The ODA/GNI ratio reached a new high of 0.60% in 2023, up from 0.56% in 2022. This increase was due to efforts to meet needs related to the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict, as well as costs associated with hosting asylum seekers, refugees and people seeking protection in Switzerland during their first twelve months in the country.

The share of asylum costs in Switzerland that are included in ODA amounted to CHF 1.311 billion, equivalent to 28% of total ODA, in 2023. CHF 538 million of this amount was for refugees from the war in Ukraine granted the S protection status.

Excluding asylum costs, ODA spending increased by CHF 242 million compared to 2022. The ODA/GNI ratio, excluding asylum costs, was 0.43% in 2023, compared to 0.40% in 2022.

Role of Swiss international cooperation

Through its international cooperation, Switzerland helps to reduce poverty and promote peace and respect for human rights, respond to global challenges such as pandemics and climate change, and mitigate the causes of forced displacement and irregular migration. Switzerland also plays a role in establishing sustainable, environmentally-friendly development worldwide, with a focus on the sustainable management of natural resources.

Swiss international cooperation is primarily implemented by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the EAER and the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), whose budgets covered almost two-thirds of ODA in 2023. In addition to international cooperation activities, expenditures incurred by other federal offices – including costs related to asylum – are also counted as ODA, as are contributions by Swiss cantons and communes.

Calculating ODA and cross-country comparison

ODA is calculated on the basis of guidelines issued by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The relative contributions of the 31 donor countries that are members of the DAC is calculated based on the share of GNI that each of these countries spends on ODA. In the international ranking, Switzerland rises one place compared to 2022 and occupies the 8th position in 2023.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023