This was CHF263 million more than in 2019, largely because of financial assistance linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last June parliament signed off on supplementary credit to support international efforts to deal with the coronavirus.
Swiss overseas development assistance (ODA) also includes costs associated with assisting refugees and asylum seekers in the country. These costs amounted to CHF303 million, or 9% of ODA, in 2020.
“Latest estimates indicate that the ODA/GNI ratio over the period of the International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24 will average at 0.44%,” the foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The United Nations’ target for the ODA/GNI ration is 0.7%. In 2020 only Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, Denmark, Germany and the UK managed to reach this target among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states.
Popular Stories
More
Workplace Switzerland
What lies ahead for Switzerland: an economic outlook for 2025
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
Researchers find high microbial diversity in glacial streams
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have discovered a surprising diversity of microorganisms in glacial streams around the world. However, this diversity is under threat as soon as it is discovered.
This content was published on
Fewer electric cars were sold in Switzerland in 2024 compared to the previous year. The electric mobility association Swiss eMobility says this is only a temporary dip.
This content was published on
Sunshine and fresh snow attracted winter sports fans to Swiss ski resorts over the holiday period. Many ski stations reported record figures.
New Year’s speech: President Keller-Sutter praises Swiss modesty
This content was published on
The Swiss president for 2025, Karin Keller-Sutter, has underlined the importance of compromise and modesty in Swiss politics in her New Year’s address to the nation.
Lindt wins ‘chocolate ball’ legal case against Aldi
This content was published on
Chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has won a legal case against the retailer Aldi Suisse for infringing the trademark rights of its Lindor chocolate balls.
Campaigners want Swiss central bank to hold bitcoin in reserves
This content was published on
Campaigners have launched a people's initiative to oblige the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to hold part of its reserves in bitcoin.
Switzerland welcomes 2025 with fireworks and ice plunges
This content was published on
Fireworks lit up the skies in Switzerland to celebrate New Year's Eve. Some people welcomed the new year by plunging into lakes in freezing temperatures.
This content was published on
Switzerland supports development banks, which aim to boost the economies of poor countries. But aid money also ends up back in Swiss bank accounts.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.