are unilaterally governed at the legislative level by the Parliament Act and the Act on Participation of the Cantons in the Foreign Policy of the Swiss Confederation. Now is the time to review whether new legal bases that reflect the growing importance of foreign policy will be required for the future. 3.2.2. Expanding the dialogue on foreign policy Looking beyond Parliament and the cantons, foreign policy must gain broader support among the general public. A national dialogue on foreign policy and Switzerland’s interests is desirable. A citizen-centred foreign policy that enables ordinary people to seize the opportunities presented by rapid change is a fundamental cornerstone of the Switzerland of tomorrow. Greater use should be made of relevant competencies and networks outside of the Federal Administration in achieving foreign policy goals. The FDFA should pursue a whole-of-Switzerland approach. Cooperation with Swiss NGOs is already well established and important. These organisations play a major role in realising international cooperation goals. However, the partnerships could benefit from an even clearer strategic direction inspired by the 2030 Agenda. The new SDC strategy for cooperation with Swiss NGOs provides a good basis from which to start. The FDFA also maintains regular contact with scientific institutions and think tanks. This could be stepped up: shared expertise strengthens Switzerland’s capacity to act in a foreign policy context. The Swiss Institute of International Studies (SIAF) was set up back in 1943, with the aim of providing “qualified guidance in difficult times”. The Federal Council was one of the driving forces behind this decision. With the three Geneva Centres and several other centres of excellence in peace, security, European and economic policy issues, Switzerland now has a wealth of expertise in global matters at its disposal. Much could be done to build on cooperation with the Swiss business world too, whose competencies, contact networks and local knowledge could be of great benefit in shaping and implementing foreign policy (chapter 3.3). Citizens’ forums attended by diplomats could make a significant contribution to bringing foreign and domestic policy closer together. Switzerland’s representatives around the world work in an environment which is sometimes far removed from ‘everyday life at home’. It is important for them to remain in touch with the debates and finer feelings regarding domestic policy. At the same time, the general public is not necessarily all that familiar with foreign policy. People in Switzerland should get to know the Federal Council’s foreign policy priorities better. The opportunity to exchange views directly with Swiss diplomats stationed around the globe will boost interest in foreign policy and encourage greater awareness on both sides. Organising a ‘Tour de Suisse’ of community halls could spark genuine debate on current foreign policy issues from Geneva to Appenzell. Another option would be to put more foreign policy matters out to consultation. Consultation procedures offer all stakeholders the opportunity to state their position and viewpoints early in the decision-making process. This instrument has seldom been used in relation to foreign policy thus far. Doing so in future would allow the Federal Council to generate broader domestic support for its foreign policy at an earlier stage. Conducting periodic surveys on foreign policy – using social media, among other things – could also help take the pulse of the people. 3.2.3. The Federal Council preserving the lead in foreign policy Today, federal councillors have little time to spend on foreign policy and visits abroad, even though international regulation is becoming increasingly important in every department. Switzerland’s political system is geared towards domestic policy. Improvements are possible without having to fundamentally reform the system. However, paying more attention to public opinion at home must not cause the Federal Council to relinquish its lead role in foreign policy. It should attach greater weight to foreign policy issues at its meetings, and ensuring that sufficient time is set aside to deal with these issues will become even more important in future. The Federal Council could increase its strategic scope for decision-making by holding more special closed sessions on foreign policy topics while at the same time reaffirming its claim to leadership. The Federal Council’s foreign policy strategy for the legislative periods should set a clear direction and be implemented consistently. To date, these strategies have not had sufficient impact on the practical work of the Federal Administration. In addition, the wider public has barely been aware of them. The strategic bases of the Federal Council’s foreign policy should serve as actual mandates that 2028 Foreign Policy Vision 22