View in Browser Systems Change: The Matryoshka Doll of Development Like the famous Matryoshka doll, systems change is layered. Systems thinking challenges us to look beyond individual projects and to consider the broader, interconnected systems in which they operate. Success lies in uncovering
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Systems Change: The Matryoshka Doll of Development 

Like the famous Matryoshka doll, systems change is layered. Systems thinking challenges us to look beyond individual projects and to consider the broader, interconnected systems in which they operate. Success lies in uncovering deeper levels of complexity and ensuring that each layer contributes to a resilient and inclusive whole. This requires persistence, reflection and a readiness to let go when local actors are equipped to carry the torch forward—a lesson we must carry into all facets of development cooperation. 

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How a local NGO is Shaping the Forestry Sector in Ukraine

The war places enormous pressure on all of Ukraine’s natural resources, including forests. A nonprofit launched 15 years ago from a Helvetas-implemented project is still playing a pivotal role in driving the country’s forestry policies and practices to be innovative and sustainable.

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Post-Harvest Management: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Food Systems

Hunger continues to affect millions of people around the world. A project in Tanzania offers a look back at various approaches over the years to increase food production and minimize post-harvest losses, with a particular focus on one game-changing storage solution. 

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‌COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

 

Building the Foundation of Nepal’s Coffee Sector  

Over the last three decades, Helvetas played an integral role in the systemic development of Nepal’s coffee sector. Two of Nepal’s foremost coffee experts share perspectives on creating and adapting systems to make coffee a commercial crop. 


Nepal is Helvetas’ oldest and largest partner country program. Since 1956 Helvetas has supported programs ranging from making Swiss cheese to building trail bridges to ecotourism.

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‌EVENT

 

International Cooperation Forum, Switzerland, Feb. 27-28 

Helvetas is attending this year’s forum on the theme of economic development. Visit our stand at the marketspace to learn more about our work with private sector partners, impact finance, and building inclusive and sustainable economies. 

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‌RESOURCE

 

Helvetas Strategy, 2025-2028

Our newly launched strategy shares what influences our work and why we’re paying particular attention to these five topics in the years to come: climate change, fragility, partnership and localization, urban engagement and digital transformation. 

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‌Matthias Herr,

Director for Eastern Europe

 

Matthias Herr is based in Belgrade, Serbia, where he oversees Helvetas’ programs in nine countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and the Western Balkans. Within Helvetas he plays a leading role in advancing systems thinking through training, programming and technical support, building on previous work experience with The Springfield Centre and the ILO. 

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