The year 2025 has once again made it clear how vulnerable the realities of life are worldwide - and how much strength is created when people take responsibility together. Together with our partner organizations, we have accompanied individuals and communities who are standing up for their rights, their environment and their future with courage and perseverance. This retrospective shows the challenges, but above all the positive impact of our work when trust, local knowledge and solidarity come together.
Peru
2025 was a milestone for the protection of environmental and women's rights in PeruLake Titicaca has been officially recognized as a legal entity. For the local people, the lake as "Mamacota" - Mother Water - is both the basis of life and a spiritual being. The recognition strengthens the protection of the lake, but also the active role of indigenous women in regional environmental governance.
In addition to the project work, we organized binational exchanges, workshops on international role models and legal advice for the women's network. The work of the women also attracted international attention, including in a report in El PaÃs. Further insights can be found in our podcast ""The defenders of Lake Titicaca - voices of hope"" and the documentary film series "Latin America".
Cameroon
The political situation in Cameroon remained tense in 2025. President Paul Biya was reconfirmed in office, the political future remains uncertain. This makes the stability of our work all the more important: humanitarian aid has a secure budget and provides reliable support.
With the start of the Alliance 23 a new umbrella organization for smaller partner organizations was founded, which is gradually taking up its coordination work. The exit strategy was also successfully implemented at PresNuSThe training center for nursing staff is now fully under local responsibility. An approved application to UMCOR ("Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief") additionally strengthens the ability to act locally.
Nigeria
In Nigeria persistent violence and insecurity continued to shape the everyday lives of many people in 2025. Our programs are therefore more important than ever. Cooperation within the network of the coordination office enables well-coordinated project work.
In peacebuilding, we focused more on community engagement - for example through local dialog formats. In the area of gender-based violence, participatory community theater and support groups provided important impetus. The successful completion of the first year of training for internally displaced persons at the new location in Yola was also a strong signal.
South Sudan and Africa continental program
Our work in the South Sudan 2025 was all about partnerships, women's health and humanitarian aid. A partner workshop with South Sudanese and continental partners strengthened cooperation. A new study on women's health creates a sound data basis for the treatment of cancer in the region for the first time.
With the opening of the "Peace of her mind Center" in Juba has created an important place for psychosocial support and income opportunities for women. The graduation of the sixth midwifery class will strengthen healthcare provision in the long term. In addition, around CHF 250,000 was invested in humanitarian aid - a commitment that will continue in 2026. Internationally, participation in the PROCMURA-Conference in the Vatican valuable impulses for peace work.
Tanzania
The weeks following the elections in October are a turning point in Tanzania's history: the government responded with massive violence to the nationwide protests by the population demanding free and fair elections and a revision of the outdated constitution. Several thousand people were murdered by the police and military, and many people were unable to bury their loved ones. Two lawsuits against the government are pending before international courts.
The churches, as important players in society, have found clear words. The Moravian Church in Tanzania, Mission 21's partner organization, reiterated the demands of the population and called for the conflicts to be resolved peacefully.
Despite the political challenges, the project work was implemented as planned: Thanks to the broad roots in the population, people were reached who are often prevented from participating in social life, be they children from financially weak families, women from minorities such as the Sukuma or Maasai, or people with a physical disability. Scholarships, savings groups and income-generating measures enable these people to actively shape their future.
Asia
2025 was a year of networking, innovation and visibility for the Asia program. With the workshop on Good governance and disaster risk reduction In Kalimantan, we strengthened local structures for environmental and crisis management - opened by a government representative and supported by partners from the entire region.
With MOSAIC 21 launched a new magazine that makes peace initiatives visible and promotes exchange.
In Sabah, women's groups showed impressive initiative: they continued to develop their handicraft products, opened up new markets and, by delivering for the ASEAN Conference international visibility. These successes show how networking and ownership change perspectives.
Experience from 2025 shows: Change begins where people are heard and grows when we continue on this path together. We will continue this work together in 2026, with confidence, responsibility and a view to the future.
