The Centre - CDC

We are an interdisciplinary core group that aims to promote applied research, knowledge production and innovation in the field of development, international cooperation and humanitarian aid. We address partners such as the general public, non-governmental organisations, public and academic institutions and social enterprises and the private sector.

.  The Centre in figures

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is involved in international cooperation through continuing education programmes in the sector, partnerships and applied research projects in various countries in the Global South and North aimed at a better understanding of the current complex dynamics that affect the life of the world's most vulnerable people.
  • 5
    Staff members,
    including one based in Ethiopia
  • 20
    SUPSI researchers working
    on international cooperation issues
  • 4
    Research fields in 2 geographical focus (Ethiopia and Latin America)
  • 2
    Certificates of Advanced Studies

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Mission


The CDC understands cooperation as an openness to horizontal dialogue, mutual exchange and learning, leading to social and economic transformation on a global level. Located in southern Switzerland, the Centre takes a critical approach to international cooperation and humanitarian aid, paying attention to historical structures, new trends and evolutions, and recognising the role of all actors involved, at local, national and international level. Through its activities in the four institutional mandates (graduate courses, continuing education, applied research, services), the CDC contributes to a better understanding of the current complex dynamics that affect the life of the world's most vulnerable people.

All our activities focus on the Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030 and are implemented in respect to the 11 Principles of the KFPE (Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Global South countries).

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Teaching

The CDC is involved in graduate courses, integrating international cooperation issues in different disciplines thanks to its networks of researchers and lecturers. The Centre also offers different continuing education courses (Short Advanced Studies and Certificate of Advanced Studies) related to humanitarian, development and international cooperation issues.

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Applied research

Several SUPSI researchers affiliated to the CDC are involved in applied research projects on issues related to development, humanitarian aid and cooperation in the Global South as well as in relation to the Global North. Most of the projects involve long-term partnerships with academic and non-academic institutions in Switzerland and abroad.

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Services

Beside research, based on the long-term experience of the collaborators, services such as evaluations, consulting and second opinions are offered.

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