is geared towards long-term impact, needs to become more operationally flexible so that it can respond appropriately to rapidly changing contexts. Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition is integral to its good reputation, and a distinct profile and universal approach will help to ensure that it remains a credible humanitarian actor in the future. The country has soft power and internationally recognised expertise in the form of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit. Regarding the future direction of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, it should be borne in mind that countries affected by natural disasters are making fewer appeals for international assistance. Thanks in part to Swiss support, many countries now have their own structures to deal with such crises independently. Indeed, the last time that Swiss Rescue responded to an earthquake was in 2009. The question of whether Swiss Humanitarian Aid should undertake more direct action needs to be examined. Such action is exemplified by the aid convoys that it has been organising successfully in Ukraine for some years. The need is there – not least in Africa. At the same time, Switzerland is well placed to make humanitarian aid more efficient by harnessing the potential of digitalisation. The ICRC, its most important humanitarian partner, is a pioneer and a source of inspiration in this area. Maintain flexibility and a willingness to take risks Partly because of its financial weight, development cooperation has been in the political spotlight of late. Striking a balance between accountability and operational freedom is vital. Too tight a bureaucratic straitjacket would make development cooperation actors unwilling to take risks in difficult and fragile contexts, yet the ability to take such risks is essential. It should be possible to try out new approaches, for example on strengthening ownership by the local population or promoting the rights of entrepreneurs. 3.4.2. Switzerland’s good offices modernised and optimally positioned Civilian peacebuilding enjoys widespread support in Switzerland, and is part of the country’s foreign policy DNA. By contributing to conflict prevention and management, Switzerland enhances its own security. Through its good offices, Switzerland also strengthens its political contacts with senior officials in the countries concerned. While demand for mediation by independent third parties is likely to increase by 2028, there are two reasons why Switzerland, despite its excellent reputation as a promoter of peace, cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Firstly, peacebuilding has become more challenging. Many conflicts are extremely complex, with some involving ten or more parties, each with widely differing interests, diffuse structures and opaque chains of responsibility. The causes of conflict have also become more complicated and the forms of conflict more varied. Furthermore, the global political environment is making conflicts harder to resolve. Secondly, peacebuilding is becoming increasingly fragmented and the number of potential mediators is growing. More and more European countries are positioning themselves as mediators, with more non-Western players also vying for contention. In a competitive market for good offices, Switzerland has to affirm its credentials and adapt its offer accordingly. Guiding principle: build peace from the bottom up, leveraging Swiss strengths As a result of political stalemates, the number of major peace processes involving comprehensive peace agreements is likely to decline. In many cases, peacebuilding activities will shift to the local level and focus on certain aspects of a conflict, with peace being built on more of a step-by-step basis. This kind of bottom-up principle is ideally suited to Switzerland, the holistic, long-term approach to promoting peace reflecting its own functioning as a state and as a society. The promotion of dialogue, power sharing and the involvement of all interests are increasingly important factors in peacebuilding. Facilitating local dialogue processes involving different social groups should remain part of Switzerland’s peace policy. Supporting women and young people in conflicts and involving them in prevention and 31 2028 Foreign Policy Vision