Get to know SMC

SMC operates through strategic partnerships with member organizations and local partners who have strong connections to their communities. These stakeholders are strategically positioned to drive positive change due to the trust they have earned, their deep understanding of local dynamics, and their long-term presence.   

As an umbrella organization, SMC is owned by its member organizations, and its existence is a result of their collective efforts to bring about meaningful improvements for the local communities they serve.

These SMC members are working with long-term development

230 Million SEK and 50 countries  

In 2022, we distributed over 230 million SEK to some 70 projects in about 50 countries through our member organisations and their partners. For the projects, we apply for money from Sida through a grant for long-term development cooperation.

SMR's operational strategy for 2022-2026 is based on the theme "Believe in a Better World”. SMR's theory of change and development perspective explains how our platform can make civil society stronger. We do this by supporting initiatives that raise awareness, get people moving, take action, and encourage reflection. This, in turn, helps create sustainable societies and respects the dignity of all individuals.

In our policy, we want to emphasize the importance of faith as a source of inspiration and strength. We believe that not just the Christian faith but other beliefs as well can empower leaders, build communities, promote development, and give hope in our efforts to make the world a better place.

Meeting place

Enabling intermediary

Influential advocate

Environment, Climate and Resilience

Faith and Democracy

Organisation and Partnership

In our international work, we meet many of the people who are ultimately affected by climate change and loss of biodiversity. Our partners work innovatively with green transition and organize themselves to influence local laws and international agreements. As Christians, we see the green transition as part of our mission to care for God’s creation. Many religious traditions have a holistic view of humans and nature. Often, they also have access to large networks of congregations and other social movements. Therefore, we urge religious leaders such as priests and imams to mobilize for the climate.

Within our distribution of funds for development cooperation, we each year dedicate a grant to promote our member organizations’ work with environment, climate and resilience. It is a way to boost our member organisations’ engagement in sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

We also cooperate with other actors in the Swedish and global civil society. We want decision-makers in the world to take greater responsibility for the climate by, for example, implementing the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction  and the Paris Agreement on climate adaptation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

SMC’s focus on "Faith and Democracy" is grounded in the belief that respect for human rights is crucial for a democratic society. The organization aims to work towards strengthening democracies and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of identity, can enjoy their rights and freedoms. Through a strong civil society, we want to promote pluralistic and inclusive democracies where conflicts can be managed and rights can be demanded.

The organization possesses specific expertise in the intersection of freedom of religion and belief with other human rights, democracy, and Agenda 2030 goals. We emphasize the importance of seeing faith, human rights, and democracy as interconnected for the fulfillment of Agenda 2030. The focus on religious literacy and bilingualism enables them to bridge contradictions and locked positions between religious and political perspectives.

Our network comprises various organizations, and our partnership is essential for making a positive impact on creating a sustainable society. Across the world, organizations face challenges due to shrinking democratic space, making it crucial for them to be well-prepared and effective in their efforts.  

To contribute to this, we employ various approaches, including organizational assessments and capacity development plans. We conduct system reviews, focus on organizational learning, and regularly follow up and evaluate progress. Embracing digitalization, we enhance accessibility through the Fabo digital learning platform.

Additionally, we actively combat corruption and invest in internal management and control, known as ISK. These efforts aim to equip organizations with the tools and strategies needed to navigate shrinking democratic space successfully and foster sustainable development.