Mediation as part of Switzerland’s good offices: wide-ranging contributions Dialogue support Enabling and structuring peace dialogues Example: Congolese political parties (CINCO) Facilitation ‘Mediation light’: Helping parties Example: USA/Iran (prisoners) to structure negotiating processes Negotiation support Expertise on substance Example: Colombian of negotiations government/FARC Mediation support Expertise on shaping the mediation Example: UN mediation on process and content of the Syrian conflict in Geneva negotiations within the framework of the mediation Mediation Political Leads the overall process, has the strategic and political lead of the negotiations and the mediation team. Assists with content and process Thematic Expertise on designing the process and content of negotiations for chief mediators and parties to the mediation, lead of working groups Example: Georgia/Russia (WTO) Source: FDFA peace processes can help to unleash new social dynamics. Swiss expertise will remain in demand, for example on constitutional issues, dealing with the past and fighting impunity for war crimes. Where required, it should be possible to deploy teams with the necessary expertise at short notice, headed up by experienced diplomats and/or mediators. More special envoys, for specific conflicts or issues such as water diplomacy, would give greater political clout to efforts in this area. Give peacebuilding a stronger political profile In the future, simply offering standard mediation services will no longer be sufficient. Such mandates require political investment. While preserving the discretion that is highly prized internationally, Switzerland should also try to be more politically active in obtaining mandates. This is the only way that it will hold on to its reputation as a leading player in mediation processes, alongside its bottom-up peacebuilding work. Achieving this will require political commitment, a willingness to take risks and a clear strategy. An attractive package of services and an involvement on substantive issues are also important. In addition to International Geneva, other locations could offer the privacy and seclusion that parties in mediation processes often say they need. Swiss peace specialists promote peace policy efforts and build up relationships of trust with conflict parties. If its application is successful, Switzerland’s membership of the UN Security Council will raise its profile in the domain of peace policy by emphasising Swiss soft power both internationally and domestically. It will give Switzerland, as a credible and pragmatic player, the opportunity to build bridges and will also have a positive impact on Geneva in particular. Intensive discussions with member states – including those with veto powers – will provide Switzerland with an important additional platform for safeguarding its interests bilaterally. Good offices: look to the future while holding on to tradition The increase in tensions between states is leading to a revival of interest in traditional forms of good offices. These include protecting power mandates as well as trust-building measures such as those developed during the Cold War with substantial Swiss input. 2028 Foreign Policy Vision 32