📋 Tender Overview
Fondation Hirondelle is the leading Swiss NGO in the international media development sector. In a digital age marked by misinformation, the role of independent media is more crucial than ever, especially so in contexts of violence and crisis. Inspired by Swiss values such as democracy, dialogue and respect for minorities, Fondation Hirondelle fills a gap in crisis regions where quality information is precious. It ensures that communities are objectively informed and can make their voices heard.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Global
Myanmar
Governance
Conflict & fragility
nothemedefined
Media & freedom of information
Democratic participation and civil society
Conflict prevention
01.01.2025 - 31.12.2026
CHF 5’461’000
The project in brief
Background The international environment is characterised by numerous multiple crises. The consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the escalation in the Middle East, food insecurity, debt burden and inflation, climate change and the energy crisis are all having a direct impact on the world's population. They particularly affect the most vulnerable, mostly women and children and result in increasing humanitarian needs. Accelerated change is accompanied by increased uncertainty: The world is becoming more fragmented, unstable and unpredictable. Whilst the vision to reach the Sustainable Development Goals remains, challenges including the accelerating global food and nutrition crisis, shrinking civic and humanitarian space, the erosion of rule of law, intensifying armed conflicts, more frequent climate-related disasters, international migration and internal displacement, exacerbated demographics and an important gender gap hamper progress in reaching them and pose a main challenge for all actors engaged in Switzerland’s International Cooperation. NGOs and local media face new pressures in this challenging global context. Restrictive laws on NGO creation and funding in fragile contexts further impede responses to crises and inequalities. Fondation Hirondelle recognises the crucial role of local media in combatting shrinking spaces and polarisation, aiming to support and strengthen them through training, resources, and financial aid.
Objectives People in crisis contexts are better informed and represented in the media, and can adapt to challenges, such as disinformation and fake news ; monopolisation of the media by powerful actors; the needed digital transition; manipulation of information through artificial intelligence; or increasing security risks for journalists in many contexts.
Results of Switzerland's engagement in previous phase Fondation Hirondelle’s approach to locally led development was tested and reinforced with its Ukraine response and support to local media; the partnership with the Institute of Regional Press and Information in Kiev is a good example of subsidiarity and complementarity between local civil society and Fondation Hirondelle. The training on Prev
