Urban development and infrastructure
Cities have a huge potential to advance economic development while fighting poverty and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Access to reliable and efficient urban infrastructure and public services is an important global competitiveness asset for cities.
Develop cities sustainably
Cities are important economic growth and innovation centres. The urban population will continue to grow steadily in the coming decades. To exploit their high development potential in a sustainable and climate-friendly manner, cities will require an integrated approach to planning and managing urban areas.
SECO conducts a dialogue with authorities and interest groups, and helps them develop forward-looking urban development strategies. Experts advise urban and national authorities on how to analyse their urban areas and set development priorities. This enables cities to select, plan and implement carefully thought-out infrastructure projects. SECO also helps cities structure project financing and access local sources of financing.
SECO prioritises the following areas:
- Expanding public and non-motorised transport (e.g., express bus corridors);
- Reinforcing the protection and resilience of cities against climate-related natural hazards (e.g., through monitoring systems and capacity strengthening of public servants;
- Improving urban energy management and expanding renewable energy (incl. through the Swiss label «Energy Cities», or the European Energy Award).
SECO is dedicated to promoting climate-friendly urban development.
Reliable services thanks to well-managed public companies
Reliable and efficient water, wastewater and energy services are important global competitiveness factors for cities. They play an essential role in the economic and social development of a country. They constitute a prerequisite for ensuring that disadvantaged population groups can participate in economic growth, too. Furthermore, environmentally friendly infrastructure services are crucial to countering the effects of climate change.
However, there is a lack of basic public services in many emerging and developing countries. This is mainly due to weak governance in public utilities, lack of resources and unfavourable policy or regulatory frameworks. SECO assists utility companies in improving their financial situation, managing their facilities professionally and introducing innovative technologies. It also promotes renewable energy (e.g. hydropower, solar power) in its partner countries.
SECO also supports skills development and training of professionals. In addition, it helps national and local authorities develop viable financing solutions and create favourable regulatory frameworks, in particular in the area of tariffs.