© Christian Bobst

Why Urban Poverty is Underestimated and Misunderstood

Helvetas' urban planning expert explores why a localized response is necessary to address urban poverty challenges.
© Christian Bobst

Helvetas works to alleviate poverty and advance human rights in more than 30 countries.

Risks Faced by the New Urban Poor

In Bangladesh's urban areas, rapid and unplanned growth is putting a strain on infrastructure, worsening environmental risks and exacerbating inequalities.
© Natasha Zima

Supporting Ukraine's Small Businesses

Helvetas continues to support the local population in their daily struggle for survival, while helping local businesses meet urgent demands.
Local farmers from Gorkha village in Nepal carry vegetabals while crossing a suspension bridge over the Trishuli river.  | © Narendra Shrestha

10,000 Bridges in Nepal: A Model for Localization

A Nepali engineer who has worked with Helvetas since 1990 shares insights on project ownership and the future of South-South cooperation for the trail bridge sector.

In eastern Ukraine, Repair Hubs run by volunteers help local residents rebuild war-damaged homes:

SPECIAL FEATURE: Fostering good governance and civic engagement

Multimedia Story: Women Inspiring Change in Guatemala

After a traditional upbringing, Irma is now the director of the women’s center in her community. She wants to empower women and give them a voice. Here is her story.

Travel around the world with our stories

Yezina Overcomes Every Hurdle

Yezina won't let her handicap stop her. She wants to become a successful seamstress who decides her own life.
© Helvetas / Jonathan Widmer

Welcome Home

Hospitality has a long tradition for the Red Dao in the northern highlands of Vietnam. Thanks to sustainable tourism, it should now also give rural communities an income.
© K M Asad

Feeding Mothers' Courage

In Bangladesh, women dare to stand up for a healthy pregnancy

Where and how we work

Our Topics

Helvetas’ work impacts livelihoods: water, food and the environment. Thanks to trainings and capacity building people better determine their living conditions.
© Helvetas / Hanspeter Bundi

Where we work

Helvetas helps people in some thirty different countries to actively improve their living conditions. Find out more about our work in each of these countries.

Advocacy

Sustainable development only works within the right policy framework. Helvetas advocates for dialog with political decision-makers.

Our topics

WASH Services

Helvetas helps vulnerable populations build resilience and prepare for climate change by securing access to safe water and a stable supply of nutritious food.

Skills, Jobs and Income

Lack of education perpetuates inequality and limits economic opportunity. Helvetas enhances the quality of skills training and helps build fair labor markets with decent jobs.

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.
© Helvetas / Simon B. Opladen

WASH & Water Governance

The most vulnerable communities of the world suffer from dirty water. Every year, we support up to 500,000 people in getting access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities.

Gender & Social Equity

Helvetas makes sure that our work actively and meaningfully includes and supports the most disadvantaged groups.

Climate & Disaster Resilience

Every year, we support over 1,000,000 people in adapting to climate change, reducing the risks of disasters, sustainably managing natural resources, and conserving nature.

Food & Nutrition

Helvetas works to combat the world’s hunger problem by connecting disadvantaged women and men to stable supplies of affordable, nutritious and healthy food.

About us

Helvetas is an independent Swiss development organization that is building capacity in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. We bring about real change in the lives of over three million disadvantaged people every year. We implement development projects in the areas of water, food and climate, education, jobs and private sector development, governance, gender and social equity. Helvetas also provides emergency response after disasters. In Switzerland we promote solidarity in spirit and in action and take part in the ongoing developmental policy dialogue.

Learn more about our strategy