Partnerships and initiatives enable the Canton of Basel-Stadt to pursue its own strategic priorities in international cooperation. They focus on long-term partnerships with selected cities, regions or countries that respond to concrete local needs and are developed jointly with local partners. The aim is to help improve the living conditions of people affected by poverty and vulnerable groups, while sustainably strengthening local capacities and institutional structures.

The Canton’s role goes beyond providing financial support. Basel-Stadt contributes its own expertise, experience and networks and promotes knowledge and experience sharing, institutional learning, and the joint development and testing of solutions. This allows the specific strengths of the Canton and the Basel region to be used where they can create additional value for international development.

During the 2026–2029 strategy period, the Canton places particular emphasis on health, climate resilience and culture as a lever for poverty reduction.

Yopougon is the most populous municipality in the metropolitan area of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s main cultural and economic centre. Rapid population growth places considerable pressure on public infrastructure and the provision of services.

The Canton of Basel-Stadt and Yopougon have maintained a city partnership since 2021. During the pilot phase from 2021 to 2024, they jointly implemented projects in health, education, culture, and the economy. These included the construction and the implementation of a quality management system of a health centre, the expansion of a primary school, a cultural project, and activities promoting corporate social responsibility.

The pilot phase was externally evaluated in 2025. Based on the findings of the evaluation and an analysis of local needs, the continuation of the partnership for the period 2026–2029 is currently being assessed.

Budget: CHF 1,070,000 for 2021–2024 (of which CHF 625,000 provided by the Canton)

Implementation partners: Yopougon municipal administration, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, swisspeace, Theater Basel

The Canton of Basel-Stadt is engaged in Romania with the aim of improving the living conditions of the Roma population. Roma in Romania are disproportionately affected by poverty, social and economic exclusion, and discrimination. The initiative aims to strengthen their social and economic participation.

As part of this initiative, the Canton supports two programmes. One focuses on reducing school dropout among Roma girls and improving their educational opportunities. The other focuses on strengthening social participation and reducing the marginalisation of Roma communities. The programmes are implemented jointly with local Roma organisations and aim to achieve concrete improvements in the participating communities while also generating impact beyond them.

Budget: CHF 1,160,000 for 2023–2026

Implementation partners: Civil Society Development Foundation, Agentia Impreuna, E-Romnja Association

Sahab is a highly industrialised city south-east of the Jordanian capital Amman. Rapid population growth and the arrival of a large number of refugees have created considerable social, infrastructural and environmental challenges. Around 17% of its approximately 187,000 residents are refugees, most of whom live alongside the local population in the city’s neighbourhoods.

The Canton of Basel-Stadt supports Sahab in improving residents’ quality of life and making the city more climate-resilient and sustainable. The initiative focuses on greening public spaces, strengthening municipal capacities, and creating safe and inclusive public spaces. It also addresses issues such as recycling, urban gardening, and the efficient use of water and energy. Residents are involved in planning and design through workshops and other participatory formats.

Budget: CHF 960,000 for 2023–2026

Implementation partners: Sahab Municipality, UN-Habitat Jordan