diplomats and migration experts. Representations also act as platforms for other actors, such as the Swiss Business Hubs, swissnex and offices of Switzerland Tourism and Pro Helvetia. Several federal offices jointly represent Switzerland at some 80 locations, and external partners are integrated into Switzerland’s representations at around 50 locations. Switzerland’s representations abroad raise the country’s profile as a location for business and research, and promote it as a destination for culture and tourism. The cooperation is reinforced by the motto: ‘One Switzerland = one foreign policy = one local representation’. Exploiting synergies increases the visibility and effectiveness of Switzerland’s commitment. Staff: Well-qualified employees with the right profiles deployed in the right place are crucial factors in successful foreign policy and an optimal presence abroad. As a progressive employer, the FDFA promotes long-term skills development in its staff, permeability of career paths and equal opportunities. Security and crisis management: The security situation is volatile in many parts of the world. The risks for Switzerland’s representations abroad, its staff, Swiss citizens abroad and travellers are growing. The federal government therefore emphasises enhanced crisis management competencies and support services in crisis situations. This service is coordinated by the FDFA in close collaboration with federal and cantonal partners. 34 Resources Prevention and public awareness-raising work is also key. Travel advice issued by the federal government can reduce the risks for citizens, tour operators and companies. The federal government increasingly relies on the use of new technologies to allow services to be accessed more quickly. In terms of crisis communication and travel advice, it is necessary to use the channels that reach the most people concerned. The safety and security of staff abroad is the cornerstone for successful foreign policy in a world with growing security challenges. For deployments in fragile contexts in particular, staff are needed with the right profiles and the relevant skills. Thanks to specialised training, expert guidance and standardised and user-friendly security instruments, employees can implement risk management in the country of deployment efficiently and effectively. Consular services: The federal government has been continuously expanding its public service offering in this area in recent years. Constant optimisation and modernisation of the service offering will remain a priority going forward. Consular services should be geared more heavily to the needs of the different ‘customer groups’. These primarily involve Swiss citizens embarking on foreign trips or living abroad. At the same time, however, visa application processes are constantly being optimised, given the growing importance of tourists and representatives of politics, business, science and culture from a domestic and foreign policy perspective.