The objective of MDBs is to reduce poverty, create free markets and foster democracy. They strive to achieve this by offering loans and guarantees, often at more favourable conditions or with longer repayment terms than would be possible with commercial banks. MDBs also advise their customers on, for instance, how to run their business. The customers of MDBs include governments as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and local banks.
Overcoming global challenges – but also certain national or local challenges – calls for a coordinated effort by the community of nations. The multilateral development banks (MDBs) play a key role in international cooperation.
Switzerland is committed to contribute to a strong multilateral system. The Swiss-funded multilateral organisations are committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Apart from the MDBs, these also include various UN organisations and global funds.
Switzerland supports for example the World Bank Group and places an executive director in its board of directors. The 2019 World Development Report of the World Bank investigates the impact of new technologies on employment in developing countries.
Message on capital increases at the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank
Switzerland intends to contribute CHF 297 million to capital increases at the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank. The Federal Council adopted the relevant dispatch. The two banks are priority multilateral organisations in terms of Switzerland’s international cooperation, and are key actors in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly with regard to tackling poverty.
Last modification 06.07.2023