Team

"In a fragile food system, concepts like agroecology, Farmer-Managed Seed Systems, and underutilized species like sorghum and millets are at the frontline of transformation. This movement shifts power back to local communities, rebuilding autonomy. By diversifying crops and securing seed-saving rights, we build climate resilience and restore dignity. To me, this isn't just development - it is the only path toward a truly food-secure future."

"I'm working at SWISSAID because I genuinely believe that waking up everyday to support the fight towards social justice, community empowerment and against climate change is worth more than waking up everyday just to pay the rent."

"Global hunger crises, gender inequality, and climate change are interconnected issues. Through my work at SWISSAID, I would like to raise more awareness for the linkages between them."

«In West and Central Africa, climate change is increasingly leading to droughts, floods, food insecurity, and water scarcity. To strengthen the self-determination and resilience of farmers in the face of climate change, agroecology and sustainable water management are essential. Working together with our partners on this transformation and developing sustainable solutions motivates me every single day.»

"As someone who has long been aware of the challenges smallholder farmers face, I find SWISSAID's work in promoting agroecological practices deeply inspiring. Seeing how the entire communities thrive is not only powerful - it’s also what makes being part of this journey so fulfilling."

«By working at SWISSAID, I get the opportunity to make a contribution to sustainable change processes, addressing global challenges such as food security and gender equality. It’s important to me that shaping these developments is a participatory process: the voices of all involved actors and particularly of affected communities matter.»

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"The diversity of human lives is a source of inspiration; the extent of global injustice a call to action. Together with our partner organisations, we facilitate the participation and perspectives of smallholder farmers and thus lay the groundwork for significant change."

«Sustainability and equal opportunities are two core values for me. I am pleased that I can make a small contribution to a more sustainable and fairer world with my work at SWISSAID.»

"I dream of a world where solidarity, self-determination, and generosity shape our way of living together. Through my work at SWISSAID, I want to make my small contribution to making this dream a reality."

«As a tourism professional, I've introduced many people to foreign countries and cultures. The beautiful sides, but also the sad ones. Aware of the dark side, I would like to convince people of the hope that a donation to SWISSAID can help. For the people who are not on the sunny side of life.»

«For me, the question of meaning is essential. By working at SWISSAID, I'm convinced that I'm participating in projects that are relevant and in favour of crucial causes, such as the promotion of agro-ecology and gender equality.»

"Several years spent working abroad have taught me one thing: local communities are not merely the recipients of solutions – they are the main actors. They possess the knowledge, experience, and capacity to develop appropriate responses to the challenges they face. My role is, above all, to listen to them and create the conditions for their initiatives to flourish. It is this conviction that motivates me to work at SWISSAID."

«Agroecology and gender equality are issues that form the basis for sustainable and equal development of communities. Meeting at eye level with our partners and the people on the ground motivates me every day to find lasting solutions together and to initiate important processes of change.»

"Improving food security, resilience to climate change and economic hazards in the community world are challenges I have been working to address for over a decade. Together with SWISSAID, we will join forces to lead communities toward positive change."

«Our projects make a difference in the lives of many vulnerable people. Our work effectively contributes to a just, peaceful and diverse world. I am thrilled to work towards this goal together.»

«Empowering women and young people - these are issues I am committed to, because I am convinced that this is a lever for sustainable change. Change that the world needs more than ever. Winning over foundations and donors who want to make this change possible together with SWISSAID - that's what my heart beats for.»

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"I am particularly sensitive to gender equality. I grew up in a matriarchy. For generations, women in my family made the decisions and managed the resources. I can't imagine a life without freedom and resources of my own. I want to help make empowerment a reality for all women around the world."

"I am deeply committed to supporting women and communities, central to SWISSAID's transformative projects in Tanzania. My work has taught me the importance of empowering local actors and fostering sustainable solutions that improve food security and livelihoods. Witnessing women farmers’ resilience and impact in their families and villages motivates me and affirms our progress."

«Making global supply chains fairer and more sustainable is key to improving the living and working conditions of people in the Global South. SWISSAID pursues this endeavour by doing advocacy among Swiss companies, which play a crucial role in many global supply chains. I am glad to be able to contribute to it on a daily basis. It makes my professional life particularly meaningful and motivating.»

«Getting people enthusiastic about our projects through direct and personal contact, convincing them of their relevance and impact, and gaining their support is meaningful to me and gives me great pleasure.»

"It is wonderful to see how SWISSAID is committed to helping the disadvantaged people of this world so that they can have a dignified and independent life. And to be able to contribute to this myself as a "little hand" is very inspiring."

"Food sovereignty, solidarity and gender equality are three issues that are particularly close to my heart and they are among SWISSAID's core concerns. In my work, I try to increase the visibility of the many activities that are carried out in the name of hope both here and abroad."

"As a partner of cantons, municipalities and companies, I show how our projects provide effective help for autonomy. We all have a social responsibility and it is only right to give back some of our wealth to the poorest people in the world. We cannot help everyone, but there is an old arab proverb that says: "Help one person and you have helped all mankind"".

"In order for the next generation to inhabit a world that is sustainable and secure, we urgently need to make changes towards more justice, climate and environmental protection. It motivates me that my work at SWISSAID means I can contribute to this, both here in Switzerland and in the partner countries."

"Without our donors, we could not achieve anything. They are the backbone of SWISSAID. They deserve to be treated honestly, transparently and as equals. And that we continually woo them and inspire them with the idea of a fairer world."

"For me, SWISSAID is like a good story: the people behind it are exciting, profound and multi-faceted. The themes are relevant, important and timeless."

"I am mainly involved with the tenth SWISSAID country, Team Switzerland. I have met incredible people in this team: committed, motivated, uniquely tolerant, humorous and amiable. A team that challenges me every day and for which I gladly give my best!"

"Whether in Asia, Africa or Latin America – project visits are incredibly inspiring. It is a constant reminder to me of how SWISSAID's work makes change towards a socially and ecologically sustainable future possible."

"I have always felt connected to our world. It is therefore of great concern to me that all people obtain the same opportunities and that we live in a healthy environment. If these two factors are aligned, we will all have a better life. SWISSAID is an opportunity for me to play my part in this."

"I want to play my part in the change that our world needs. SWISSAID uncovers problems, gets stuck in, sows hope. It is a great privilege for me to be able to devote my life to this organisation and to the poorest people in the world."

"My work at SWISSAID reminds me that building meaningful partnerships around the world helps to make Europe's relationships fairer. And it showcases how important global interconnections are."

"Equal opportunities are an essential prerequisite for the sustainable fight against poverty. SWISSAID supports women directly, but also raises awareness among men and boys. I campaign with conviction against inequalities that restrict rights – whether of women or men."

"What always impresses me when I visit the site: women, farmers and young people in our projects look the SWISSAID team in the eyes, because they feel understood and taken seriously. They know that it is their own project and that they are responsible for its implementation."

"Whether it's a climate crisis or social inequality, the world is facing incredibly serious challenges that need to be tackled globally. I see SWISSAID's work as an important part of the solution – and I am committed to it together with over 180 employees worldwide."

"In cooperation with local organisations and our partners in Switzerland, SWISSAID is laying the foundations for many disadvantaged smallholder families to be able to live a dignified and self-determined life in an intact environment. It gives me pleasure to contribute to the solution."

"By doing their bit, anyone can change the world. Working for an organisation that helps those most in need is in line with my deep desire to help create a better world where people support and care for each other more."

"I work with foundations, parishes and associations to create hope and prospects together. For me, every partnership is a sign of solidarity in action."

"Eating organic food, regional dishes on the table, equality for women – these are topics which are currently very popular in Switzerland, but which SWISSAID has been working on in the countries of the South for decades. I am convinced that this is the right way to a better future."

"At SWISSAID, I use my creativity and expertise to promote a fairer world – so that even the poorest people can live self-determined lives, free from hunger and violence."

"I always love to talk with community members about their concerns, difficulties, achievement and how SWISSAID could better support their initiatives. It is very lucky to me to be a part of SWISSAID’s work with partnered CSOs for the people who really need supports in this difficult situation."

"Getting involved in the fight against the curse of raw materials is both exciting and absurd. Because it seems natural to me that the local population should benefit from the wealth of their land."

"Working in development cooperation is more than a job – it is a choice of lifestyle. We at SWISSAID Ecuador are not just experienced professionals, but above all farmers who support each other and share a love of agro-ecology."

"SWISSAID Colombia works with communities that protect their land, seeds, and knowledge. We believe in the strength of women, in food sovereignty, and in climate justice as ways to create real change."

"SWISSAID places human dignity at the heart of all its interventions. This vision and our shared values are my main motivation for working here. Furthermore, there are no hierarchical barriers in our daily work together."

"SWISSAID aims to shape a society based on gender equality and traditional agricultural knowledge. It works with NGOs led by local people who share the same vision of society and are committed to and passionate about change."

"My work at SWISSAID has confirmed to me that the passion, motivation and perseverance of the people involved are essential factors for the success of development projects. In Tanzania, women farmers with a very low level of education prove this every day."

"Regularly ranked by the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) as one of the countries with the lowest human development index in the world, Niger faces immense challenges. By joining SWISSAID and through this organization, we intend to contribute to the well-being of this population so that they live in a more equitable world."

"I am fascinated by the diversity of seeds that the world's farmers have created. Humanity depends on this treasure when it comes to overcome the challenges of climate warming and species loss. That is why I am working by SWISSAID, to ensure that seeds remain in the hands of farmers and are not monopolized by seed multinationals."

"Considering the huge challenge of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius, the categories "needy", "helpers", "donors" are blurred. SWISSAID convinces me because we are working on an equal footing with the true experts in the field - farmers on four continents -, and are promoting climate-friendly, ecological food systems in both the North and the South."

"Giving small farmers the chance to improve their living conditions is the essence of SWISSAID's work. By providing a platform here for the stories of these people, I share local successes and hopes for global change."

"I was raised with a deep respect for nature and a commitment to serving people, with the goal of leaving the world better than I found it. I discovered a science that embodies these values, creating connections between people, ecosystems, and our shared well-being. That science is agroecology. Since then, my focus has been on promoting agroecology to foster sustainable development for both humans and our planet."

"Whether it be small farmers in Colombia who join forces to assert their rights with the local authorities or women in Chad who organise themselves to improve their living conditions together: Seeing people take their future into their own hands is my greatest motivation."

"During my travels, I have witnessed just how unequal the world is. These experiences have left a profound impact on me and permanently changed my perspective. I work at SWISSAID to spread a little bit of hope, so that a future can flourish even in places where people have fewer opportunities."

"The concerns of women and farmers as well as climate protection through agroecology deserve more attention - at the political level and in the public space. With my work at SWISSAID, I want to make these concerns more widely heard, especially in Switzerland."