Switzerland supports the World Bank in the fight against poverty
Bern, April 16, 2025 — Switzerland is contributing CHF 600 million to the 21st replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. These funds will be used to combat poverty and address global challenges in the 78 poorest countries worldwide. In addition, Switzerland is providing USD 32.1 million in support of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). This decision was made by the Federal Council on April 16, 2025.
Switzerland’s CHF 600 million contribution to the 21st IDA replenishment will be disbursed over nine years. IDA is the World Bank’s fund dedicated to supporting the poorest countries, improving living standards, and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Between July 2025 and June 2028, IDA plans to invest up to USD 100 billion to enhance living conditions, promote sustainable growth and job creation, and address global challenges such as climate change and fragility. During the negotiations, Switzerland successfully advocated for a limited set of measurable goals for IDA, particularly in areas such as private sector development, governance, debt management, gender equality, climate action, and crisis prevention.
Switzerland is also continuing its long-standing commitment to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), which it has supported since 2005, with a further contribution of USD 32.1 million. This initiative relieves heavily indebted developing countries of their IDA loan repayments, provided they implement specific reforms.
As a long-standing member of the World Bank, Switzerland plays an active role in shaping the Bank’s strategic direction and programs through its representation on the governing bodies. Switzerland’s support for IDA is part of its International Cooperation Strategy 2025–2028.