Helvetas outlines how it adapts its advocacy approaches in increasingly restrictive and fragile contexts marked by authoritarianism, conflict and digital surveillance. Drawing on experiences across countries, the organisation highlights risks linked to NGO registration, terminology sensitivities, AI-enabled monitoring, violent settings and partnerships, and explains how human rights–based approaches, rigorous due diligence, coalition-building and capacity development help mitigate these challenges. The article underscores Helvetas’ commitment to safeguarding staff and partners while sustaining effective, ethical advocacy for communities.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has announced the International Cooperation Forum 2026, to be held on 26–27 February 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Centre. Organised by the SDC of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the forum will address the future of humanitarian aid amid growing global crises and shrinking funding. High-level participants include Federal Councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, as well as UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher. Discussions will focus on humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law and Switzerland’s role in International Geneva.

University of Bonn

Qualifications: Internationally recognised research excellence in agricultural robotics, including autonomous agricultural machinery, robotic systems for crop production, or robotics control engineering. Proven experience in acquiring competitive third-party funding and coordinating research networks. Strong teaching profile in agricultural engineering, sensors, technology and robotics. Eligibility requirements according to §36 Hochschulgesetz NRW apply.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Qualifications: Advanced university degree in agriculture, rural development, natural resource management, environment, economics or a closely related field, with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural research for development or related development initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in AR4D partnerships, project design and implementation, knowledge management and policy engagement, with experience working in multicultural and international contexts. Strong analytical, synthesis and communication skills in English are required; knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic is an asset.

Helvetas highlights how sustained grassroots advocacy, combined with long-term technical support, led to landmark irrigation sector reforms in Kyrgyzstan. Farmer- and municipality-led campaigns successfully changed the national water law in 2021, enabling local authorities to take responsibility for irrigation systems and invest public funds. Building on this success, Helvetas continues to support implementation through the TIRIP project, helping municipalities secure funding, clarify roles and improve irrigation services, despite administrative reforms and renewed centralisation pressures.

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) have released the 10th edition of The State of Sustainable Markets 2025, showing that certified agriculture now covers nearly 10% of the global harvested area for eight key crops. Based on 2023 data, the report highlights continued growth driven mainly by cotton, cocoa, oil palm, soybeans and sugarcane, while organic agriculture remains the largest sustainability standard worldwide. The publication, supported by Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), confirms the resilience and expanding role of voluntary sustainability standards despite recent geopolitical disruptions.