At the same time, there is potential to expand Switzerland’s good offices into new areas. For example, the basic concept of good offices should become an integral part of a new foreign policy on technology (see section 3.5). It could also be applied to the business arena. Dispute settlement mechanisms in the commercial sector are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the fragmented nature of legal systems. Swiss mediation in economic and trade disputes would represent a sensible addition to the good offices provided by Switzerland. Indeed, there are already examples of this in practice, as in the context of the Georgia crisis, where Switzerland brokered an agreement between Russia and Georgia governing customs administration and the monitoring of trade in goods. Harness expertise and practical knowledge for peacebuilding Conflict resolution à la suisse should become a brand that can be deployed even without direct Swiss involvement. The courses launched by ETH Zurich and the FDFA to train international and Swiss mediators are one part of this approach. Another idea would be a Swiss ‘manual’ setting out practical peacebuilding measures. Bilateral mediation dialogues, including with non-Western countries, should be expanded. Switzerland at the interface between peace and development 3.4.3. Building bridges to consolidate a rules-based international order Binding rules applying to large and small countries alike are the prerequisite for peaceful coexistence within the international community. Switzerland is dependent on a rules-based order for its prosperity, security and independence. Effective multilateralism is an integral part of this. Today, it is easy to forget the huge benefits that Switzerland derived from the international order established after 1945. These benefits should be the subject of renewed focus and communicated accordingly. In our politically fragmented world, multilateral action is becoming more challenging but also more important. With power distributed more widely between countries in all parts of the world, there are growing divergences in interests and values. The current changes in multilateralism are ultimately the expression of a crisis of confidence in globalisation. These changes have affected all international organisations, albeit in different ways. Heavily value-based organisations such as the Council of Europe are increasingly subject to centrifugal interests, whereas organisations like the UN, which act more as platforms for balancing interests, are proving to be more stable. Switzerland should continue to advocate tirelessly for multilateral solutions and an international order based on the rule of law. There is a growing need for mediators that can conciliate between competing interests. With its stable set of values and its focus on practical compromise solutions, Switzerland is well placed to build bridges. The 2030 Agenda recognises that peace and sustainable development are mutually dependent. In Switzerland, peacebuilding and development cooperation are already closely linked in the context of international cooperation, thanks to common reference documents and regional strategies. However, the potential of international cooperation could be further maximised at an operational level. Switzerland’s water diplomacy activities illustrate what it can achieve at the interface between peace and development. Now a global brand, Blue Peace sees Switzerland working in the Middle East and Central Asia to transform water from a possible cause of conflict into a driving force for cooperation and peace. Such approaches to conflict prevention have great potential . 33 2028 Foreign Policy Vision Promote multilateral organisations‘ ability to act Multilateralism is in need of reform to reduce bureaucracy, boost efficiency and improve outcomes. One area for improvement is the way that organisations reach joint decisions between their member states. The operational performance of some organisations also needs to be enhanced. Switzerland, together with partners, should submit reform proposals in both these areas. Its strong multilateral engagement means that it can contribute credibly to these discussions. The UN, with its universal membership and legitimacy, is an important instrument for safeguarding Swiss interests. At the economic level, Switzerland should seek to be included in the G20 as a permanent invitee, like Spain and Singapore. Discussions at this forum encompass a range of Swiss interests, not only financial ones. In Europe, the