The Private Sector and Development Organisations: Building Successful Alliances

Course objective: 

The 2030 Agenda assumes a major role for the private sector in advancing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) beyond responsible business conduct. Combining the strengths of private firms and development actors is promising; at the same time, bridging different cultures, organisational priorities and working styles comes with its own set of challenges. This course seeks to increase participants’ understanding of the multifaceted range of cooperation modalities and opportunities between development agencies, private firms, and civil society organizations. It enhances the understanding of the different organisational logics and equips participants with the knowledge and tools required to enable effective interaction and joint initiatives, and to assess both opportunities and risks of such cooperation.

Key topics:

• Private sector and development
• Engagement with the private sector: introducing concepts and taking stock of experience
• Engaging with the private sector: how to design and manage partnerships  

Duration: 26/01– 28/01/2026

Teaching format: Classroom

Exam: A written assignment will be distributed during the course, and due two weeks after the course completion (13/02/2026)
ECTS points: 2
Course fee: CHF 570

Lecturers:

• Dr. Fritz Brugger, NADEL

For more information please visit nadel.ethz.ch

Registration starts 2nd of June 2025.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Frank Mckenna