Amman, Nov. 4 (Petra) -- The Swiss Embassy in Amman announced Wednesday the launch of the Swiss Cooperation Programme for Syria and Neighbouring Countries 2026-2029.

The programme aims to support regional stability, resilience and sustainable development, assist vulnerable populations, and strengthen national systems and institutions in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

The embassy, in a statement, said the launch took place at an event in Amman. The new programme combines Switzerland's humanitarian, development, peace and migration instruments in an integrated approach and targets urgent humanitarian needs and long-term structural challenges in the region.

Swiss Ambassador to Jordan Emilija Georgieva said Jordan has "repeatedly" shown the importance of partnership, resilience and looking ahead. "Switzerland is proud to continue walking this path alongside Jordan and all our partners," she said.

The programme rests on four priority areas: Humanitarian assistance, economic development, climate, and peace and good governance. It seeks to strengthen inclusive education, protection systems and vulnerable groups' access to essential services.

It also aims to support economic resilience through skills development, job creation and greater private-sector participation.

The programme also focuses on water, sustainable resource management, climate adaptation and disaster-risk reduction. It also seeks to strengthen institutions, the rule of law, accountability, inclusive governance and social cohesion.

Switzerland has run international cooperation programs with Jordan since 2001. It expanded its engagement significantly after the Syrian crisis began in 2011, as Jordan faces protracted displacement, economic pressures, water scarcity and regional instability, the statement said.

The embassy said Swiss-supported programs gave about 33,000 vulnerable children and adolescents in refugee camps access to education between 2019 and 2025. Vocational training initiatives opened employment prospects for more than 800 young people in hospitality and tourism.

On climate and environment, Switzerland supported climate-resilient water solutions, strengthened wastewater management and developed national capacities in flood-risk mapping. Through "the Blue Peace Middle East" initiative, it also helped promote regional dialogue and cooperation on shared water resources.

The new programme builds on these achievements. It aims to strengthen economic opportunities, water security, protection systems and inclusive governance in Jordan and the region.

It also focuses on locally led initiatives, conflict sensitivity, gender equality, social inclusion and climate adaptation.

The statement said the programme will be implemented with government institutions, United Nations agencies, international and local organizations, civil society and the private sector. This, it said, will promote innovative solutions, strengthen institutional capacities and support sustainable development outcomes for refugees and host communities alike.

Eileen Hofstetter, Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Jordan, said Switzerland's role is not to define the future for others. "Our role is not to define the future for others, but to be a reliable partner in helping shape it," she said.

Through the programme, Switzerland affirmed it will continue as a reliable, long-term partner. It will combine immediate assistance with investment in stronger institutions, economic opportunities, climate adaptation and lasting peace.

//Petra// NQ