Foreword Swiss foreign policy reflects the traditions, diversity and innovative strengths of our country. It makes an essential contribution to our ability to assert ourselves globally, the peace and security we enjoy, our economic success, our excellent framework conditions for education and science, and the fundamental rights which underpin democracy. Nevertheless, increasing volatility will require us to exercise still greater coherence, agility and foresight in the years to come. A strategy that sets priorities and identifies goals is therefore a basic prerequisite for us to succeed in safeguarding our interests and promoting our values. Switzerland is an interconnected country at the heart of Europe. Its position among the global leaders in business, education, research and innovation and its solidarity with the international community have made Switzerland a strong brand. This applies both in traditional areas, such as human rights, peacebuilding, international law and development cooperation, as well as in terms of new partnerships with business and civil society, in the technology and environmental sector, and in science diplomacy. In addition to the federal government, the cantons and cities – particularly Geneva, but also many others – make a valuable contribution to global governance through the organisations and institutions based there. Switzerland’s foreign policy is derived from the provisions of the Federal Constitution. Designed for the long term, these are based on Switzerland’s value tradition. The Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23 is the third such paper to set a framework for the Federal Council’s foreign policy. It builds on consistency, trust and tradition and, with new focus areas, provides appropriate instruments for dealing with changing global parameters for the new legislative period. This strategy was developed as part of an interdepartmental process. It serves as a strategic compass for the Federal Council and the Federal Administration to position our country in the world, while at the same time maintaining the flexibility to respond quickly to change. It aims to ensure that Switzerland is perceived as a credible and coherent actor in foreign policy. These four thematic priorities − peace and security, prosperity, sustainability, digitalisation − have allowed us to develop an interconnected and dynamic policy. There is some overlap between them and they are mutually dependent. They must therefore be implemented in combination with each other. With some 170 representations abroad, Switzerland’s external network has an important role to play. For a country that does not belong to any alliance of states, a well-structured network of representations is also an important link to our partner countries and host states. This network enables Switzerland to shape its foreign policy independently and with an eye to the future. It also provides services directly to citizens and to representatives of science, culture and business. Through its customer focus and effective crisis management, the external network serves all Swiss citizens, either when travelling abroad or in their day-to-day lives as Swiss nationals abroad. Public dialogue and parliamentary and cantonal involvement are central to a coherent foreign policy. This document has also been shaped by direct exchanges with the public during the summer of 2019, discussions with stakeholders from science, business and civil society, as well as regular exchanges with Parliament and the cantons. On behalf of the Federal Council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved. This dialogue with our citizens is something we would like to continue. We therefore look forward to your participation in shaping a shared, credible and effective foreign policy for Switzerland. Ignazio Cassis Federal Councillor The strategy responds to shifting geopolitical constellations by defining priorities under four thematic focus areas that can be applied in a modular fashion in all country contexts and parts of the world. They can be implemented irrespective of changes in government constellations or political systems. Foreword 3