The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognises “that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development”. In adopting this Agenda, the international community pledged to leave no one behind, to see to it that the Goals and targets are met for all nations and peoples and for all segments of society, and to endeavour to reach those first who are furthest behind.

Leaving no one behind is a universal and an aspirational challenge, affecting every society. It is a new paradigm in development, recognising that trickle-down economics have not kept their promises. Concrete measures are needed to ensure populations left behind or at risk of being left behind are identified, understood and fully able to participate in economic, social, and political activities in their societies. The SDC is committed to give more attention to the excluded and poorest of the poor, seeks to catalyse social transformation to overcome existing inequalities and contributes to disaggregated data production revealing the challenges of those left behind.

Switzerland has adopted the 2030 Agenda and is committed to its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving these Goals and implementing the leave no one behind imperative are tangible contributions to peace and stability in the world, and critical to Switzerland’s security and prosperity. As is declared in the Swiss Constitution, “the strength of a people is measured by the well-being of its weakest members.”

Sustainable and equitable development is not possible if certain groups of society are excluded from economic well-being. We will continue to build our engagement on the respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination.

Bibliographic information

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) (2020). Thematic Working Aid “Leave no one behind in practice: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene” by SDC (in English and French) SDC

Filter / Tags

Peri-urbanRuralUrban (entire city)EducatorsPractitionersGuidelines and manualsEnglishFrench

Related Countries

Downloads