Key issues in Liechtenstein foreign policy The largest pillar of IHCD is bilateral development cooperation, for which the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED) is responsible. For this purpose, the LED receives about 65% of the total resources each year, which it employs largely via local partners (Southern partners) or partner organisations based in Switzerland and Austria (Northern partners). In Chisinau (Moldova), Cochabamba (Bolivia), and Harare (Zimbabwe), the LED maintains its own local offices. It also finances the employment of persons from Liechtenstein in development projects of other organisations and arranges internships. With an The LED is currently active in 13 priority countries. These are the Republic of Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica (Central America), Senegal, Mali, ODA percentage of 0.67, Liechtenstein has come close to the international target. Burkina Faso, Niger, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Thematically, the LED focuses on the development of rural regions, education, and health. The empowerment of women, sustainable development, and social justice are cross-cutting issues. With the adoption of a concept on food security in autumn 2011, this area will be considered more strongly in the future. Another important field of action is micro­ finance. Cooperation with the LED, a foundation under private law, is governed by an owner’s strategy, which is supplemented and concretised in annual performance mandates. The LED decides on the individual projects. Multilateral development cooperation funds projects of international organisations or inter­ nationally operating non-governmental organisations. This type of involvement is useful mainly in the case of problems of a global or transnational nature in which the international community jointly seeks solutions. In contrast to the projects of the LED, which primarily act at the local level, this track may also include the improvement of national and international framework conditions. Special attention is paid to the promotion of good governance. This includes advocacy for human rights, strengthening of the rule of law and democracy, and the fight against international crime. Key priorities of Liechtenstein’s foreign policy, especially in the field of human rights, are advanced additionally in the context of IHCD, in turn underscoring Liechtenstein’s credibility. Of note in this regard is for instance Liechtenstein’s advocacy for the increased inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes and the protection of children in armed conflicts. Other priorities include health and the fight against HIV/AIDS as well as the environment and sustainable development. With regard to the last priority, Liechtenstein as an Alpine country is especially committed to the development of mountain regions, primarily in the Caucasus. 10% of the IHCD budget is available for this area. Emergency and reconstruction assistance provides short-term and urgent assistance mea­ sures in the event of natural disasters, political crises and armed conflicts. The focus here is primarily on preserving human life and protecting the affected population. Beyond this, however, the medium-term development of social structures and infrastructure is supported in order to facilitate as quickly as possible a return to normal life. 10% of IHCD funds are earmarked for this area. The urgency of the situation is the main criterion for emergency and reconstruction assistance. There is therefore no geographical focus. However, special attention | 59