Bern, 23.11.2022 – Switzerland represents its interests effectively in multilateral development banks. The Federal Council adopted a report on November 23, 2022, showing how Switzerland is working to represent its priorities and interests in the governing bodies of multilateral development banks.
Switzerland made positive changes during the reporting period with respect to its multilateral priorities. The country took on an important role in negotiating strategic documents and adopting concrete projects and programmes, frequently acting as an intermediary within its constituencies.
The report shows that successful multilateral influence requires targeted strategic positioning, careful consideration of priorities, coordinated procedures in multilateral alliances and cooperation within constituencies. As the leader of a constituency at the World Bank Group and one at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Switzerland is permanently represented on the institutions’ governing and executive boards, putting the country in a particularly prominent position with significant potential influence.
Parliament set these multilateral priorities in December 2020 as part of capital raising by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank. They include support for the rule of law, human rights and gender equality, as well as sustainable agriculture (including agroecological approaches), the fight against climate change, the creation of high-quality local jobs and support for public health and education systems.