4. Digitalisation Switzerland will raise its profile in global efforts to consolidate digital governance. It will further develop its digital foreign policy and position Geneva as a leading location for debate on digitalisation and technology. In its digital foreign policy, it advocates the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders. It will contribute to finding new solutions and pursue the goal of an open and secure digital space which is based on international law and revolves around people and their needs. Digitalisation and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain offer opportunities for everyone, and greater use of technology can enhance efforts in the above areas of peace and security, prosperity and sustainability. However, the digital transformation also presents risks for people, the economy, society and democracy. It increases complexity and dependencies and can threaten the security of individuals, companies and governments beyond national borders. Privacy is under pressure, working life is undergoing radical change, the influence of individual companies is growing, and new technologies are at times being misused by states and other actors. Switzerland has a vision of a free, open and secure digital space, and works to reduce the associated risks and threats. It involves the relevant actors to develop new approaches at international level. Switzerland is developing its foreign policy profile in all areas of digitalisation on the basis of its recognised competencies, its ‘Digital Switzerland’ strategy and the ‘National strategy for the protection of Switzerland against cyber risks’. Cooperation with business, civil society and experts is crucial. Science diplomacy is an inspiring approach which consciously combines science, technology and foreign policy. Photo: shutterstock Digital governance and cooperation: At international level, the structuring of digital governance – in other words defining the rules for the use and development of the internet 18 and the digital space – are the subject of intense debate. With its participatory and solution-focused approach, Switzerland has successfully provided important impetus over the past two decades for the development of new sets of rules for the digital world in the 21st century. It is keen to continue to help shape the future of the digital space and, to this end, promotes dialogue among all stakeholders. The aim is to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the individual state and private actors and to further develop the architecture of this governance. The focus is on people’s needs. The rule of law and universal human rights – such as freedom of expression and information and the right to privacy – must also be guaranteed online. It is important to defend liberties such as press freedom. Switzerland aims to act as a bridge-builder and contribute to implementing the recommendations of the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation set up by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, by helping develop new governance models. It calls for more innovation and networks to ensure social and economic development in a digital space that is as free as possible. Geneva as a hub for global digital and technology policy: International Geneva already plays a key role in global digital policy, as it is home to a number of leading organisations in the field, e.g. the Secretariat of the UN Internet Governance Forum. Through greater networking of stakeholders and interdisciplinary cooperation, this role can be strengthened further. The Federal Council supports a number