The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation implements the Federal Council’s foreign policy on humanitarian aid, development cooperation and cooperation with Eastern Europe. Switzerland's international cooperation for the 2017–20 period pursues seven strategic goals which are designed to meet foreign policy challenges and build on Switzerland’s unique expertise.

The SDC's activities are designed to reduce poverty and hardship, curb global risks, and promote development that preserves natural resources for future generations.  The SDC focuses its efforts on fragile and conflict-affected regions, where almost two-thirds of the world’s poor will be living by 2030, because there can be no peace without sustainable development, and there can be no sustainable development without peace.  The SDC supports countries in their efforts to overcome poverty- and development-related problems, thereby enabling disadvantaged population groups to have better access to basic education and healthcare. The SDC helps find solutions for environmental problems and creates better prospects for young people and women, both through vocational skills development and income generation.

International cooperation for the 2017–20 period pursues seven strategic goals:

• Contribute to developing an international framework that responds to global challenges
• Prevent and manage the consequences of crises, disasters and fragility, and promote conflict transformation
• Ensure sustainable access to resources and services for all
• Promote sustainable economic growth
• Strengthen the rule of law and democratic participation while supporting institutions that serve society and the economy
• Respect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms
• Strengthen gender equality and the rights of women and girls

SDC website