The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is committed to ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. To this end, they have renewed their financial support for the Swiss Water and Sanitation Consortium (SWSC) for the period of 2023-2027, allocating a budget of 12 million Swiss francs. The SWSC, comprising ten Swiss NGOs, operates in 13 African and Asian countries, working to provide basic sanitation facilities to vulnerable communities.

Water is emerging as a critical global resource, with demand projected to surge by over 50% by 2030. Climate change intensifies disputes over water access. Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are cost-effective measures for reducing infant mortality, disease-related productivity losses, and preventing pandemics.

Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has emphasized this issue during his recent visit to Central Asia. Switzerland, with its unique expertise, is a key water resource for neighboring nations. The FDFA’s Blue Peace initiative fosters dialogue for equitable water access and good water management systems, promoting stability and peace.

The FDFA, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is enhancing its support for SWSC, which promotes innovative approaches and best practices among member NGOs. SWSC’s work includes building sanitation and hygiene facilities, clean water access, and strengthening health and education services, especially for girls. By focusing on disease prevention and climate resilience, SWSC contributes significantly to community development.

The projects funded until 2027 will provide clean water access to over 750,000 individuals and elevate Switzerland’s international standing in water-related initiatives. SWSC operates in 13 countries across Africa and Asia: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Sudan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, and Nepal.

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