OECD Peer Review Highlights Swiss Development-Cooperation Challenges in Education

A fresh OECD peer review (May 2025) of Switzerland’s development-cooperation framework highlighted both domestic strengths and international vulnerabilities in the country’s education strategy 

Spotlight on Education Aid

Switzerland is recognized for its strong international reputation in education aid, particularly through its active role in global partnerships designed to support learning in low-income countries. This includes targeted funding, policy frameworks, and technical support .

However, recent decisions by the Swiss federal government to reduce international aid allocations have raised concerns among global education stakeholders. The OECD review underscores that despite domestic excellence, Switzerland's contributions are critical to sustaining worldwide educational access—especially in sub-Saharan Africa and crisis-affected regions 

Challenges Amid Global Turbulence

The review casts light on the strained political landscape in Switzerland's aid system. With rising geopolitical instability, mounting security pressures, and shrinking development budgets, the country faces tough decisions in reconciling domestic priorities with global responsibilities .

Policy Recommendations

Key recommendations from the OECD include:

1. Reaffirming Education as Aid Priority: The OECD urges Switzerland to restore or increase funding for education under its international cooperation strategy 2025–2028, counterbalancing recent domestic budget cuts

2. Improving Transparency and Accountability: The OECD calls for clearer reporting on performance, results, and budgeting in the education aid sector to improve impact measurement .

3. Leveraging Swiss Expertise: Switzerland’s well‑structured, decentralized system provides a strong template for partner nations. OECD recommends expanding technical cooperation on governance and vocational training .

4. Balancing National and International Goals: With growing domestic demands, the review stresses that Switzerland maintain its global leadership in education cooperation—even in uncertain times .

   
   

   Balancing Act Ahead

   As Switzerland advances reforms in digital learning, vocational equity, and inclusive curricula domestically, it is simultaneously being urged to preserve its global role. The OECD review reinforces that education should remain a central pillar of its international cooperation—blending high standards at home with meaningful engagement abroad.