further the development of functioning institutions. Start-ups in renewable energies, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are enjoying rapid growth, particularly in Israel and the Gulf region. The focus is on the following priorities: 1. Peace and security: Mediation, protecting power mandates, the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism, and the promotion of human rights and international law are making a valuable contribution to stability in the region. Protecting power mandates in particular (for the US in Iran, between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and for Iran in Canada) are priority areas for action in Switzerland’s good offices. A quarter of the world’s 70 million refugees are in this region. Switzerland works to protect them on the ground and along the migration routes. In North Africa it has adopted an approach that includes both the Sahel region and the North African countries, and which seeks to formalise cooperation through a migration agreement. 2. Prosperity: Through economic development and development cooperation, Switzerland is working to improve prospects locally, particularly for young people, e.g. in vocational education and training, and job creation. It promotes good governance, democratic structures, gender equality and initiatives to tackle mismanagement and corruption. There is potential for economic, financial and scientific cooperation with a number of states in the MENA region. In these countries Switzerland promotes a favourable economic environment and works to ensure a stable financial and monetary system. 3. Sustainability: Climate change leads to conflict in the MENA region. Through international cooperation, Switzerland is working on sustainable solutions in climate protection and water diplomacy. As a member of IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency based in Abu Dhabi, it is working to promote the sustainable use of renewable energies. It supports the new donors in the Gulf states in professionalising their development cooperation and in establishing South-South cooperation. 4. Digitalisation: New technologies are spreading rapidly in this region. In North Africa and the Middle East, social media, digital companies and start-ups are boosting the economy and offering new opportunities particularly to young people. The Gulf states are focusing increasingly on digitalisation in the service sector, with new government departments and research centres on artificial intelligence, and are interested in exchanges with Switzerland in the field of data security. Asia-Pacific region: Asia has experienced impressive momentum in recent years, and this looks set to continue in the immediate future. The region is already home to more than half of the world’s population, and is responsible for over a third of global economic output. By 2024, four of the world’s five largest economies are expected to be in Asia: China, India, Indonesia and Japan. Asia is also becoming more important in geopolitical terms. Solutions to global problems in multilateral forums (e.g. the UN, WTO, Bretton Woods, the G20) are no longer conceivable without the participation of Asian countries and without taking account of their interests. China is increasingly seeking to restructure the world order based on its own needs. Asia’s strong momentum brings with it considerable challenges, e.g. in sustainability and the growing inequalities within and between countries. There are also numerous issues regarding security policy, and these are exacerbated by the presence of several nuclear powers and the lack of a regional security architecture. Switzerland aims to take advantage of the opportunities brought by this momentum and tackle the challenges head-on. The focus is on the following priorities: 1. Peace and security: Switzerland is committed to the prevention and mediation of armed conflicts, particularly on the Korean peninsula. It works to minimise the risks associated with nuclear weapons and to improve respect for human rights. In post-conflict situations, it helps to overcome divisions in society and politics and to strengthen constitutional structures. 2. Prosperity: Switzerland systematically develops its relations with its priority countries in Asia and with other emerging actors, and strives to maintain a balance. Regional organisations such as ASEAN and ASEM play a key role here. Switzerland utilises the goodwill that it enjoys on account of its economic power, its technology sector and its political neutrality to promote interests regarding market liberalisation, predictability and stability. Through its development cooperation, Switzerland improves the economic environment and works to ensure that public institutions and services benefit the entire population and that inequality is reduced. 3. Sustainability: Switzerland is contributing to implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It focuses on improving the framework conditions for sustainable development, promoting good governance and combating the causes and effects of climate change. Geographical level 27