Organisations active in international cooperation may apply for project and programme grants from 2026 onwards for initiatives that contribute both to poverty reduction and to strengthening sustainable development at the global level.

With the entry into force of the Act on International Cooperation for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development (GIZA), the Canton of Basel-Stadt will expand its funding from 2026 onwards. By 2029, the funds will gradually increase to 0.7% of tax revenue – around 19.5 million Swiss francs. 

With the Strategy for International Cooperation, the government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt translates its statutory mandate into concrete strategic direction and defines the funding priorities for each funding period. In doing so, it takes into account relevant developments in international cooperation as well as the requirements of key stakeholders. For the 2026-2029 period, the priorities health, climate resilience, and culture as a lever for poverty reduction have been defined (see media release). Funding based on these strategic priorities will begin in 2027 for selected funding tools. Project and programme grants are exempt from this and will remain thematically open.

The strategy development process began in summer 2024 with surveys of selected stakeholders and an information event at which relevant organisations were able to present their needs. In summer 2025, selected stakeholders were given insight into the draft strategy and the opportunity to provide feedback. Representatives from the cantonal administration as well as from relevant expert circles were also involved in the development of the strategy.