60 years of Helvetas in Nepal
Regula Rytz, the President of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, a Swiss development organization, visited Nepal from November 21 to 27 to gain a comprehensive understanding of Helvetas' work in Nepal and the evolution of Swiss technical assistance over the years since it started its work in Nepal in 1956. She is also a former National Council member and the former President of Green Party of Switzerland. Excerpts of a conversation with Nepali Times:
You met with Prime Minister Dahal, could you share some insights?
Regula Rytz: The Prime Minister was very well informed about the work Helvetas has been doing in Nepal for more than 60 years. We are an independent development agency based in Switzerland, and we have a very special relationship with Nepal because it is the first country where we started development initiative from 1956 right after its’ establishment. The Prime Minister knew about our work, like the trail bridge project, safer migration project and rural development.
The Prime Minister acknowledged our efforts in rural regions, emphasizing our community-centric approach, particularly in trail bridge projects. Additionally, he recognized Swiss contribution to Nepal’s peace-building process as well as supporting the federal state building. The Prime Minister requested the support of Switzerland for the mountain-agenda at COP 28.
Most of Helvetas initiatives receive funding from the Swiss government, establishing a unique and significant partnership not only between Helvetas and the Nepal government but also between the Swiss and Nepali governments. While we also undertake projects funded by the European Union and various other donors, it is crucial to highlight that in each project, we collaborate with all three levels of the Nepali government.requested
You have just returned from Kosi Province. What are your impressions?
I have some familiarity with Nepal as my husband lived here as a child, so this isn't my first visit to the country. I assumed the role of President of the Board of Directors of Helvetas a year and a half ago, and Nepal marks the second country I have visited in this capacity. I was here to gain deeper insights into our team's collaborative efforts with the local, provincial and federal governments. I must say, I was truly impressed.
My initial visit to Nepal was in 2000, a challenging time during the conflict. Subsequent visits occurred in 2007, amid the peace-building process, and in 2017, following the promulgation of the Constitution. Now, six years later, witnessing the remarkable progress Nepal has made towards inclusive democracy across three levels of government is truly inspiring. While challenges persist on economic, social, and political fronts, I hold great admiration and respect for everything Nepal has achieved during these years.
In the Kosi Province, projects jointly crafted by SDC and HELVETAS, in collaboration with all levels of government, wield a significant impact on improving livelihoods. Our development cooperation revolves around three robust strategic pillars: ensuring basic rights, fostering new perspectives, skills, jobs, and income, and promoting good governance across all three levels.
A notable example is the evolution of trail bridge projects initiated by Swiss engineers six decades ago. Today, this initiative has transitioned into a government-led project. Approximately 700 bridges are slated for construction this year, funded by the government, and involving the active participation of Nepali experts and user groups.
The culmination of knowledge and capacity gained from these endeavors is poised for export to south countries. Nepali engineers and organizations will impart their knowledge to many other southern countries, illustrating a model for how development cooperation should ideally function.
How have Helvetas priorities in Nepal changed since 1956?
Over time, our project priorities and management approaches have undergone substantial changes. Initially, the focus was on establishing cheese factories, with Swiss experts introducing ideas and leveraging surplus milk from cattle and yaks for cheese production.
The evolution began with the importation of Swiss concepts to Nepal. Engineers from Helvetas, observing the local landscape, recognized fundamental needs such as trail bridges spanning rivers, leading to the initiation of water, forestry, and agriculture projects.
Presently, our work has shifted towards providing technical advice across various levels of the state. While new priorities and projects have emerged, the core values persist: mitigating poverty, upholding human rights, and ensuring the participation of women and underprivileged groups. We integrate projects such as skills training, human rights enforcement, and social integration to address the diverse needs of the community.
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How does Helvetas work in Nepal fit with your mission in 30 countries around the world?
Nepal holds a special status as one of our model countries in the realm of development cooperation. Emphasizing the significance of long-term engagement and capacity-building, our approach involves gradually phasing out initiatives, such as the trail bridge program, and transitioning responsibilities to the Nepal government. This phased handover is a testament to successful collaboration, enabling municipalities, provinces, or the national level to assume control when conducted effectively. It underscores the importance of sustainable partnerships and the eventual self-sufficiency of the local entities we work with.
How does Helvetas specifically address women's rights and inclusion in Nepal?
Our global strategy centers on the belief that inclusive development is only achievable when women and disadvantaged groups actively participate. Inclusive societies thrive on the engagement of all members. In Nepal's vocational training programs, we ensure a balanced representation with 50% women, extending this commitment to career guidance initiatives and the inclusion of diverse ethnic groups and castes. By providing these opportunities, individuals gain the experience and confidence to play integral roles in society, the economy, and politics.
Our community-based approach sets us apart as one of the pioneering global development cooperation organizations collaborating directly with local people and experts. The sharing of skills is a cornerstone of our work, exemplified by the transfer of trail bridge expertise from Nepal to Global South countries through predefined handbooks and processes.
Our three interconnected approaches encompass project implementation with local partners, technical assistance to the government, and policy advocacy for structural impact. The strength of the Swiss program lies in its long-term engagement wherever we operate, facilitating direct collaboration with governments and the instigation of systemic changes.
A case in point is the safer migration project, where we collaborate with the government to formulate appropriate policies and frameworks. This ensures that victims receive compensation and justice, surpassing a quick project approach. Our disadvantaged group strategy empowers women and engages youth to address harmful social norms like child marriage, polygamy, and alcoholism, effecting systemic changes at the community level.
Crucially, we integrate these efforts with the government system, employing evidence-based policy advocacy. This empowers citizens to hold the government accountable for implementing or formulating policies. A tangible outcome of these efforts is evident in Kosi Province, where schoolchildren, following career guidance, expressed aspirations beyond traditional roles, with girls confidently aspiring to become engineers, lawyers, and bankers, showcasing the transformative impact of our initiatives.
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What are the next steps for Helvetas in Nepal?
Our commitment to climate action extends to the agricultural and ecological realms, recognizing it as a global challenge. One innovative approach involves addressing the wildfire hazard posed by forest waste. By transforming this waste into bio-pellets, we not only mitigate the risk of wildfires but also contribute to reducing reliance on coal in brick factories, given the higher energy content of bio-pellets.
Our ongoing initiatives include the steadfast focus on safer migration and supporting returnees. Additionally, we remain dedicated to defending workers' rights and advancing skills development to empower individuals in the workforce.
Recognizing the evolving landscape, we are also channeling efforts into urban development. While rural areas continue to be a priority, we acknowledge the presence of urban poverty and are committed to addressing it. This multifaceted approach underscores our dedication to fostering sustainable development across diverse sectors.