The SDC is the Swiss agency mandated to carry out international cooperation activities. As part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the SDC has its own programs, supports those of multilateral organizations, and shares in financing the work of Swiss and international development organizations. Its main areas of operation are:

- bilateral and multilateral development cooperation,
- humanitarian aid, notably with the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA)
- cooperation with Eastern Europe

In addition, the SDC ensures overall coordination of development cooperation and humanitarian
aid with other responsible federal offices.