Amman:The Swiss Embassy in Amman has announced the launch of the Swiss Cooperation Programme for Syria and Neighbouring Countries for the years 2026 to 2029. This initiative is designed to bolster regional stability, resilience, and sustainable development, focusing on supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing national systems and institutions in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.
According to Jordan News Agency, the programme was introduced at a recent event in Amman. It merges Switzerland's humanitarian, development, peace, and migration efforts into a cohesive strategy to address both urgent humanitarian needs and long-term structural challenges in the region.
Swiss Ambassador to Jordan, Emilija Georgieva, emphasized the importance of partnership and resilience. She noted that Jordan has continually demonstrated these values and expressed Switzerland's commitment to maintaining its collaborative efforts with Jordan and other partners.
The programme will concentrate on four key areas humanitarian assistance, economic development, climate, and peace and good governance. It aims to improve inclusive education, protection systems, and access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Additionally, it seeks to enhance economic resilience through skills development, job creation, and increased private-sector involvement.
Water management, sustainable resource practices, climate adaptation, and disaster-risk reduction are also significant components of the programme. It aims to bolster institutions, the rule of law, accountability, inclusive governance, and social cohesion.
Since 2001, Switzerland has been engaged in international cooperation with Jordan, expanding its role significantly after the Syrian crisis in 2011. The ongoing challenges Jordan faces, such as prolonged displacement, economic strains, water shortages, and regional instability, have been focal points of Swiss-supported programmes. These initiatives have provided educational access to approximately 33,000 vulnerable children and adolescents in refugee camps from 2019 to 2025 and opened employment opportunities for over 800 young people in hospitality and tourism.
On environmental fronts, Switzerland has supported climate-resilient water solutions, improved wastewater management, and developed flood-risk mapping capacities. The "Blue Peace Middle East" initiative has been instrumental in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation on shared water resources.
The new programme aims to build on these past achievements by enhancing economic opportunities, water security, protection systems, and inclusive governance in Jordan and the surrounding region. It will prioritize locally led initiatives, conflict sensitivity, gender equality, social inclusion, and climate adaptation.
The programme will be executed in collaboration with government institutions, United Nations agencies, international and local organizations, civil society, and the private sector, promoting innovative solutions, strengthening institutional capacities, and supporting sustainable development outcomes for both refugees and host communities.
Eileen Hofstetter, Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Jordan, reiterated that Switzerland's role is to be a reliable partner in shaping the future. Through the programme, Switzerland commits to continuing as a dependable, long-term partner, combining immediate assistance with investment in stronger institutions, economic opportunities, climate adaptation, and lasting peace.