In 2016, BHP was commissioned by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to conduct a baseline study on partnerships with the private sector. Based on a systematic evaluation of completed and ongoing projects with the private sector and an organisational and process analysis, BHP developed strategic, structural and operational recommendations as well as a roadmap.

As part of a multi-year backstopping mandate, BHP has been supporting the SDC since 2019 in further developing its partnerships with the private sector, which has gained essential importance with the Confederation's International Cooperation Strategy 2021-2024: The aim is to exploit the potential for promoting sustainable development in the countries of the South and East.

BHP has contributed significantly to the creation of internal tools and processes to ensure that potential and existing private partners respect human rights and environmental, social and governance standards. Other key activities include the analysis, assessment and due diligence of cooperation partners, as well as the development of training and communication materials. More information on the SDC Private Sector Engagement can be found here.