Switzerland sets framework for responsible AI use in development co-operation

An OECD case study has highlighted Switzerland’s efforts to govern the responsible use of AI in international cooperate and humanitarian assistance, focusing on a framework adopted by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in 2025.

The case study says SDC’s AI initiatives had previously been scattered, especially at the country level, while many staff had limited experience with AI. The agency also lacked unified guidance for using AI tools, funding AI-related projects and engaging in policy dialogue.

Approved in 2025, SDC’s Working Aid on AI is grounded in Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy 2025–2028. It provides practical guidance for responsible AI adoption across the agency’s portfolio and institutional roles.

The framework draws on earlier risk and opportunity mapping, the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI and the OECD AI principles.

Its guiding principles include doing no harm, human oversight, participation of affected communities, localisation, dataset debiasing, ethical data sourcing, decent work in AI supply chains, reduced climate impact, transparency and internal oversight.

The Working Aid also defines four roles for SDC: funding operational AI projects, influencing global AI policy and partnerships, providing sectoral advice to SDC units and Swiss representations, and embedding AI into knowledge management.

SDC has created an AI Task Force, now becoming an AI Network, to coordinate work on operations, staff skills, data and IT infrastructure, governance and partnerships.

The framework is already being applied to areas including climate forecasting, child health diagnostics, media development, disinformation and internal project-cycle management.

Why does it matter?

Switzerland’s approach shows how development agencies are beginning to institutionalise AI governance rather than treating AI as a series of isolated experiments. A framework for responsible use can help agencies manage risks around bias, dependency, data sourcing, climate impact and human oversight while still using AI for development and humanitarian goals. The case also highlights the importance of internal capacity, staff guidance and whole-of-government coordination as AI becomes part of international cooperate.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!