3.
Sustainability
As part of the 2030 Agenda, Switzerland strives for sustainable development
that gives equal consideration to environmental, economic and social
dimensions. To this end it has set up the relevant structures within the Federal
Administration, and works nationally and internationally with all relevant
stakeholders to promote environmental protection and the sustainable use of
natural resources, as well as sustainable economic and social development.
With its 17 goals, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a universal framework for sustainability
policy. The three inextricable dimensions of the environment,
the economy and society apply to all in equal measure. This
comprehensive approach is also an important point of reference for the Federal Council’s sustainability policy in Switzerland and abroad. It has set up an internal organisational
structure within the federal government with two delegates
and an interdepartmental steering committee for implementation and strategic management of the 2030 Agenda.
This structure ensures that the 2030 Agenda is clearly established within the Federal Administration and allows better
coordination of the relevant federal policies. This is done in
close collaboration with the cantons and communes, and
with actors from industry, the scientific community and civil
society.
The 17 goals comprise all policy areas, some of which have
already been discussed. The following section sets out the
sustainability aspects in the areas of the environment, climate,
water, sustainable finance, energy, disaster risk reduction,
health, culture and cities.
The environment: Environmental pollution does not stop
at national borders, and ecosystems are interdependent.
Switzerland supports conditions that favour the sustainable
use of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity. It
advocates a global economy that reduces negative impacts on
the environment and promotes transparency in this respect.
It also pursues high standards in the chemicals industry, waste
management, commodities extraction and trading, and in
infrastructure. At a fundamental level, Switzerland advocates
the strengthening of international environmental governance. A comprehensive, efficient and effective environmental
regulatory system based on scientific data should guarantee
effective environmental protection and shield people from
the risks of environmental degradation. Switzerland is willing
to make a fair contribution to environmental financing and
makes the necessary public funds available. In so doing, it
prioritises the polluter pays principle and the possibility of
mobilising additional funds from the private sector.
Climate: Switzerland is committed to limiting global warming
to 1.5˚C. It promotes clear, robust and universally applicable
transparency rules. The principle of counting emissions
reduced abroad towards a country’s national targets serves
to prevent double counting and safeguard environmental
integrity. The emissions targets under the Paris Agreement
will gradually become more ambitious, and developing countries are to be supported in implementing climate policy and
The 17 Sustainable Development
Goals of the 2030 Agenda
Thematic focus areas
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