Foundations Core mission Principles The core mission of Switzerland’s foreign policy is to promote the country’s interests and values, which are mutually dependent and set out in the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Constitution provides a framework that guides strategic policy-making. Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy is underpinned by the constitutional principles of freedom, the rule of law, equality of opportunity and sustainability. Regarding implementation, the focus is on universality, multilateralism and neutrality. It states, for example, in the aims under Article 2 that the Swiss Confederation “shall protect the liberty and rights of the people and safeguard the independence and security of the country”, “shall promote the common welfare, sustainable development, internal cohesion and cultural diversity of the country”, “shall ensure the greatest possible equality of opportunity among its citizens” and “is committed to the long-term preservation of natural resources and to a just and peaceful international order”. With regard to foreign affairs, the Federal Constitution states: “The Confederation shall ensure that the independence of Switzerland and its welfare is safeguarded; it shall in particular assist in the alleviation of need and poverty in the world and promote respect for human rights and democracy, the peaceful co-existence of peoples as well as the conservation of natural resources” (Art. 54 para. 2). Article 101 paragraph 1 also specifies that “the Confederation shall safeguard the interests of the Swiss economy abroad”. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is responsible for coordinating foreign policy and ensuring coherence with other departments. Switzerland’s domestic and foreign policies are closely interrelated. Switzerland is shaped by its cultural diversity and its political institutions and traditions, in particular the population’s participation in democratic processes, federalism and ‘concordance’ or consensual democracy. These are also the guiding themes of Swiss foreign policy. Swiss foreign policy serves to both protect and promote freedom. This relates to Switzerland’s self-assertion as a nation but also its confidence in promoting democracy, the market economy and the liberal international order. Standing up for freedom also means bearing responsibility, defending human rights and working to ensure prosperity and security. Switzerland does so with a broad definition of security, which includes the prevention and management of the causes of conflict and interlinks its foreign security policy in the narrow sense with international cooperation. The rule of law can be understood as the supremacy of law over the rule of might. For a country as heavily integrated in the global economy as Switzerland, international relations are underpinned by international law, as this is what guarantees legal certainty and predictability. Switzerland therefore advocates compliance with, and development of, this legal system. In a rapidly-changing world, there is also a growing need for flexible instruments. For example, the volume of soft law has increased. This helps further develop the international order even when the conclusion of formal rules is not possible or desirable. This increase in soft law presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Switzerland, which must ensure that new rules are democratic and governed by the rule of law. Equality of opportunity, i.e. a fair start in life with regard to educational and career opportunities, is an important factor of success for Switzerland. All members of society – particularly at the beginning of their lives – should have the same development opportunities, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion and economic or other status. Equality of opportunity should be not only sought at home but also promoted as part of Switzerland’s foreign policy. This will help to minimise unequal opportunities in and between countries. The Federal Constitution is also Switzerland’s basis for promoting sustainable development. As formulated by the Brundtland Commission in 1987, this is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This principle was substantiated by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda and its 17 goals in 2015. Foundations 5