Strategies Glossary

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 goals forms a global frame of reference regarding the three inextricably-linked dimensions of the economy, the environment and society. Switzerland recognises the 2030 Agenda as an important orientation framework. Although it is not a legally binding, it provides a mechanism for setting domestic and foreign policy objectives and forming opinions. It also serves as a frame of reference for digital foreign policy (see ‘Digital foreign policy’).

The latest generation technology standard for mobile communications, developed to offer faster connection and response times. The fifth-generation standard for mobile communications (5G) combines three innovations: higher transmission speed, lower latency, and network virtualisation, which allows for the creation of virtual networks of varying quality on existing physical network infrastructures. This allows innovations such as direct control of industrial processes, but also poses new network security challenges.

In 2019, 54 African Union member states signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which provides for the creation of an African Continental Free Trade Area. Practical implementation is set to take place in 2021. The aim is to create an African single market, and thus promote trade in Africa, greater regional and continental integration and the development of the African economy. The single market will contain 1.3 billion people.

The African Union’s strategic blueprint adopted in 2013 for the socioeconomic transformation of the continent.

In a broad sense, arms control refers to multilateral or bilateral instruments and efforts to counter the uncontrolled accumulation and proliferation of conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Export controls are a component of non-proliferation efforts.

AI is a technology that combines data, algorithms and computing power.

Restitution of illicitly acquired assets.

From the global standard adopted by the OECD in 2014 in a drive to achieve greater tax transparency between countries.

Chinese initiative for the main aspect of the BRI lies in the creation of infrastructure (transport, energy, communication) in third countries, which is predominantly financed and built by China. The BRI is China’s first own, globally-oriented development model with which it seeks to substantiate its growing economic – but above all geopolitical – presence on the international stage. The Federal Council’s policy involves making the most of the opportunities of the BRI for Swiss interests and the economy, and at the same time calling for compliance with universal values and rules to ensure that the BRI can be implemented in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner for the benefit of target countries.

Big data are extremely large data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data processing software.

Since 1993, Switzerland has developed relations with the EU based on the bilateral approach. This policy led to negotiations and the conclusion of the two rounds of agreements Bilaterals I and II, as well as other agreements.

Activities carried out in one or several countries as part of bilateral programmes or projects and generally based on a framework agreement between the government of Switzerland and the government of the partner country.

Recurring discussions on a technical or political level, between the governments of two states. Dialogues can be used to promote bilateral cooperation or to discuss problems.

The practice of discussing or negotiating foreign policy issues between two parties. If there are more than two parties involved, it is multilateralism (see ‘Multilateralism’).

Colloquial term for the United Nations peacekeeping forces, which include military units provided by UN member states for peacebuilding and peacekeeping operations and are under the authority of the UN.

Blue Peace supports water cooperation across borders, sectors and generations with the aim of fostering peace, stability and sustainable development. This can take the form of shared institutions and legal frameworks, bringing countries together in a commitment to resolve differences peacefully – and to use their shared water as a basis for wider economic and diplomatic cooperation. Blue Peace turns competition for limited freshwater resources into cooperation, resulting in more peaceful, cohesive and sustainable societies.

The term ‘blockchain’ refers to decentralised collaborative data management. Multiple copies of the data are stored on the computers of a decentralised network. A transaction is carried out without a central authority managing the account. The transactions are grouped in blocks and stored unalterably.

Brain gain – in contrast to brain drain – refers to the economic gain for a country due to the immigration of highly educated or talented people.

The development of an identity – or brand – to build a strong public image. The primary objective of a branding strategy is to connect specific messages and emotions with the brand.

The finance ministers of the Allied nations met at a conference in Bretton Woods (United States) in 1944 to agree on a new set of rules for international reconstruction and monetary policy in the post-war period. This led to the creation of the World Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund. Although their remit has changed, these institutions are still important players in development cooperation and development financing.

The UN Peacebuilding Commission coordinates international efforts after the end of armed conflicts in individual countries. Switzerland has chaired the Commission’s Burundi Configuration since 2009.

Communication measures that are grouped under one brand strategy to achieve a pre-defined communication objective within a fixed period of time, either internationally or in a specific geographical area. 

The necessary skills and knowledge to be able to represent Switzerland’s interests in an optimal manner and cooperate successfully with China. In addition to language skills and intercultural abilities, this includes a basic understanding of China’s economy, politics, modern history and society.

The People’s Republic of China is a socialist state led by the Communist Party of China, commonly known as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP has 90 million members and is headed by the Politburo’s 7-member Standing Committee, currently presided over by Xi Jinping. All branches of state power – the executive (presidential office and State Council), the legislature (the National People’s Congress), the judiciary and the People’s Liberation Army – are thus effectively in the hands of the CCP. Another eight parties nominally take part in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, but at most take on representative functions, e.g. at the local level. State control over the means of production has been loosened since 1978, but the CCP continues to run many state-owned enterprises (including industrial, finance, and media companies), while larger private-sector firms are obliged to accommodate Party cells.

Civil and political rights are enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, which entered into force in Switzerland on 18 September 1992. Historically speaking, civil and political rights were the first to be constitutionally recognised in Western states, which is why they are described as ‘first generation’ rights. They include, among others: the right to life and security; the right not to be subjected to torture; the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to freedom of expression and association.

This comprises the parts of society that are distinct from the government and private sector. It is made up of groups who have common interests, goals or values. These include NGOs, associations and foundations, citizen groups, religious organisations, political parties, professional associations, unions, social movements and interest groups.

This involves the provision of IT infrastructures, in particular storage, processing power and software, via a computer network without having to be installed on the local computer.

The coordination and pursuit of consistent policies and approaches in different areas of national policy.

This comprises the services that the FDFA provides as a one-stop shop alone or with other authorities, partner states or external service providers for the benefit of Swiss nationals abroad. This includes assistance in the event of emergencies abroad where those affected cannot reasonably be expected or are not able to defend their interests themselves or with the help of third parties. Other consular services are those of an administrative nature (e.g. authentications), emigration and return migration advice, issues relating to civil status, citizenship and identity documents, and many more. They comprise a range of services that is comparable to that offered to Swiss nationals living in Switzerland by authorities at communal level and are based on, among other things, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Swiss Abroad Act. Consular services also include the processing of visa applications submitted through a Swiss representation abroad.

Cyber diplomacy safeguards Switzerland’s interests and values in cyberspace. Cyberspace comprises the network infrastructure, as well as software and social components (human interaction). The continuing integration of all areas of life in cyberspace presents both opportunities and risks. Switzerland therefore works to enforce international law (i.e. human rights and international humanitarian law) in cyberspace and is committed to intergovernmental confidence-building. Switzerland is also exploring new avenues, promoting science diplomacy and provides good offices in relation to cyberspace (see ‘Good offices’).

Cyber security concerns all aspects of security in information and communications technology. This includes all information technology associated with the internet and comparable networks, and incorporates communication, applications, processes and information processed on this basis. International cooperation of state- and non-state actors in the area of cyber security aims to develop and protect an open, free and stable cyberspace. It can also reduce the risks of cyberattacks between states.

In information technology and data processing, data are understood to be representations of information (usually in digital format) that can be read and processed (by a machine).

The protection of personal data from misuse, often in conjunction with privacy protection.

A low or middle-income country which appears on the OECD list of ODA-eligible countries.

Communication channels based on digital networks, for example social media.

All communication that takes place on digital networks.

This describes inequalities in access to, and use of, digital technologies.

This term refers to the design and implementation of foreign policy (i.e. safeguarding interests and promoting values) in the digital space (see ‘Foreign policy’, ‘Digital space’).

This refers to the establishment, shaping and consolidation of institutional and regulatory systems and of mechanisms for international cooperation in the digital space (see ‘Global governance’, ‘Digital space’).

The individual should be at the heart of digitalisation (see ‘Digitalisation’). People should be able to control and use their data and decide who can access them. This approach also guarantees fundamental values such as privacy and freedom of choice in the digital space. The aim is to establish high-quality data spaces which benefit society and reinforce democratic values.

This term refers to the entire physical and virtual space that is opened up or permeated by digitalisation (see ‘Digitalisation). The digital space refers not only to systems, but also to actors and processes.

These are devices, programmes or infrastructure that enable information to be digitally processed, stored or transmitted.

Digitalisation involves the integration of digital technologies in society, government and business. Digitalisation comprises a wide range of digital applications, such as new communication technologies, robotics, cloud computing, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, the internet of things and 3D printing. It also permeates other areas of our day-to-day lives, in some cases fundamentally altering them.

Switzerland’s activities to support internally displaced persons aim to ensure they can achieve self-reliance over the long-term. Switzerland adopts a sustainable approach to meeting migrants’ specific need for protection and the needs of host communities.

ESC rights are enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, which entered into force in Switzerland on 18 September 1992. Economic, social and cultural rights are in many cases less binding because, in contrast to civil and political rights, they are sometimes insufficiently concrete for use in legal proceedings (i.e. they are not justiciable). States are nevertheless obliged to guarantee these rights to all persons, and to adopt an active policy encouraging their progressive realisation.

An equal opportunity society guarantees all members – particularly at the beginning of their lives – unobstructed access to life’s opportunities, in particular the same educational and career opportunities, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. No person may be discriminated against, in particular on grounds of origin, race, gender, age, language, social position, way of life, religious, ideological, or political convictions, or because of a physical, mental or psychological disability (Cst. Art. 8 para. 2).

These are the European countries France, Germany and the United Kingdom, which, together with China, Russia and the United States, have shaped the negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear development programme.

Switzerland is implementing sanctions against a number of states in the MENA region on the basis of the Embargo Act (SR 946.231). Upholding sanctions that are based on broad international support is in the interests of Switzerland’s foreign policy, which is geared to compliance with international law and humanitarian values. Switzerland is obliged by international law to support sanctions decided on by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. If the EU imposes sanctions, the Federal Council decides in the individual case whether Switzerland will adopt the measures introduced by the EU in their entirety, in part or not at all. The Federal Council has various foreign policy, foreign economic policy and legal criteria on which to base its decision.

The education, research and innovation (ERI) sector, which is the topic of the Dispatch on the Promotion of Education, Research and Innovation for the period 2021–24.

Switzerland’s external network comprises around 170 representations abroad (embassies, permanent missions to the UN/international organisations, general consulates, cooperation offices and other representations) and roughly 200 honorary representations (as at December 2020). The external network focuses on the principles of universality, coherence and effectiveness. It is an important instrument for safeguarding Switzerland’s interests.

Since 2015 the World Bank has defined extreme poverty as income of less than USD 1.90 a day. The definition is regularly adapted to reflect changes in living costs.

A facial recognition system is a technology capable of identifying or verifying the identity of a person on the basis of a digital image or video frame.

A third party who mediates between parties to a conflict is known as either a facilitator or a mediator. A facilitator supports and promotes contact between parties to a conflict without substantively contributing to the negotiations. They are chosen by the parties to a conflict, as also in a mediation situation, and allow them to meet at a suitable location, discuss possible ways of resolving the conflict, conduct negotiations and sign an agreement. A mediator is a third party who also substantively supports the negotiating parties in finding solutions without imposing them. Facilitation and mediation are part of Switzerland’s good offices.

This refers to false stories that are spread with the intent of misleading or manipulating. Such content can quickly reach a wide audience on social media.

Brand name used in the campaign to promote the Swiss financial centre.

This term is derived from financial technology and comprises innovations in the field of financial services that result in new financial instruments, services or business models, e.g. blockchain.

This term is derived from ‘food technology’ and describes technological solutions for the production or processing of food.

The involuntary or coercive displacement of people, resulting from a variety of causes such as persecution, systematic human rights abuses, armed conflicts and natural disasters.

Foreign policy shapes the relations of a state with other states and international organisations, and safeguards the state’s interests abroad. It comprises various policy areas, such as trade policy, environment policy, security policy, development policy and cultural policy. In Switzerland, the Federal Council is responsible for foreign policy. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is responsible for coordinating foreign policy and ensuring coherence with other departments (see section on ‘Coherence’).

The OECD defines fragility as a combination of exposure to risk and insufficient coping capacity of the state, system and/or communities to manage, absorb or mitigate those risks. Fragility can lead to negative outcomes including violence, the breakdown of institutions, displacement, humanitarian crises or other emergencies.

Treaty under international law to establish and guarantee free trade among states parties or international legal entities. Free trade agreements remove trade barriers between the parties, which remain free to pursue an autonomous trade policy with regard to third countries.

In October 2019, Switzerland joined the Freedom Online Coalition. The group, which was founded in 2011 based on an initiative by the Netherlands, consists of more than 30 states that work to promote democracy and human rights online. The right to privacy and the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and free association are of particular importance within this context.

The group of twenty is an informal alliance of 19 states and the EU, which represents the most important developed and emerging economies. It addresses financial and economic cooperation and can set international standards.

Financial contribution granted to multilateral organisations according to subsidy regulations and untied to any specific project, thematic focus or country in order to fund their work.

Since 2014, the Maison de la paix in Geneva has been the home of a world renowned cluster of expertise in foreign, security and peace policy. It houses three foundations: the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).

The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977, as well as the Additional Protocol of 2005, form the core of international humanitarian law applicable in armed conflicts (see ‘International humanitarian law’). Among other things, they protect people who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities and govern the conduct of war.

This term refers to the development of an institutional and regulatory system and of mechanisms for international cooperation to tackle global problems and cross-border matters. It involves the UN system, international organisations, state- and non-state actors and regional organisations. Switzerland traditionally plays a key role in this, and International Geneva is one of the key centres (see ‘International Geneva’).

In 2005, the Federal Council decided to be more systematic about developing cooperation with priority countries outside the EU. Relations with Brazil, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Turkey and the United States have since been strengthened on the basis of country strategies. Within the scope of international cooperation, this term is used for countries in which the majority of bilateral development cooperation aid is deployed. These are not the same countries.

The FDFA’s global programmes address global challenges whose effects are felt beyond national borders and require a collective response (migration, climate change and environment, water, food security and health). Their aim is to help resolve these problems by shaping and setting universally recognised standards. They seek to shape the international normative framework through engagement in intergovernmental processes, global and regional initiatives and innovative action in specific countries.

This is an umbrella term to describe the efforts of a third party to peacefully settle a conflict between two or more states. Switzerland’s good offices consist of three areas: protecting power mandates (see ‘Protecting power mandates’), Switzerland as a host state for peace negotiations and Switzerland as a mediator and facilitator and as a supporter of mediation and negotiation processes (see ‘Facilitation and mediation’). Good offices range from technical and organisational support (e.g. providing a conference venue) to mediation services and participation in international peace processes.

Democratic, efficient and effective governing processes for the benefit of all citizens. This includes political decision-making in transparent, participative processes; clearly allocated responsibilities; effective public services; an accessible, professional, independent legal system based on the rule of law and political control through a critical public.

Charitable foundation that is not reliant on donations or endowments for the financing of its activities because it has its own assets and finances its activities with the income from the use of these assets (or in the case of asset-consuming foundations also with the assets themselves).

This term describes a country that hosts foreign representations (embassies, missions, consulates) or international organisations. Switzerland – and Geneva in particular (see ‘International Geneva’) – hosts a multitude of international organisations.

Brand used for temporary appearances organised as part of Presence Switzerland’s communication activities. 

Human rights are inherent and inalienable rights that all people enjoy without distinction by virtue of their being human. They are crucial to the protection of human dignity, physical and psychological integrity and are an important foundation for the development of every individual. They are the basis of the peaceful coexistence of nations. They are guarantors of a society based on the obligation to respect the rights of the individual. They apply in both international relations and domestic policy, but also at the place of residence of every individual. Human rights are universal, indivisible and interrelated. Every state is obliged to respect, protect and implement human rights.

This term is used to describe people who play a vital role in protecting human rights, peacefully resolving conflicts, and reinforcing the rule of law. The term was internationally recognised in 1998 in the UN General Assembly’s Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (A/RES/53/144).

Humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are key values and principles of humanitarian action. They were laid down in the Code of Conduct of the Red Cross Movement, and by the UN General Assembly.

Communication phenomenon whereby physical elements and digital channels are used together to help deliver a message to a wide audience, while bearing in mind the respective opportunities and limitations.

The sum of opinions, ideas and impressions the public (abroad) connects with a country

Impact investing is a strategy which aims to generate a positive social and/or environmental impact and, at the same time, yield returns on its investments.

The part of an economy whose economic activities are not recorded in the official statistics.

The Federal Act of 14 December 2012 on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA) defines innovation as the development and exploitation of new products, methods, processes and services.

Within the framework of Switzerland’s relations with the EU, institutional issues concern the uniform application of market access agreements between Switzerland and the EU. Institutional procedures are designed to establish how the contracting parties will apply these agreements, in particular with provisions on legal development, the monitoring and interpretation of the agreements and dispute resolution.

Intellectual property refers to the products of innovation or creativity, such as inventions, logos and designs. Intellectual property rights include patents, trademarks, trade secrets and designs.

In the area of migration, the ICM structure is intended to strengthen cooperation between actors in the federal administration and ensure coherence in Switzerland’s migration foreign policy. This coordination is aimed at achieving a stronger strategic link between international cooperation (IC) and migration policy so as to alleviate the causes of irregular and forced migration. The flexibly deployable IC funds provide additional support here.

The core mission of Switzerland’s foreign policy is to promote the country’s interests and values, which are two inextricably linked sides of the same coin and are based on the Federal Constitution.

All instruments of humanitarian aid, development cooperation, peacebuilding and human security deployed by the FDFA and EAER.

Geneva is the heart of the multilateral system and the location of the UN’s European headquarters. Thirty-eight international organisations, programmes and funds, as well as 179 states and 750 NGOs are represented there. International Geneva provides 45,000 jobs and contributes more than 11% to the GDP of the canton (1% of Swiss GDP). Around 3,300 international conferences are held in Geneva every year, the main themes of which are:

1. peace, security, disarmament;
2. humanitarian aid and international humanitarian law, human rights, migration;
3. labour, economy, trade, science, telecommunications;
4. health;
5. the environment and sustainable development.

International humanitarian law governs the conduct of hostilities and protects the victims of armed conflicts. It applies in all international and non-international armed conflicts, regardless of the legitimacy or cause of the use of force.

International law is the result of collaboration between states and regulates how they coexist. It underpins peace and security and aims to ensure the protection and well-being of persons. International law comprises different areas, such as the prohibition of the use of force, protection of individuals during wars and conflicts (see international humanitarian law), prevention and prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, transnational organised crime and terrorism. It also regulates other areas, such as the environment, trade, development, telecommunications and transport. On account of the sovereignty of states, international law only applies for each state insofar as it has agreed to adopt certain international obligations. This excludes mandatory international law, which comprises basic standards that no state may override, such as the prohibition of genocide.

International organisations are long-term alliances formed by at least two countries. They are entrusted with the independent performance of their own tasks and therefore have at least one body through which they act. They are generally based on a multilateral founding treaty (also called statutes or charter) which sets out the organisation’s mandates and bodies.

Transfer of technical and/or management knowledge for further development and application in other areas. Transfers take place between companies and/or units of companies located in different countries.

Legal mechanism for the systematic screening of foreign investments.

Internet governance is the development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and use of the internet (see ‘Global governance’).

Movement of persons that takes place outside the laws, regulations, or international agreements governing the entry into or exit from the state of origin, transit or destination.

In the context of communication abroad, this refers to the constant monitoring, analysis and evaluation of public opinion (abroad) with a focus on strategically relevant themes. It aims to recognise reputational risks and opportunities as early as possible in order to exploit promising avenues for communication and develop strategies to defend against threats to the country’s image when required.

This term is used to denote a violent, extremist ideology that abuses the religious concept of jihad and legitimises itself in this way. ‘Jihad-motivated travellers’ refers to people who leave their country of origin or residence to join or support a jihadist group in an area of conflict.

The Khartoum Process aims to promote dialogue and cooperation on migration between states of origin, transit states and destination states along the migration route from the Horn of Africa to Europe. The initiative was launched in 2014 by the European Union and African Union.

Leading houses help foster international cooperation on research and innovation with regions that have great development potential in terms of science and technology. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, with support from the University of Basel, is the leading house for bilateral science cooperation with partner institutions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Under the arrangements for international cooperation engagement with other actors, mandates refer to contracts awarded to an NGO or another international cooperation actor in accordance with public procurement rules on transparency and competitiveness for the provision of services.

Derived from ‘medicine’ and ‘technology’, this term describes endeavours to develop technological products for use in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

Agreement by states to cooperate extensively on migration. It establishes a general framework for their cooperation and enables the interests of all parties concerned to be taken into account.

A minority is a population group with ethnic, linguistic, cultural or religious characteristics that differ from those of a numerically superior group within the territory of a state. Switzerland, whose identity is based on pluralism and the coexistence of different communities, is working in China and elsewhere to ensure that minorities have the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, and to use their own language.

Population groups where the causes of migration differ or groups with different reasons for migration (refugees, internal displacement, labour migration) using various migration routes.

Multilateralism is when issues of public interest are discussed and negotiated between more than two states (cf. ‘Bilateralism’). International organisations and bodies such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe are platforms for such discussions. Multilateralism allows Switzerland to achieve leverage through alliances and thus increase its influence.

This refers to the idea that as many relevant stakeholders as possible should be involved in decisions and regulatory efforts.

Switzerland’s rights and obligations as a neutral state are derived from international law (see ‘International law’). The core of these obligations involves Switzerland not being allowed to offer military support in the event of an inter-state conflict. At national level, neutrality is mentioned in the Federal Constitution as an instrument to safeguard Switzerland’s independence. The neutrality policy ensures the effectiveness and credibility of Switzerland’s neutrality.

Structural combination of various international cooperation instruments (humanitarian aid, development cooperation, peacebuilding and human security) as part of a project, especially during protracted crises.

Any private, non-profit organisation that operates at local, national or international level to pursue common goals and ideals with no significant state-controlled involvement or representation. NGOs are part of civil society (see ‘Civil society’).

The ODA/GNI ratio quantifies the financial commitments made by donor countries by comparing them to their gross national income (GNI). It represents a statistical indicator and is not a steering instrument. The ratio is calculated a posteriori, i.e. after the annual accounts are closed. Its components can fluctuate considerably. This is mainly due to cyclical variations in GNI and to asylum costs, which are hard to forecast. These fluctuations can have an impact on the ODA/GNI ratio, sometimes even when international cooperation funding remains unchanged.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a UN entity and part of the Secretariat of the United Nations United Nations, responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. The office coordinates human rights activities across the entire UN system.

The OECD defines ODA as “all flows to developing countries and territories on the OECD list and to multilateral development organisations that:

1. are provided by official agencies;
2. are administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as their main objective; and
3. are concessional in character”.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPWC) is an independent institution based in The Hague which has monitored implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997, the year in which it entered into force. The OPCW supports and monitors those states that have ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in matters of demilitarisation, non-proliferation, cooperation and the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Convention has been ratified by 193 states to date.

Actors with whom Switzerland’s international cooperation works to achieve its objectives. They include governments, multilateral organisations, private companies, NGOs, grantmaking foundations, academic institutions or any other relevant actor.

The Paris Climate Agreement is a legally binding instrument under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Civilian peacebuilding includes contributions to the prevention, mitigation and resolution of violent conflicts, in particular through confidence-building, mediation and the promotion of international humanitarian law and human rights (see ‘Facilitation and mediation’, ‘International humanitarian law’ and ‘Human rights’). Post-conflict peacebuilding activities comprise a range of activities, including dealing with the past, contributions to promoting democratic processes and elections, and strengthening human rights. Peacebuilding creates and reinforces the framework conditions necessary for sustainable development. It comprises both civilian and military measures.

Refers to the use of the House of Switzerland brand outside of major official events. The focus is on temporary communication activities at a physical location in a specific country for a period of up to six months. 

The Image Monitor uses regular representative population surveys to capture an up-to-date picture of how Switzerland is perceived by the general public abroad. The aim is to identify developments and trends in the way Switzerland is perceived.

Comprehensive approach to tackling the direct and structural causes leading to violent extremism and terrorism.

Switzerland’s foreign policy is guided in particular by the constitutional principles of freedom, the rule of law, equality of opportunity, and sustainability. Regarding implementation, the key principles are universality, multilateralism and neutrality.

Countries where the majority of bilateral development cooperation funds are invested.

Many human rights agreements and treaties secure spaces where individuals can freely develop and flourish without external interference. Both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Art. 17) and the ECHR (Art. 8) guarantee privacy, ensuring that states may not interfere in private or family life without due cause. At a time when surveillance, digital data interception and the collection of personal data are becoming increasingly common, protecting privacy is of the utmost importance.

The private sector refers to actors which are not majority-owned by the State and exist for the purpose of generating profits. In the present strategy, the term also includes social enterprises, impact investors and certain grant-making foundations (primarily those of multinational companies).

A programme comprises several projects that are tied to a specific country or thematic focus.

Contribution granted to NGOs according to subsidy regulations and untied to any specific project, thematic focus or country in order to fund their international programmes.

Contribution granted to development actors (primarily NGOs and multilateral organisations) according to subsidy regulations in order to fund specific projects implemented within the framework of Switzerland’s international cooperation activities.

A protecting power comes into effect when a state breaks off diplomatic and/or consular relations with another state. If all the parties involved agree, the protecting power takes on the functions agreed with the sending state, grants protection to citizens of that state and/or represents its interests in the host state. Protecting power mandates allow states to maintain low-level relations. At the end of 2019, Switzerland had seven protecting power mandates: it represents Iran in Egypt, the United States in Iran, Georgia in Russia, Russia in Georgia, Iran in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia in Iran and Iran in Canada.

Foreign trade policy that aims to protect the domestic economy by imposing tariffs or import restrictions.

Strategic communication measures aimed at creating approval and understanding for one’s own country and its politics abroad. Unlike classical diplomacy, which is primarily directed at foreign governments, public diplomacy also addresses the general public.

The goal of public relations work is to build trust, credibility and sympathy and generate a positive public image. In communication abroad, different instruments are used to achieve this depending on the context and target audience. They range from simply providing information and promotional material to using specific communication channels and organising events and occasions for particular target groups.

Euro-African dialogue on migration and development launched in 2006. It aims to establish a framework for dialogue and consultation for managing the challenges related to the East African migration route. It brings together more than 50 European countries and countries from North, West and Central Africa as well as the European Commission and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

They aim to ensure the quick and safe repatriation of persons with irregular residence status to their country of origin. They govern the implementing arrangements, procedure and expulsion deadlines between Switzerland and the country of origin.

A refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol regulate the status of refugees. The principle of non-refoulement is particularly important. It forbids a country receiving refugees to expel or return (‘refouler’) them to a territory where their life or freedom would be threatened.

The rule of law refers to the supremacy of law over the rule of might. At national level, the fundamental objective of the rule of law is to safeguard the primacy of the law at all levels of government and to protect the associated freedom of citizens. In terms of foreign policy, the rule of law is crucial to international peace and security, economic and social progress, development and the protection of rights and human freedoms. It is primarily achieved by strengthening international law, which guarantees political stability and the reliability of international relations (see ‘International law’).

This term refers to, for example, the use of scientific collaboration between states to address common problems and to develop international partnerships. At the interface between science, technology and foreign policy, articulating issues and objectives from a scientific perspective can support confidence-building and stimulate both bilateral and multilateral discussions. Science diplomacy is also an important approach in digital foreign policy, especially at the multilateral level.

All actions (technical tags, advertisements, etc.) that help display digital content in a search engine.

A business whose primary purpose is to create social and/ or environmental added value while pursuing a commercial strategy to ensure its financial viability. It differs from a conventional business in that profits are reinvested to advance its social and/or environmental goals.

Social media enables users to participate in social networking, and to share content via digital media. It allows users not only to consume, but also to create their own content.

Regional hubs that assist the digital communication activities of Switzerland’s network of representations abroad via tailored content (languages/themes), education and technical support.

The term soft law is used to denote a multitude of different international instruments. What they all have in common is that they are not legally binding (soft) but that they prescribe a certain conduct (law). Unlike international law, soft law in no way constitutes international legal obligations, which is why states cannot be made legally accountable if it is breached (see ‘International law’).

A special economic zone is a designated geographical area within a state with facilitated legal and administrative regulations for investors.

Person or organisation with a legitimate interest in the development or results of a project or process.

Switzerland promotes sustainable development on the basis of the Federal Constitution. It uses the definition formulated by the Brundtland Commission in 1987 as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The principle was substantiated in the 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda in 2015 (see ‘2030 Agenda’).

Sustainable finance refers to any form of financial service integrating environmental, social and governance (known as ESG criteria) criteria into business or investment decisions.

A designation of origin that has acquired international renown as a symbol of reliability and quality for watches and other products. The use of the Swiss designation of origin, as well as other indications of the ’Swissness’ of products and services, are protected by law. Swiss Pavilion: brand name used for Switzerland’s official appearances at World Expos.

Brand name used for Switzerland’s official appearances at World Expos. Swisstech: brand name used in the campaign to support the perception of Switzerland as an innovation hub.

The Swissnex network is the Swiss global network for education, research and innovation. As an initiative of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, it forms part of the Confederation’s external network and is overseen by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The network supports partners in their international networking and in their commitment to the global exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. The five Swissnex locations and their outposts are located in the world’s most innovative hubs. The network is also temporarily presented at selected major events, such as World Expos (e.g. Expo Dubai), by means of a so-called swissnex Mobile presence.

Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) supports Swiss and Liechtenstein companies in developing their foreign activities, on behalf of the Confederation. S-GE coordinates a comprehensive network of specialist service partners in Switzerland and abroad to this end. Its core services include advising companies on developing or expanding export activities, providing these companies with information, and conducting marketing for Switzerland abroad.

Communication abroad aims to help safeguard Switzerland’s interests abroad using public relations tools. It actively helps shape the perception of Switzerland abroad by explaining Switzerland, its positions and its strengths, as well as its domestic and foreign policy action through targeted communication activities.

The practice of addressing clearly defined target groups specifically using data that is freely available under the Data Protection Act.

Digital technologies and technical innovations offer many opportunities to improve living conditions worldwide. Switzerland promotes their use in international cooperation in order to deliver on the sustainable development goals more quickly or in a more broad-based and cost effective manner. For example, new technologies can help alleviate need and poverty, tackle global challenges such as climate change, and contribute to better governance. New technologies also involve risks, which is why Switzerland combines its innovation transfer with training measures, for example.

Terrorism denotes violent criminal acts that seek to intimidate the public or a state, or to coerce an international organisation. At universal level, international agreements and UN resolutions describe various measures designed to support countries in the prevention and prosecution of terrorist acts. It is recognised that such counterterrorism measures must respect international law, in particular human rights, international humanitarian law and the international law on refugees.

This resolution adopted in 2000 on women, peace and security calls for the incorporation of gender perspectives in the prevention of violent conflicts, peace processes and in the rebuilding of state institutions. The resolution also calls for more comprehensive protection of women and girls, who are particularly affected by sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts. Switzerland adopted its first national action plan on women, peace and security (NAP 1325) in 2007 to implement the resolution. Switzerland’s 4th NAP 1325 has been in effect since 2018.

UN civilian field operations in the areas of conflict prevention, peacebuilding and peace consolidation or which support political processes through good offices. The roles and characteristics of the special missions – there are over 40 at present – vary significantly. The special missions include, for example, country and regional offices, special envoys of the UN Secretary-General and teams of experts or monitoring teams for sanctions. Their mandate is generally based on resolutions of the UN General Assembly and/or the UN Security Council.

Each of the nine UN human rights treaties is assigned a ‘treaty body’. These consist of independent experts who monitor the human rights compliance of the treaty in question. For example, they verify and make recommendations on the state reports that treaty nations must periodically produce, as well as dealing with complaints made by one nation against another, and deciding on individual complaints by victims of human rights abuses.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. As the first international human rights declaration, it contains a comprehensive programme for human rights, defining civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights.

This means maintaining good relations with all states of the world. This does not mean, however, that foreign policy instruments are deployed in all countries in the same way or that Switzerland has a representation in every country. Rather, Switzerland represents its interests in a modular fashion and according to political priority. It does so both bilaterally and multilaterally, and as a member of international organisations.

Global standards for private security companies which were laid down in 2000 by companies, NGOs and governments to promote and protect human rights.

The War Material Act (WMA) makes the export and transit of war material and the transfer of production licences subject to licensing. Applications must be submitted to SECO, which issues export licences in accordance with the related War Material Ordinance (WMO). The FDFA reviews the applications in accordance with Article 5 of the WMO and ensures that Switzerland fulfils its international obligations, applies its foreign policy principles, and complies with international law. It takes into account the following criteria: the upholding of peace and international security, regional stability, respect for human rights, the principles and objectives of Swiss development cooperation and the stance of other states.

Disproportionately young population shaping a country’s demographics, where 15 to 24-year-olds make up at least 20% or 0 to 15-year-olds at least 30% of society as a whole.