policy instruments as well as other ministries’ instruments, when applicable. Above all, it compels SDC and the PD (especially PD IV) to engage together on the political-security-development nexus at both policy and operational levels.
• Impartiality: All Swiss policies and projects shall be based on the principle of impartiality, which implies an engagement with and understanding of all sides without compromising on basic values such as human rights principles.
• Nepalese ownership and empowerment: The Swiss engagement shall contribute, as much as possible, to enabling Nepali people and their government to make their own choices according to their priorities and which are in line with the existing Plans of the Government of Nepal (e.g. Three Year Interim Plan, 2007/09-2009/10).
• Equity and inclusion: All Swiss policy and programme activities shall contribute to the removal of institutional barriers and ensure equitable access of disadvantaged groups to decision making and public services through empowerment as well as incentive and support systems.
• Rights-based approach, transparency, accountability and responsiveness: All assistance shall follow a rights-based approach that includes the support and capacity building of the duty bearer (state) to fulfil its obligations, and the support and empowerment of right-holders to exercise their rights and responsibilities.
• Linkage between the operational and policy level: There shall be a permanent interaction and networking between the operational and policy level as well as between national, regional and international levels.

Cross cutting issues:

Equity with Special Focus on Gender and Disadvantaged Groups (DAG)

Given the extremely unequal access of women and men as well as DAG to resources and decision making processes, gender and DAG equity is an integral part of planning, implementation and monitoring of all Swiss implemented and funded activities in and for Nepal. Gender and DAG equity sensitive policy and programming is therefore aimed at contributing to equitable power sharing to address social conflicts and tensions.

Geographical focus:

The Swiss programme is implemented at the national level with a special focus on two Swiss cluster areas. The first Swiss cluster area is led by SDC in central Nepal, and comprises of the districts of Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, and Khotang . Between 2009 and 2011, Switzerland will gradually reduce its activities from Dolakha and launch a new programme in Khotang. The second Swiss cluster area is in western Nepal, led by Helvetas , and comprises the districts of Dailekh, Achham, Jajarkot and Kalikot. In the western cluster, Helvetas will lead the local coordination of activities of the different development projects financed by SDC.

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By 2011 and in view of the increasing contribution to development and peace through a critical mass of interconnected project activities, fostering linkages between operational and policy levels, about 40% of SDC’s budget will be invested in the two Swiss cluster areas.

Swiss Cluster Area-wise Fund Allocation

Financial resources:

The overall budget for the Swiss cooperation in Nepal will remain at around CHF 25 million per annum (including programme contributions to Swiss NGOs). The allocation of SDC’s South Asia Division amounts to at least CHF 20 million per annum with an increasing trend depending upon the prevailing scenario. The allocation under PD IV amounts to approximately CHF 2 million per annum. With regard to budget distribution: geographic-wise Switzerland’s target is to spend at least 40% of its budget within the two Swiss cluster areas; programme component-wise, around 30% of Switzerland’s budget is allocated to Consolidation of the Peace Process and State Building (Component 1) and around 60% to Inclusive, Connected Local Development (Component 2). The remaining 10% of Switzerland’s budget for Nepal is allocated for running costs of the Cooperation Office, as well as small actions.

Human resources:

The team of Swiss and Nepalese staff shall implement the Swiss programme. The development interventions shall apply a portfolio management approach and continue to enhance the role of National Programme Officers as project portfolio managers. Similar recognition and strengthening of local capacity shall be pursued through continuous learning and strengthening of technical, social, and behavioural capacities and competencies. Workforce diversity will remain one of the priorities for human resources management at country level.