Comundo, an Icon of Change from Switzerland

Icons of Change™

Icons of Change International Awards 2025 Comundo Represented by CEO Daniel Roduner Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Changemaker for Global Solidarity and Social Justice (Worldwide) In an era of increasing division and inequality, Comundo stands as a pillar of global cooperation—proving that sustainable peace and justice are built not through imposition, but through collaboration and shared responsibility. Founded in Switzerland and now working worldwide, Comundo operates with a singular conviction: that every person, regardless of geography or circumstance, deserves to live in equality, dignity, and peace. For over six decades, Comundo has been at the forefront of international cooperation, uniting professionals, institutions, and communities in Africa, Latin America, and beyond to create lasting systems of justice and inclusion. Its guiding principle, “Together for a fairer world,” is not just a slogan—it is a framework for collective action that translates ideals of solidarity into measurable impact. At the heart of Comundo’s approach lies its three-instrument model—a strategy designed to strengthen communities, fortify institutions, and empower change agents at every level of society: Technical Support: Comundo deploys skilled professionals to partner organizations around the world, embedding expertise where it is most needed. These long-term assignments—ranging from months to years—build organizational resilience, enhance service delivery, and ensure that knowledge transfer is not a one-time exchange but a sustainable partnership. Financial Support: The organization strategically funds initiatives that drive structural improvement, from legal aid centers and community schools to local governance programs. Each grant is rigorously evaluated for relevance, sustainability, and innovation potential, ensuring that financial aid contributes to enduring institutional growth and improved access to justice. Network Building: Recognizing that knowledge multiplies when shared, Comundo connects local partners through global networks that foster dialogue, advocacy, and policy influence. This platform for mutual learning empowers local leaders to become advocates for peace, human rights, and inclusive governance—amplifying local voices into global movements. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Comundo’s mission transcends borders. It supports efforts to strengthen rule of law, increase transparency, and cultivate civic participation—cornerstones of stable and accountable societies. From promoting legal empowerment and human rights education to bolstering community-led governance, Comundo’s projects enable people to become architects of their own liberation. Beyond its fieldwork, Comundo also plays a vital role in raising awareness and building solidarity within Switzerland and Europe.

Transcript

00:00Hello everyone, my name is Daniel Rodener. I'm the Acting Director of Comundo.

00:06On behalf of Comundo, I want to say how truly honored we are to be nominated for the Icons of Change Award.

00:14We are humbled, and yes, a little bit proud too.

00:18At Comundo, we believe that real lasting change doesn't come from one organization alone.

00:25It's born from partnerships, from strong organizations, inspiring networks,

00:31and above all, dedicated people who work every day for a fairer and more sustainable world.

00:39And that's exactly what Comundo is doing day after day.

00:43We connect skilled professionals from different countries with partner organizations in the Global South.

00:51Together, they share knowledge, strengthen capacities, and develop practical solutions in areas like education, human rights, and environmental protection.

01:04It's a simple idea. People learning from each other.

01:08But it creates a powerful ripple effect for long-term sustainable change.

01:14Our partners in the Global South are the true leaders of change.

01:19They understand their realities best, and they know what solutions will work.

01:25Our role is to stand beside them, to share expertise, to learn from each other,

01:31and to strengthen their capacities to lead transformation from within.

01:36And let's be honest, these are not easy times for change makers.

01:41Around the world, we are seeing shrinking space for civil society, a defund of international cooperation,

01:48and growing challenges from climate change, conflict, and inequality.

01:55But that's exactly why our work and the work of our partners matter so much.

02:01Together, we are tackling these global challenges locally, supporting communities to adapt to climate change,

02:09promoting human rights and education, and helping to localize aid,

02:15so that decisions and resources are where they belong, close to the people they affect.

02:22Sometimes, that means long flights, tricky coordination across continents, and explaining the real value of personal development cooperation.

02:31But what keeps us going is the incredible energy, creativity, and courage of our partners.

02:39They remind us that solidarity is not a slogan, it's a way of working, of living, of believing in shared responsibility.

02:48So, to the organizers of the Icons of Change Award, thank you for recognizing this collective effort.

02:55This nomination belongs to all those organizations, professionals, and communities who every day make change possible.

03:04Often quietly, but always with determination.

03:09Change is not a solo act, it's a shared journey, and at Comundo, we are proud to walk it together.

Category

Transcript

Recommended