SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2016 2019 · vise the Sustainable Development Strategy for the...

S U S TA I N A B L ED E V E LO P M E N T S T R AT E G Y

2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9

S W I S S F E D E R A L C O U N C I L

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P U B L I C AT I O N D E T A I L S

P u b l i s h e d b y: S w i s s F e d e r a l C o u n c i l

P r o j e c t m a n a g e m e n t : F e d e r a l O f f i c e f o r S p a t i a l D e v e l o p m e n t ( A R E ) ,S e c t i o n S u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t , 3 0 0 3 B e r n e

w w w. a r e . a d m i n . c h / s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t

G r a p h i c d e s i g n : S i n n f o r m A G , B a s e l

P r o d u c t i o n : C o m m u n i c a t i o n A R E

C i t a t i o n : S w i s s F e d e r a l C o u n c i l , S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n tS t r a t e g y 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9 , 2 7 t h J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

D i s t r i b u t i o n : S F B L , D i s t r i b u t i o n o f P u b l i c a t i o n s , 3 0 0 3 B e r n e , A r t . N o . 8 1 2 . 1 0 1 . e ,w w w. b u n d e s p u b l i k a t i o n e n . a d m i n . c h

O r d e r a n d d o w n l o a d o f e l e c t r o n i c v e r s i o n : w w w. a r e . a d m i n . c h / p u b l i k a t i o n e n

P a p e r: R e b e l l o R e c y l i n g

A l s o a v a i l a b l e i n G e r m a n , F r e n c h a n d I t a l i a n

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I N D E X

1 . T H E S T R AT E G Y

1 . 1 . I n t r o d u c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 . 2 . S t a k e h o l d e r d i a l o g u e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 . 3 . F u n c t i o n o f t h e S t r a t e g y ; t a r g e t g r o u p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2 . N AT I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A LF R A M E W O R K S

2 . 1 . N a t i o n a l f r a m e w o r k s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 . 1 . 1 . S u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t a s a c o n s t i t u t i o n a l m a n d a t e . . . . . 82 . 1 . 2 . L e g i s l a t i v e p l a n n i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 . 2 . I n t e r n a t i o n a l f r a m e w o r k s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 . 2 . 1 . U N C o n f e r e n c e o n S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t ( R i o + 2 0 ) . . . . . . . 92 . 2 . 2 . 2 0 3 0 A g e n d a f o r S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 . 2 . 3 . C h a l l e n g e s f o r S w i t z e r l a n d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 . S U S TA I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T I N S W I T Z E R L A N D

3 . 1 . D e f i n i t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 23 . 2 . F e d e r a l C o u n c i l g u i d e l i n e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2

4 . A C T I O N P L A N

4 . 1 . S t r u c t u r e o f t h e A c t i o n P l a n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 54 . 2 . A c t i o n a r e a s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 64 . 2 . 1 . A c t i o n a r e a 1 – C o n s u m p t i o n a n d p r o d u c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 64 . 2 . 2 . A c t i o n a r e a 2 – U r b a n d e v e l o p m e n t , m o b i l i t y

a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 94 . 2 . 3 . A c t i o n a r e a 3 – E n e r g y a n d c l i m a t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 34 . 2 . 4 . A c t i o n a r e a 4 – N a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 64 . 2 . 5 . A c t i o n a r e a 5 – E c o n o m i c a n d f i n a n c i a l s y s t e m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 94 . 2 . 6 . A c t i o n a r e a 6 – E d u c a t i o n , r e s e a r c h a n d i n n o v a t i o n . . . . . . . . . 3 24 . 2 . 7 . A c t i o n a r e a 7 – S o c i a l s e c u r i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 44 . 2 . 8 . A c t i o n a r e a 8 – S o c i a l c o h e s i o n a n d g e n d e r e q u a l i t y . . . . . . . 3 64 . 2 . 9 . A c t i o n a r e a 9 – H e a l t h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0

5 . I N T E R N AT I O N A L E N G A G E M E N T

5 . 1 . I n t r o d u c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 55 . 2 . F o r e i g n p o l i c y i n s t r u m e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 55 . 3 . C o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h e S D G a t i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e v e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 65 . 4 . S h a p i n g g l o b a l g o v e r n a n c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 9

6 . T H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N A S A M O D E L

6 . 1 . R e s o u r c e a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t ( R U M B A ) . . . . . . . . 5 16 . 2 . T h e C o n f e d e r a t i o n : e x e m p l a r y i n e n e r g y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 16 . 3 . P u b l i c p r o c u r e m e n t b y t h e C o n f e d e r a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 26 . 4 . S u s t a i n a b l e p r o p e r t y m a n a g e m e n t

o n t h e p a r t o f t h e C o n f e d e r a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 26 . 5 . A c t i o n a r e a s f o r t h e f u t u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2

7 . M O N I T O R I N G A N D R E P O RT I N G

7 . 1 . M o n i t o r i n g s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t i n S w i t z e r l a n d . . . . . . . . . 5 47 . 2 . M o n i t o r i n g s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t a t t h e g l o b a l l e v e l . . . . 5 47 . 3 . R e p o r t i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5

8 . O R G A N I S AT I O N W I T H I N T H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N

8 . 1 . I n t e g r a t i n g s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t i n t o e x i s t i n gp l a n n i n g a n d p o l i c y m a n a g e m e n t p r o c e s s e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7

8 . 1 . 1 . C o o r d i n a t i o n a t t h e n a t i o n a l l e v e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 78 . 1 . 2 . C o o r d i n a t i o n a t t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e v e l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 88 . 1 . 3 . C o o rd i n a t i o n b e t w e e n n a t i o n a l a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e v e l s . . . 5 88 . 1 . 4 . I m p l e m e n t i n g t h e 2 0 3 0 A g e n d a f o r S u s t a i n a b l e

D e v e l o p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 88 . 1 . 5 . F u n d i n g i m p l e m e n t a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 98 . 2 . I n s t r u m e n t s a n d p r o c e s s e s f o r i n t e g r a t i n g

s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t i n t o s e c t o r a l p o l i c i e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 98 . 2 . 1 . S u s t a i n a b i l i t y a s s e s s m e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 98 . 2 . 2 . P o l i c y c o h e r e n c e f o r s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 08 . 2 . 3 . Tr a i n i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 0

9 . C O O P E R AT I O N W I T H T H E C A N T O N SA N D C O M M U N E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2

1 0 . C O O P E R AT I O N W I T H C I V I L S O C I E T Y, B U S I N E S SA N D S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H

1 0 . 1 . C o n s u l t a t i o n s o n t h e C o n f e d e r a t i o n ’s p o l i c yo n s u s t a i n a b i l i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5

1 0 . 2 . P a r t n e r s h i p s f o r s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 61 0 . 3 . C o m m u n i c a t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6

1 1 . A P P E N D I X

1 1 . 1 . L i s t o f a b b r e v i a t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 81 1 . 2 . B i b l i o g r a p h y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 0

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1 .

T H E S T R AT E G Y

1 . 1 .

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Since 1997, the Federal Council has laid down its politicalintentions with regard to the implementation of sustainabledevelopment in Switzerland in a dedicated strategy. Since2008, this strategy has been updated regularly as part of thefour-year legislative cycle. In its resolution of 25 June 2011,the Federal Parliament instructed the Federal Council to re-vise the Sustainable Development Strategy for the 2015–19legislative period.

This Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–19 sets outthe Federal Council’s policy priorities for sustainable devel-opment in the medium to long term. It also lists the actionthat the Confederation will take to implement this Strategyduring the legislative period. In addition, the Strategy indi-cates the contribution that Switzerland will make to achievingthe United Nations’ global Agenda 2030 for Sustainable De-velopment (‘2030 Agenda’) during this period. The aim in thefuture is to align the Strategy as comprehensively as possiblewith the 2030 Agenda to ensure that Switzerland plays a fullpart in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)by 2030.

1 . 2 .

S TA K E H O L D E R D I A L O G U E

Implementing sustainable development policy is a demand-ing, long-term process that necessitates close and well-coordinated cooperation between all levels of governmentand with partners from the private sector, civil society andscience. For this reason, these actors have been more in-volved than previously in the strategy revision process. Theaim was to draw up an action plan that had the broadestpossible base of support, and thereby lay the foundations forefficient, well-coordinated implementation.

The actors concerned were involved as part of a stakeholderdialogue which ran from November 2014 to May 2015. Theirinterests, points of view and objectives with regard to sus-tainable development were registered and discussed. Thisprocess encompassed stakeholders from civil society, busi-ness, science, the cantons and communes, and representa-tives of the Federal Administration.

The outcomes of this stakeholder dialogue include proposalsfor a long-term vision of sustainable development in Switzer-land, as well as for the targets which should be achieved by2030. The Sustainable Development Goals set out in the new2030 Agenda provided one of the points of reference for thesetargets. Another part of the process was the formulation ofaction that the Confederation might take in the 2016–19period to achieve its medium-term targets. The outcomes ofthis dialogue were collated into a synthesis report whichserved as one of the bases for the present Strategy.

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S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T S T R A T E G Y 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9T H E S T R A T E G Y

1 . 3 .

F U N C T I O N O F T H E S T R AT E G Y ;TA R G E T G R O U P

The Federal Council regards sustainable development as a‘regulative idea’, in other words a core principle. It should beregarded not as an isolated element of sectoral policy, but asa requirement that must be incorporated into all policy areas.This view is supported by the great breadth of topics encom-passed by the Sustainable Development Strategy. Indeed, itcovers the majority of the state’s activities.

The aim of the Strategy is to ensure that Switzerland has acoherent sustainable development policy at Confederationlevel. Its primary function is therefore to coordinate the activ-ities of the Confederation, while also providing a referenceframework for other actors. Sectoral policies are increasinglybeing aligned with the principles of sustainable developmentby setting points of focus and by shifting emphasis. This al-lows potentially conflicting aims between individual policyareas to be identified and resolved where possible. It alsopromotes the use of synergies. The federal agencies respon-sible for individual domains assume responsibility for fleshingout the action that is to be taken, as well as for coordinatingand executing it. In their planning and internal processes, theymust respect the principles of sustainable development.Action on sustainable development is funded via the regularbudget processes of the federal agencies concerned.

The principles laid down in the Federal Council guidelines (seeSection 3.2) provide a point of reference for the implementa-tion of sustainable development in sectoral policies. Theseguidelines are joined in this new Strategy by a target frame-work, structured by topic, which comprises the Confedera-tion’s long-term vision and specific targets up to 2030. Thekey points of these targets are already based on the 2030Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (see Section2.2.2) and should be fully aligned with these in the future (seeSection 8.1.4). These visions and targets define the priorityissues on which action is needed in Switzerland. The FederalCouncil will focus more closely on these areas in the future.They are intended to provide a medium to long-term refer-ence point for both the Confederation and all other actors. Inthis way, the Sustainable Development Strategy will influenceother actors at cantonal and commune level, in business andin civil society who also base their actions on the targetframework defined by the Federal Council. Furthermore, theSustainable Development Strategy provides a tool for com-municating with national and international stakeholders.

In the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strat-egy, particular importance is attached to closer coordinationbetween domestic and foreign policy. For this reason, theStrategy focuses more closely on Switzerland’s internationalengagement (see Section 5). Moreover, as part of its inter-national cooperation activities, Switzerland supports partnercountries with the formulation and implementation of coher-ent policies, and participates in international bodies and pro-cesses to bring about a well-coordinated policy on sustaina-bility that is as free as possible of contradiction.

Finally, the Strategy describes the most important instru-ments and provisions which come into play in achievingsustainable development at Confederation level.

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2 .

N AT I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A LF R A M E W O R K S

2 . 1 .

N AT I O N A L F R A M E W O R K S

2 . 1 . 1 .

S u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n ta s a c o n s t i t u t i o n a l m a n d a t e

Sustainable development is enshrined in the new FederalConstitution of 1999 in a number of places. Article 2 describesthe primary purpose of the Confederation, which is to pro-mote common welfare, sustainable development, internalcohesion and cultural diversity (para. 2). It is also committedto the long-term preservation of natural resources and to ajust and peaceful international order (para. 4). Under Article73, the Confederation and the cantons are bound by a man-date that requires public-sector bodies at all levels to ensure“a balanced and sustainable relationship between nature andits capacity to renew itself, and the demands placed on it bythe population”. Article 54, meanwhile, specifies Switzerland’sforeign policy objectives, which reflect important elements ofsustainable development: encouraging welfare, helping toalleviate poverty and need in the world, promoting respect forhuman rights and democracy, the peaceful co-existence ofpeoples, and the conservation of natural resources.

2 . 1 . 2 .

L e g i s l a t i v e p l a n n i n g

Every four years, the Federal Council issues a Dispatch set-ting out its planned programme of legislation for the comingperiod. This is based on the ‘Outlook 2030’ status and contextanalysis which was produced by the Forward Planning Staffof the Federal Administration. Legislative planning and theSustainable Development Strategy are closely linked fromboth the content and procedural perspectives. Both strategicplanning processes cover a very wide range of topics, butdiffer in terms of focus and time horizon. While legislativeplanning describes the principal legislative projects in all pol-icy areas for the duration of one legislative period, the Sus-tainable Development Strategy is geared to a long time hori-zon and also contains key strategic action on the implemen-tation of currently applicable law.

To link the content and procedures of both planning pro-cesses even more closely, the Federal Council decided on 4November 2009 to integrate the Sustainable DevelopmentStrategy into its legislative planning programme, thus ensur-ing optimum coordination between the two. For this reason,an abridged version of the Sustainable Development Strategyis incorporated into the main legislative planning documentand set out in its appendix.

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2 . 2 .

I N T E R N AT I O N A L F R A M E W O R K S

2 . 2 . 1 .

U N C o n fe re n c e o n S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t( R i o + 2 0 )

At the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)of June 2012, the international community reaffirmed thatglobal challenges of increasing scale can be managed onlyby coordinated efforts on behalf of the world’s nations. It alsoagreed to draw up new, generally understandable and meas-urable targets for sustainable development by 2030, modelledon the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) which expiredat the end of 2015. It was subsequently decided to combinethe processes for updating the MDG and drafting the SDG.

In addition, in the concluding document adopted by the Con-ference, ‘The Future We Want’, the international communityagain recognised the importance of national sustainabilitystrategies, and their signpost function in decision-makingand realising sustainable development at all levels. In thedocument, states were called upon to strengthen nationaland sub-national institutions, bodies and processes to en-sure coordination and coherence on sustainable develop-ment issues. Furthermore, the Conference reconfirmed theresolutions passed at the United Nations Conference on En-vironment and Development (the ‘Earth Summit’) in Rio deJaneiro in 1992, and at the World Summit on SustainableDevelopment in Johannesburg. A ‘green economy based onsustainable development and poverty eradication’ was alsoadopted into the highest political agenda, and the UN Envi-ronment Programme (UNEP) was bolstered thanks to univer-sal membership.

2 . 2 . 2 .

2 0 3 0 A g e n d a f o r S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t

Based on the Rio+20 resolution, heads of state and govern-ment adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development(the 2030 Agenda) at the United Nations Sustainable Devel-opment Summit on 25 September 2015. It represents anambitious transformative agenda for the international com-munity, while at the same time identifying the greatest chal-lenges facing the world. The Agenda comprises a preamble,a declaration, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (seebelow), and 169 targets, means of implementation and aglobal partnership, as well as a follow-up and review mecha-nism for the implementation of the SDG.

The 17 SDG, with their related targets, form the core of the2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are valid forall countries, but are to be pursued and amended in accord-ance with individual national circumstances and priorities.They are measured and checked using a set of indicators. Theoutcomes of the Third International Conference on Financingfor Development, held in Addis Ababa in July 2015, form an-other integral part of the 2030 Agenda.

By adopting the 2030 Agenda, all states declared their willing-ness to work together to achieve the set SDG by 2030, toadopt them as a reference framework for their national sus-tainability strategies, and to make an appropriate contributionto their implementation at national and international level.Reports on the status of implementation will be producedregularly as part of the international review mechanism.

The UN is supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agendawith all of its various organisations and mechanisms. Thenewly founded High Level Political Forum on SustainableDevelopment (HLPF), which reports to the General Assemblyand the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has a par-ticularly important role to play in supporting and monitoringimplementation work.

2 . 2 . 3 .

C h a l l e n g e s f o r S w i t ze r l a n d

The 2030 Agenda is not legally binding, but provides animportant reference framework for Switzerland. The FederalCouncil takes it very seriously, and is committed on both thenational and international levels to the Agenda’s implemen-tation. One of the ways in which this will happen at nationallevel is through the specific targets defined in this SustainableDevelopment Strategy, which is based on the SDG and willhelp to achieve them. Switzerland will also report regularly to

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the UN on its progress with the implementation of the 2030Agenda.

The aim in the future is to align the Strategy as comprehen-sively as possible with the 2030 Agenda to secure Switzer-land’s contribution to achieving the SDG by 2030. Here, it isimportant that the Confederation, the cantons and communeswork closely with civil society and the private and scientificsectors. There must also be closer coordination betweenimplementation at the national and international levels, andappropriate monitoring and review mechanisms must becreated which, where possible, also include private-sectoraction (see Section 8.1.4). Communicating the results willalso be very important.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) under the 2030Agenda.

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutritionand promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for allat all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education andpromote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all womenand girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of waterand sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable andmodern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economicgrowth, full and productive employment and decent workfor all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive andsustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe,resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and productionpatterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and itsimpacts*

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas andmarine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terres-trial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combatdesertification, and halt and reverse land degradationand halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainabledevelopment, provide access to justice for all and buildeffective, accountable and inclusive institutions at alllevels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalisethe global partnership for sustainable development

* Acknowledging that the United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange is the primary international intergovernmental forum for negotiat-ing the global response to climate change.

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3 . 1 .

D E F I N I T I O N

The Federal Council applies the broad definition of sustain-able development drawn up in 1987 by the World Commis-sion on Environment and Development for the 1992 UNConference on Environment and Development in Rio de Ja-neiro. It is known as the ‘Brundtland Definition’ after the Com-mission’s chair, Gro Harlem Brundtland. According to thisdefinition, development is sustainable if it guarantees that theneeds of present generations can be met without compro-mising the ability of future generations to meet their ownneeds.

Two complementary aspects are of key importance here: theidea that there are limits to what global ecosystems can bear,and the priority that must be given to satisfying essentialneeds, particularly those of the poorest sections of society.This definition has an ethical foundation. It expresses thebelief that a generation’s empowerment largely to do as itpleases with regard to the future should be replaced by asense of responsibility toward the future, rooted in a just andfair division of resources between generations (INTERgener-ational solidarity) and regions of the world (INTRAgenera-tional solidarity). The basis of human life should be securedon just and fair terms for all.

3 . 2 .

F E D E R A L C O U N C I L G U I D E L I N E S

The Sustainable Development Strategy provides anover-arching reference framework for the interpretation of‘sustainable development’ as a concept and, specifically, howit is to be translated into action in the various policy areas atConfederation level.

The guidelines on sustainability policy set out the FederalCouncil’s understanding of sustainable development, andexplain how it intends to integrate it into all of the Confeder-ation’s sectoral policies. They are based on the Federal Con-stitution (see Section 2.1.1) and on key reference documentsissued by the United Nations and other international organi-sations. The following guidelines apply to sustainable devel-opment policy. They are described in detail in the SustainableDevelopment Strategy 2008–11 and remain valid.

1. Take responsibility for the future: According to the prin-ciple of common, yet divided responsibility, with theirparticular accountability for past and present develop-ment processes and their greater financial and technicalresources, the highly developed industrialised countriesmust lead the way. Responsibility for the future meanspromoting the principles of prevention, ‘producer pays’and liability as the essential framework for sustainable,long-term economic, environmental and social action atall levels.

3 .

S U S TA I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N TI N S W I T Z E R L A N D

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2. Balanced consideration of the three target dimensions ofsustainable development: When developing federal policy,equal account must be taken of the three complementarytarget dimensions of ‘economic efficiency’, ‘social solidar-ity’ and ‘environmental responsibility’. The ‘capital stock’model provides an additional basis for this. A limited de-gree of substitution is possible between the different cap-ital stocks, although certain limiting criteria such as mini-mum social, economic and environmental requirementsmust be observed. This is a halfway house between theconcepts of strong and weak sustainability.

3. Incorporate sustainable development into all areas ofpolicy: Sustainable development is not a further sectoralpolicy in itself, but an over-arching regulatory concept towhich all areas of policy are to be aligned. According to theFederal Constitution, sustainable development is a govern-ment objective, and thus a mandate that is binding on allstate authorities. It must be integrated from the start in theexisting planning and control processes of the FederalCouncil, the Departments and federal government agen-cies.

4. Improve coherence and coordination between policy ar-eas: The various sectoral policies must form a coherentwhole, on both the domestic and foreign policy fronts.Important policy decisions must be based on proposalswhose economic, social and environmental impacts areevaluated transparently at an early stage in order to opti-mise state action. Here, any conflicts with regard to con-tent must be disclosed, and the way in which interestshave been considered must be shown transparently.

5. Forge sustainable development partnerships: Many of theproblems our country faces can be resolved constructivelyonly by all three levels of government working closely to-gether. Switzerland’s structure as a federal state meansthat cantonal and municipal administrations havefar-reaching power and influence in many areas of rele-vance to sustainability. In the future, civil society and theprivate sector are also to be involved as comprehensivelyas possible in shaping and implementing sustainabledevelopment policy.

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4 .

A C T I O N P L A N

The Federal Council takes a holistic approach to putting itspolicy into effect (see Section 3.2). The Council believes itimportant to integrate the principles of sustainable develop-ment into all of the Confederation’s sectoral policies. TheAction Plan presented here is intended to set specific areasof emphasis. They have been determined by the FederalCouncil in those priority policy areas in which it identifies thegreatest need for action. These priorities are based on thegeneral focus areas of federal government policy overall, onthe outcomes of stakeholder dialogue (see Section 1.2) andthe new objectives determined by the 2030 Agenda (see Sec-tion 2.2.2).

4 . 1 .

S T R U C T U R E O F T H E A C T I O N P L A N

The Action Plan is structured into nine themed action areasin the priority policy fields for sustainable development. Eachof these is composed of a long-term vision for Switzerland,the current medium-term challenges, the Federal Councilgoals that are derived from these challenges, which are to bemet by 2030, and the action that the Federal Council will takeduring the 2015–19 legislative period.

A v i s i o n a s a l o n g - t e r m s c e n a r i o

The vision represents a long-term scenario for a sustainableSwitzerland. It is not bound to a particular time horizon, andsimply describes the target ideal state. This draws on inter-nationally valid framework documents, such as Agenda 21,

the Johannesburg declaration on sustainable development,‘The future we want’ and the 2030 Agenda. The vision is notbinding, but rather serves as a signpost for the direction inwhich Switzerland should continue to develop on importantissues. As such, it is key to coordination between policy areasand thus to promoting coherent policy.

M e d i u m - t e r m c h a l l e n g e s

The 2030 Agenda provides a framework for the challengesthat the international community believes all countries mustovercome in a way appropriate to their particular circum-stances. Derived from this, the present document describesthe most significant medium-term challenges for Switzer-land.

G o a l s u p t o 2 0 3 0

The goals represent the Federal Council’s priorities for sus-tainable development in Switzerland up to 2030. They reflectthe content of the vision, and set out in greater detail the needfor action identified in the challenges. The goals should beseen as non-legally-binding targets which still allow the nec-essary scope for implementation.

As part of the regular strategy review cycle, the goals may beamended in line with changing circumstances, as well asnational and international priorities. This is particularly rele-vant in view of their continued relationship to the 2030Agenda, although the ultimate objective is to align the Swissgoals comprehensively with the SDG.

A c t i o n t o w a r d s a c h i e v i n g t h e g o a l s

The measures set out in the Action Plan describe selected,high-priority domestic policy activities that the Federal Coun-cil will undertake during the current legislative period to

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achieve its goals for 2030, or to promote progress towardsthese goals. The Action Plan also lists selected foreign policyactivities, where these are relevant to the achievement of thegoals in Switzerland. The listed measures are not intended tobe exhaustive. Rather, they provide points of focus in the in-dividual policy areas. They are described in greater detail in aregularly updated Action Table that is published on the AREwebsite (www.are.admin.ch/sne).

D e v e l o p m e n t i n d i c a t o r s

The general trend in the themed action areas is tracked by theMONET system of indicators for sustainable development(see Section 7.1). Generally speaking, these indicators referto long-term visions. They have been selected because theyare the best possible reflection of specific objectives in eachaction area.

4 . 2 .

A C T I O N A R E A S

The Action Plan is structured into nine action areas, eachcovering a specific topic which is of central importance to thesustainable development of Switzerland. It also sets out themeasures that will be instituted by the Federal Council in thecurrent legislative period.

4 . 2 . 1 .

A c t i o n a re a 1 – C o n s u m p t i o n a n d p ro d u c t i o n

L o n g - t e r m v i s i o n

The precautionary and producer pays principle is appliedconsistently by government and business both nationallyand internationally. In both production and service provi-sion, businesses fulfil their social responsibility at home andabroad, including respect for human rights and compliancewith social standards. Environmental impacts are kept lowalong the entire value chain, and natural resources are usedsparingly.

Basic supplies of essential goods and services are guaran-teed for the entire population in the long term. Both con-sumer and capital goods are produced in a resource-effi-cient, socially and environmentally-friendly way, with noimpact on health. Consumer durables are designed to below-consumption, long-lasting, easy to repair and recycla-ble. Goods are used in a cost-effective way and, once used,are recycled where this makes sense. There is transparencyabout their characteristics and external effects along thevalue chain and throughout their life cycle.

Individuals are aware of the impact of their actions andconsumption on the social and natural environment. Anenvironmentally and resource-friendly, healthy lifestyle isattractive and easy to achieve.

K e y m e d i u m - t e r m c h a l l e n g e s u p t o 2 0 3 0

As part of the 2030 Agenda, the international communityidentified the following goal (SDG):

• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and productionpatterns

This poses the following key challenges for Switzerland:

• The environmental impact of consumption in Switzerlandexceeds the level that the natural environment can sustain-ably bear. Indeed, Switzerland already transgresses planetarytolerance limits in a variety of areas. Although certain im-provements in resource-efficiency are discernible, in key ar-eas the only result of this to date has been that the environ-mental burden has risen more slowly than economic output.In particular, rising consumption continues to generate grow-ing ecological pressures, especially abroad. In addition totheir environmental impacts, patterns of production andconsumption exert significant influence on working condi-tions around the world, respect for human rights, fair compe-tition, consideration for consumers’ interests, and on the fightagainst corruption. The manufacture and consumption ofgoods (products, services and buildings) must therefore bedirected in such a way that they satisfy high economic, envi-ronmental and social standards for their entire life cycles.Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is extremely importantin this – be it by developing business strategies that arefounded on sustainability, by designing products and produc-tion processes in the same way, or by adopting standards andnorms for environmentally and socially responsible action. Inthe future, CSR must be strengthened still further, and thepublic sector must also become a better role model in thisrespect. What is needed is a well-coordinated blend of gov-ernment action and private-sector activity.

• Furthermore, consumers can make an important contribu-tion to sustainable development through their demand be-haviours. Information about the environmental burden andsocial impacts of individual products must therefore be im-

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proved, and targeted action taken to broaden the supply ofmore environmentally friendly and more socially responsibleconsumer goods. Another important element of this is raisingconsumers’ awareness and knowledge levels and therebyenabling them not only to make more sustainable purchasingdecisions, but also to use their purchases in a way that min-imises resource consumption.

• No other country in Europe produces as much urban wasteas Switzerland. The volume of this waste is to be reducedthrough preventive action at the production, transport, distri-bution and consumption stages. In addition to the efficientuse and recycling of consumer and capital goods, a furthermajor challenge is to factor not just a product’s manufactureand use into the design stage but also its disposal when it isno longer wanted. Conserving non-renewable resources(such as rare earths), making efficient use of renewableresources and closing materials cycles (e.g. phosphate) arejust three of the most urgent priorities here.

• A third of the environmental impact produced by Switzer-land at home and abroad is attributable to our diet. Theresource-efficient, environmentally friendly production offoodstuffs and the prevention of food waste are thus particu-larly important.

F e d e r a l C o u n c i l g o a l s u p t o 2 0 3 0 , a n d a c t i o n t o w a r d st h e i r a c h i e v e m e n t b e t w e e n 2 0 1 6 a n d 2 0 1 9

Goal 1.1Wherever they operate, companies fulfil their social respon-sibility in Switzerland and abroad.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Corporate SocialResponsibility (CSR) is industry’s contribution to sustainabledevelopment, while the state has a complementary part toplay. In its Corporate Social Responsibility1 position paper, theConfederation calls upon businesses to display responsiblemanagement in four strategic directions. These are: input intothe CSR framework, awareness-raising and support for Swisscompanies, supporting CSR in developing and transition coun-tries, and promoting transparency. Where international respectfor human rights is concerned, a national action plan to imple-ment the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business andHuman Rights2 is currently at the draft stage. The Confedera-tion is committed to putting these Guiding Principles into ef-fect in a variety of sectors and initiatives at both national andinternational level. Its efforts focus in particular on the conductby companies of human rights due diligence assessments andon the implementation of the requisite measures, as well as onaccess to reparations. Where commodity extraction and trad-ing are concerned, the implementation of the recommenda-tions contained in the background report on commodities3 willhelp companies to fulfil their corporate responsibilities in thisarea in Switzerland and abroad.

Goal 1.2Companies achieve maximum resource-efficiency by opti-mising the design of their production processes and prod-ucts.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: As part of work toimplement its green economy action plan4, the Confederationaims to work with the business sector to identify effectivecriteria from established sustainability standards and initia-tives in order to achieve a clear, measurable reduction in en-vironmental impact through voluntary measures with regardto the relevant raw materials and products. It also supportsthe Reffnet.ch network for a resource-efficient Switzerland5.Reffnet offers companies simple access to analysis of poten-tial materials, energy and cost savings, and highlights actionwhich improves resource-efficiency.

Flagship projects at and within manufacturing companiesand sectors should be identified and publicised. One point ofemphasis here is ecodesign – an approach which aims toimprove product design in a way which reduces environmen-tal impact at all stages of the product life cycle. This approachshould be encouraged further by developing specialist skills4.

Goal 1.3Use is made of the economic and technical potential forclosing materials cycles.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Closing materialscycles means exploiting the potential of waste that is cur-rently disposed of and recycling it for reuse as productive rawmaterials. The Confederation is therefore involved in creatingthe foundations and frameworks that enable political andbusiness decisions to be taken first and foremost on the basisof a holistic view of material and product life cycles4. Thepoints of focus are waste prevention, the recycling of wasteand structural elements from the construction industry, andmetals recycling, specifically the possibility of reclaiming raremetals used for technical applications. In addition to thecreation of foundations and a coordinating framework, therevision of the Ordinance on the Prevention and Disposal ofWaste6 in particular will support the closure of materialscycles, for example for metals from incineration residue, bio-genic waste, and the reclamation of phosphorus from sewagesludge and construction waste. This also includes the elimi-nation of persistent organic pollutants and the separation oftoxic heavy metals from materials cycles. Furthermore, theConfederation supports the ‘Resource Trialogue 2030’7, aforum for dialogue between government, business and soci-ety aimed at transforming today’s throwaway economy intoa resource-based economy.

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110

105

100

95

90

95

80

250

200

150

100

50

02000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

I n d e x 2 0 0 0 = 1 0 0

S o u r c e : F S O – E n v i r o n m e n t a l a c c o u n t s1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

A s o f 2 0 0 4 e x c l u d i n g i m p o r t e d w a s t eS o u r c e : F O E N – W a s t e S t a t i s t i c s

M i l l i o n s o f t o n s

10

8

6

4

2

0

2 0 1 3 : p r o v i s i o n a lS o u r c e s : F S O – E n v i r o n m e n t a l a c c o u n t s , N a t i o n a l a c c o u n t s

M i l l i o n s o f t o n s

P e r c e n t

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

10

8

6

4

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0

S o u r c e : F S O – H o u s e h o l d B u d g e t S u r v e y

C O N S U M P T I O N O F O R G A N I C P R O D U C T SS h a r e o f e x p e n d i t u r e o n o r g a n i c p r o d u c t s i n t o t a l h o u s e h o l d e x p e n d i t u r eo n f o o d a n d d r i n k ( p r i v a t e h o u s e h o l d s )


Goal 1.4Consumers have the information they need to enable themto make their purchase decisions on the basis of quality,safety and health considerations, and in the knowledge ofenvironmental and social impacts.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: A key element inpromoting sustainable patterns of consumption is informa-tion for consumers on the quality, safety and health aspectsof the products on offer, as well as their impacts on the envi-ronment and society. The Confederation helps to raiseconsumer awareness and knowledge levels by supportingconsumer organisations8 and providing information such asthe overview of product labels4. As part of its roles as a mar-ket monitor and regulator, it is also committed to ensuringinformation and protection for consumers in sectors such as

wood and chemicals, as well as motor vehicles. Furthermore,the Energy Label9 provides an effective means of informingconsumers about the energy-related properties of electricaland IT equipment, cars, windows and other products.

Information on product characteristics is still not sufficientlytransparent enough. The Confederation is thus in the processof drawing up relevant methodological guidelines for evalu-ating the environmental impact of products and raw materialsthroughout their life cycle4. At the international level, Switzer-land is also working to harmonise the different evaluationmethods and databases.

M AT E R I A L S I N T E N S I T YR a w m a t e r i a l c o n s u m p t i o n ( R M C ) t o r e a l G r o s s D o m e s t i c P r o d u c t( w i t h r e f e r e n c e y e a r 2 0 0 5 ) r a t i o

T O T A L M U N I C I PA L W A S T E P R O D U C E DTo t a l a m o u n t o f h o u s e h o l d w a s t e a n d w a s t e o f s i m i l a r c o m p o s i t i o n f r o mi n d u s t r y a n d c o m m e r c e , i n c l u d i n g s e p a r a t e l y c o l l e c t e d w a s t e

M AT E R I A L S F O O T P R I N T O F I M P O R T SI m p o r t i n r a w m a t e r i a l e q u i va l e n t s ( c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f a l l m a t e r i a l s u s e d d u r i n gt h e p ro d u c t i o n p ro c e s s e s a n d t r a n s p o r t o f g o o d s a n d s e r v i c e s u n t i l t h e y c ro s st h e b o rd e r )

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Goal 1.5Private consumption helps to reduce resource use and theassociated environmental impact.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: In the interests ofsecuring the nation’s long-term welfare, the Confederation iscommitted to extending environmentally friendly, resource-efficient patterns of consumption4. Information and aware-ness-raising campaigns encourage resource-friendly pur-chase and usage decisions. This should help the variousactors to be aware of the primary environmental impacts oftheir purchases, as well as how to reduce them. Furthermore,studies are being conducted to identify priority action areasand the appropriate means of tackling them. To reduce foodwaste, the Confederation will continue to engage in targetedawareness-raising campaigns. It will also examine whataction can empower professionals in the field to play theirspecific part. In addition, a comprehensive data-gatheringprogramme is intended to improve fundamental data on foodwaste volumes in Switzerland.

4 . 2 . 2 .

A c t i o n a re a 2 – U r b a n d e v e l o p m e n t , m o b i l i t ya n d i n f r a s t r u c t u re


Agglomerations, urban and rural spaces, as well as moun-tain areas, all make the most of their particular developmentopportunities in cross-border partnerships. Agriculturalland is largely preserved, and the countryside is managedwith care in a way which maintains regional characteristics.

Transport systems and urban growth are coordinated, whilethe different modes of transport form a complete and com-plementary network. The entire transport system is fundedfor the long term according to a fair, usage-based system,and is sustainable. Multifunctional nodes link work, leisure,homes and retail or catering outlets, thereby ensuring shortjourneys and moderating traffic volumes.

Population growth and job creation are concentrated onareas that have already been developed. Settlements arecharacterised by a high quality of life and environment,security and architecture, and listed buildings and monu-ments are preserved. Recreation areas and natural open

spaces form an attractive network for leisure activities,exploring nature, exercise and sport, and support socialactivities and ecological connectivity.

The renovation and continued development of buildings andinfrastructures take their entire life cycle into account. Bothconstruction and operation are economical, resource-effi-cient and socially acceptable, and take proper, consciousaccount of risks and natural hazards.


As part of the 2030 Agenda, the international communityidentified the following goals (SDG):

• Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusiveand sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

• Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive,safe, resilient and sustainable


• Switzerland has progressively been losing good agricul-tural land for decades now, and the quality of the landscaperemains under considerable pressure owing to fragmentationand urban sprawl. This impacts negatively on biodiversity, thecapacity of natural resources to renew themselves, on qualityof life, and on opportunities for recreation, leisure activitiesand tourism. The loss of agricultural land also reduces thearea available for land-dependent food production. Greaterefforts must be made to use land economically and to guideurban development even more strictly inwards. Inward devel-opment should be conceived in a way which preserves orincreases the appeal of urban areas, while offering a suitableframework of open spaces and infrastructures to meet resi-dents’ needs. Furthermore, spatial planning must factor in therisks posed by natural and other relevant hazards, and takeopportunities to create resilient settlements and infrastruc-tures.

• In addition to the need for action on the planning front,urban areas’ high demand for energy and resources is amajor challenge. It has been possible to create importantfoundations and instruments for the sustainable constructionof buildings and infrastructures, but these must be developedfurther, and become common practice for both new-buildsand the existing stock. Improvements in eco-efficiency havealso been achieved in the transport sector, but we have notyet seen any turnaround in energy consumption and green-house gas emissions. In addition to ensuring that new andefficient technologies gain ground on the market, the chal-lenge here is to avoid unnecessary traffic while guaranteeinga basic level of safe and reliable mobility for all sections of thepopulation in all parts of the country.

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Goal 2.1Spatial development is polycentric, characterised by astrong network of towns and cities. Regional strengths areexploited.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Spatial Strat-egy for Switzerland10 sets out the vision for sustainable spa-tial development that is held in common by all three levels ofgovernment. It encourages collaboration at supra-regional‘action space’ level, and across the boundaries that tradition-ally exist between the Confederation, cantons and communes,i.e. the ‘functional space’ approach. Areas of emphasisinclude concentrating settlement growth in urban and ruralcentres (polycentric spatial development), creating networksbetween these centres, and promoting regional strengths.The Confederation is committed to achieving these objec-tives through instruments including its agglomeration policyfor 2016 and beyond11, its agglomeration programmes trans-port and settlement12 and its policy on rural and mountainareas13.

Mountain and rural areas do not benefit from growth in theSwiss economy to the same extent as the agglomerations. Tomanage their structural change and to maintain or increasetheir competitiveness, these regions are supported by boththe Confederation’s policy on rural and mountain areas13 andits New Regional Policy14 (NRP). In addition, regions whosehabitats and landscapes are of a particular quality areafforded financial aid and the ‘Parks’ label15 to help them setup and operate parks of national importance.

Goal 2.2Urban sprawl is curbed, and settlement growth is restrictedto the planned development areas and corridors. Agricul-tural land and open spaces are largely protected from fur-ther development.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: In urban spaces,efforts are made to plan settlements, the landscape andtransport in a coordinated and forward-looking way. This issupported by the agglomeration programmes transport andsettlement12 which function as long-term planning instru-ments that not only take a holistic approach but also extendto cooperation with Switzerland’s neighbours. In addition tothe transport aspects, the key aims of these programmes areto promote inward urban development and to reduce environ-mental impact and resource consumption. The sectoral planfor transport16, meanwhile, lays down the essential principlesfor coordinating the transport infrastructure with spatialdevelopment, as well as for coordination between the differ-ent modes of transport.

Quantitative soil conservation and the long-term preservationof suitable agricultural land are pursued under the sectoralplan for crop rotation areas17, which is to be revised andstrengthened in the next few years. As part of an integratedsoil policy, soil protection is to be coordinated more effectivelyby means of a soil strategy18. This will take a multifunctionalapproach to balancing the need to both protect and use thesoil, and thus ensure that the available land area is bestshared according to the differing interests.

Goal 2.3New housing is created by means of high-quality inwarddevelopment. There are sufficient open spaces that aregeared to residents’ needs.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Encouraging in-ward urban development is one of the Confederation’s mainpriorities. However, it puts pressure on the open spaces thatcurrently exist in Switzerland’s urban landscape. Inward de-velopment does not mean creating as much usable space aspossible per unit of developed area. Rather, it means guidingconstruction and development in urban areas in a way whichrespects the open spaces and particular identity of that loca-tion, and thereby creates more residential units – not largerhomes per capita – as well as a greater quality of life. TheConfederation’s housing research programme19 addressesthese and other current issues, such as the efficient use ofliving space, to deliver solutions to today’s challenges. Thesustainable spatial planning pilot scheme for 2014–1820

supports innovative projects which engage simultaneously inhigh-quality inward urban development and the developmentof open spaces within agglomerations.

There is a close correlation between inward urban develop-ment and travel patterns, as each determines the other. Intheir efforts to bring about sustainable mobility and lowertraffic volumes in residential developments, for example,planners, developers and administrations can call on the sup-port of a number of mobility management tools21.

Goal 2.4Both underground and overground structures are planned,built, operated and continuously developed in accordancewith recognised standards of sustainability. They representa solution that is optimised throughout the structure’s lifecycle.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confederationencourages networking and coordination between actors inthe interests of targeted support for a variety of sustainableconstruction-related activities. To this end, it supports theNNBS sustainable construction network for Switzerland22 aswell as its SNBS standard for sustainable construction inSwitzerland and the corresponding quality label. It also helps

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to strengthen coordination between public and private devel-opers23 and thus promotes a common understanding of whatsustainability means in the construction sector. In addition tothe existing incentives for energy-efficient construction, theConfederation is also looking into creating promotion pro-grammes for further aspects of sustainable development.

The Confederation manages its real estate portfolio in compli-ance with sustainable development criteria, and purchasesbuilding services and buildings which satisfy very high eco-nomic, environmental and social requirements throughouttheir life cycles. This approach is laid down in the Ordinance onFederal Real Estate Management and Logistics (REMFLO)24

and translated into a concrete programme of sustainable prop-erty management via the directives issued by the FederalDepartment of Finance FDF. Via the eco-bau platform for lifecycle assessments in the construction sector25 the Confeder-ation supports the standardised, recognised evaluation of theecological properties of building products and buildings. Inaddition, within the scope of its authority it also endeavours toinfluence standards and regulations in the construction sector.To optimise its road and rail infrastructure projects it conductssustainability assessments of its major undertakings.

A possible sustainable construction strategy for Switzerlandis under consideration as a reference concept to promotesustainability at the interfaces between building construction,civil engineering infrastructure construction and settlementplanning.

Goal 2.5As settlements grow, architectural heritage is preserved asfar as possible, and the standards applied to new or refur-bished buildings is high.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: In the Dispatch onFunding for Culture Promotion 2016–2026 (‘Culture Dis-patch’), the Confederation commits to appropriate consider-ation for concerns relating to archaeology, the preservation ofmonuments, and protection for local character. The ‘buildingculture’ strategy27 embodied in the Dispatch is intended tocoordinate settlement growth and aspects of architecturaland building standards more closely in future.

Goal 2.6The necessary infrastructures and spaces to meet sportand exercise needs are available both within and outsideurban areas.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Sport and exerciseare major contributors to health, an active lifestyle and betterquality of life, and also have a positive effect on social cohe-sion and integration. The Confederation’s recreational sportsconcept28 is therefore aimed at fostering cooperation

between a variety of actors and at ensuring recognition of theimportance of making infrastructure and space available forexercise and sport in high-density urban areas. Competitivesport is also an important element in the development ofsport overall. This, too, requires suitable infrastructures. TheConfederation’s competitive sports concept29 thus recom-mends that the cantons provide the necessary sports facili-ties in future.

Goal 2.7Travel needs are satisfied by an efficient, economical andenvironmentally friendly system that is networked acrossdifferent modes of transport and operates at optimum oc-cupancy levels.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Passenger andfreight traffic in Switzerland has increased markedly in recentdecades. This means that passenger transport capacity lim-its are increasingly tested at peak times. As a usage-basedcharge which influences demand for private transport andpublic passenger transport, mobility pricing30 offers a tar-geted means of responding to these challenges. It also allowsexternal costs that are generated by transport, such as emis-sions and noise, to be factored into the price. The legal foun-dations for various model options are currently being draftedwith a view to the possible introduction of mobility pricing.

Increasing the proportion of total traffic accounted for bynon-motorised transport is a major factor in managing cur-rent and future travel needs as efficiently and ecologically aspossible, both as an independent means of transport and incombination with other forms (‘combined mobility’). Theaction plan for non-motorised transport31 will improve theoperating conditions for these types of travel options in orderto ensure a safe, easily accessible and attractive transportnetwork.

Where freight transport is concerned, the capacity-relatedHeavy Vehicle Fee (HVF)32 has proven to be an effectivemeans of shifting freight traffic from road to rail. The Confed-eration continues to pursue this road-to-rail policy, for exam-ple through the Alpine Transit Exchange33 as a new tool formanaging heavy goods vehicle traffic.

Goal 2.8The transport infrastructure is no larger than necessary toperform its particular function, ensures appropriate cover-age and guarantees that the transport system meets bothqualitative and quantitative requirements.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: According to theforecasts, the population – and traffic volumes – will con-tinue to grow. To ensure that the transport infrastructureremains in good condition in the future, provides the neces-

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500

400

300

200

100

0 1979/85 1992/97 2004/09

T h o u s a n d h e c t a r e s

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 1979/85 1992/97 2004/09

400

300

200

100

0 20111998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

S o u r c e : F S O – L a n d u s e S t a t i s t i c s S o u r c e : F S O – L a n d u s e S t a t i s t i c sC e n s u s y e a r s

S q u a r e k i l o m e t r e s

M e t e r sP e r c e n t o f p a s s e n g e r k i l o m e t r e s

S o u r c e : F S O – M o b i l i t y a n d Tr a n s p o r tS o u r c e : F S O – S e r v i c e s t o t h e p u b l i c

C e n s u s y e a r s


sary capacity and prevents bottlenecks, we need for-ward-looking planning and active measures to manage trafficvolumes as well as secure, long-term financing. Financialresources must be focused on the most severe transportproblems and on those areas where the greatest effect canbe achieved. With regard to road transport, this is where theNAF34 motorways and agglomeration transport fund comesinto play. This fund finances the construction, operation andexpansion (including elimination of bottlenecks) of thenational highway network, as well as transport infrastructuresin Switzerland’s agglomerations. In the rail sector, this func-tion is performed by the Rail Infrastructure Fund RIF35. Thesefunds ensure long-term financing for the transport infrastruc-ture to cope with high usage levels and the corresponding risein costs, and to provide the necessary capacity for both pas-senger and freight transport. Furthermore, the network usageconcept and the network usage plans36 aim to achieve an

appropriate distribution of available rail infrastructure net-work capacity between the different types of transport, withdue consideration given to both passenger and freight ser-vices. All in all, preference is given to the better use of existinginfrastructures rather than capacity expansion.

Goal 2.9Suitable measures are in place to protect settlements andinfrastructures from natural hazards.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: In many places,natural hazards have always posed a danger to people, prop-erty and infrastructures. In the future, these existing risks willbecome greater as infrastructure assets grow and more andmore housing is built in risk areas. The effects of climate

A R A B L E L A N DTo t a l o p e n a r a b l e l a n d a n d a r t i f i c i a l g r a s s l a n d

A V E R A G E D I S T A N C E T O N E A R E S T P U B L I C T R A N S P O R T S T O P

E f f e c t i v e d i s t a n c e b a s e d o n t h e r o a d n e t w o r k

M O D A L S P L I T O F PA S S E N G E R T R A N S P O R TS h a r e o f p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t i n t o t a l p a s s e n g e r t r a n s p o r t o n r o a d a n d r a i l

S E T T L E M E N T A R E AI n d u s t r i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l a r e a s , b u i l d i n g a r e a s , t r a n s p o r t a t i o n a r e a s , s p e c i a lu r b a n a r e a s , r e c r e a t i o n a l a r e a s a n d g r e e n s p a c e s

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change are a further factor here. The Confederation is thusexamining changes to the legal foundations in this area toensure that risk is factored more fully into structural and us-age planning, as well as the other Confederation, cantonaland municipal activities that affect the way in which space isused. In addition, current gaps in construction and planningnorms will be closed, so that buildings and infrastructures inrisk areas can be constructed or adapted to cope with thesenatural hazards. Keeping space free as a buffer zone forextreme events is an important part of this.

According to the natural hazards strategy for Switzerland37

the approach to natural disasters demands integrated riskmanagement which also places natural risks in the context ofother relevant risks. Under the Federal Council’s SKI strategyfor the protection of critical infrastructures38, this applies inparticular to the construction and operation of (critical) infra-structures.

4 . 2 . 3 .

A c t i o n a re a 3 – E n e rg y a n d c l i m a t e


Energy needs are met without CO2 emissions that impact onthe climate, and from secure and renewable sources. Thereis an efficient, stable nationwide system for generating,storing and distributing renewable energy in the interests ofreliable supplies. Full use is made of the domestic, econom-ically viable potential for generating power and heat fromrenewable energies, while systematically and transparentlybalancing the interests of other uses, and preserving biolog-ical and landscape diversity. Primary energy consumptionhas stabilised at 2000 watts per person.

Greenhouse gas emissions have been cut to such an extentthat Switzerland is able to make an appropriate contributionto the goal of keeping global warming to less than 2 °C com-pared with pre-industrialisation levels. In the face of chang-ing living and environmental conditions, society, the econ-omy and ecosystems have sufficient capacity, resilience andflexibility to adapt to climate change and to protect them-selves against natural disasters.



• Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainableand modern energy for all

• Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate changeand its impacts


• The current energy system is still based predominantly onnon-renewable resources, with the corresponding effects onthe climate and the environment. The options for broad diver-sification in countries of origin and transport routes are lim-ited, which increasingly raises questions of security of supply.Action is needed to ensure a sufficient and secure supply ofeconomical, environmentally friendly energy from a variety ofsources. This energy must then be used rationally and spar-ingly. Meanwhile, cross-sectoral planning must weigh upconflicts of interest with other environmental concerns, suchas biological and landscape diversity and water conservation,as well as heritage issues such as the preservation of histor-ically significant buildings.

• Switzerland too has been affected by the acceleration inclimate change in recent decades. Warming has been twiceas high as the global mean, and is likely to continue. Theprobability and intensity of heatwaves, drought and heavyprecipitation are growing, and thus also the risk of forest fires,flooding, unstable hillsides, poorer harvests and health prob-lems. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC), by 2050 global CO2 emissions would have tobe cut by between 50 and 85 per cent of their 1990 levels tokeep the rise in temperature below 2° C and avert seriousconsequences for humankind. It should be emphasised that,in addition to reducing emissions, we also need a targetedadaptation strategy to cope with the consequences of climatechange that have already happened, and those that are ex-pected. Climate change can be contained at best, and its ef-fects on health, natural hazards, biodiversity, water levels,agriculture and tourism mitigated.

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Goal 3.1Greenhouse gases have been reduced by 50 per cent com-pared with 1990; at least 30 per cent of the total reductionis achieved by measures within Switzerland (average re-duction of 25 or 30% respectively in the period 2021–30).

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The framework fornational climate policy has been set since 2000 by the CO2Act39. Its instruments should continue to be applied consist-ently, and toughened up in certain areas. The mix of measuresencompasses three axes: financial support, regulation, andincentives. Financial support instruments include the build-ings programme to increase the energy efficiency of buildingsand the use of renewable energies, and the technology fundto promote climate and resource-friendly products and pro-cedures. Regulatory instruments include emissions stand-ards for new cars, the emissions trading system, and the dutyof operators of fossil fuel-fired thermal power plants andimporters of fossil fuels to compensate for the emissionsthey generate. Incentive measures include the CO2 incentivecharge on fossil fuels. Where air traffic is concerned, the In-ternational Civil Aviation Organisation Action Plan on CO2Emission Reduction in Switzerland40 targets an improvementin fuel efficiency and growth in air traffic without an absoluteincrease in CO2 emissions. The climate strategy for agricul-ture41, meanwhile, sets out measures that must be pursuedto cut greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, methane and nitrousoxide) from the agricultural sector.

At the international level, the UN Climate Change Conferencein Paris at the end of 2015 adopted a long-term legally bind-ing agreement on climate change for the post-2020 period. Itcovers the areas of mitigation, adaptation and financing, andis equally binding on all UN member states in accordancewith their climate responsibility and capacity.

Goal 3.2Average per-capita energy consumption is 34 per centlower than in 2000 (16% lower by 2020, and 43% lower by2035).

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The restructuringof Switzerland’s system of energy supplies is set out in detailin the energy strategy for 205042. The first stage comprises apackage of measures to expand existing instruments, to im-prove energy efficiency, to promote renewable energies andto reduce fossil fuel consumption (see Goal 3.1). The Swiss-Energy programme43 supports the population, businesssector, cities and communes on a number of key points in thisregard, with awareness-raising, information, advice, educa-tion and training, and quality assurance. Furthermore, by

concluding target agreements with Switzerland’s most ener-gy-intensive industrial and service companies44, the Confed-eration encourages the efficient use of fuels (both combus-tible and propellant) and electricity, and thus a reduction inCO2 emissions.

In the second stage from 2021 onwards, the Confederationintends to replace the subsidy-based approach with a climateand energy incentive system45 based primarily on climateand electricity levies. Transitioning to the incentive systemshould enable climate and energy targets to be reached moreeffectively and cost-efficiently than with financial supportmeasures.

Private and public-sector research is an important contribu-tor to the development and implementation of effective solu-tions to transform the energy system. The Confederationsupports pilot and demonstration projects, and promotesenergy research by a variety of means including the Swisscoordinated energy research action plan46. It thereby sup-ports the research efforts of the private sector with a comple-mentary public-sector portfolio, and finances the establish-ment of networked, inter-university research competencecentres, the Swiss Competence Centres for Energy Research(SCCER).

Goal 3.3Average per-capita electricity consumption is 10 per centlower than in 2000 (3 % lower by 2020, and 13% lower by2035).

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: To reduce elec-tricity consumption, in addition to the measures set out underSwissEnergy programme43 (see Goal 3.2), there will be acommercial tendering process for electricity efficiency meas-ures47 in the industrial, service and household fields. TheConfederation promotes projects and programmes thatwould not come to fruition without grant support.

The power consumption of electrical appliances is beingreduced by efficiency regulations48. These determine require-ments for household appliances, commercial and electronicequipment, electrical drive systems and electric lights. Theyare based on economic efficiency and are adapted periodi-cally to reflect technical progress. The least efficient appli-ances are removed from the market. In addition, the EnergyLabel9 provides consumers with information about the effi-ciency of the electrical appliances on offer, and thus givesboth manufacturers and retailers an incentive to develop andmarket particularly efficient products.

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40 000

30 000

20 000

10 000

01980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 20151990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 20121990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Ta r g e t C O 2 A c t f o r 2 0 2 0M i l l i o n s o f t o n s K i l o w a t t h o u r s

M i l l i o n t o n s C O 2 e q u i v a l e n t sP e r c e n t

S o u r c e : F O E N – G r e e n h o u s e g a s i n v e n t o r y S o u r c e s : F S O – P o p u l a t i o n a n d H o u s e h o l d s S t a t i s t i c s ;S F O E – O v e r a l l e n e r g y s t a t i s t i c s

S o u r c e : S F O E – S w i s s r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y s t a t i s t i c s S o u r c e : F e d e r a l O f f i c e f o r t h e E n v i r o n m e n t

2 4 / 2 5

Goal 3.4Average domestic electricity generation from renewableenergies is at least 49 TWh, 37 TWh of which comes fromhydropower (51 TWh in total with a hydropower share of 37TWh by 2035).

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: To promote thegeneration of electricity from renewable sources, the Confed-eration provides financial support for facilities harnessingsolar, wind and geothermal energy, as well as hydropower andbiomass, via its KEV49 scheme which pays producers forfeeding electricity into the grid. The scheme covers the differ-ence between generation costs and market price, and guar-antees producers of renewable energy a price that coverstheir production expenses. In the future, it will be restructuredinto a system which pays a feed-in rate and is also combined

with direct marketing. Electricity generation from smaller-scale solar plants is supported by one-off subsidies50, andthe scheme will be expanded in future to include investmentsupport for small-scale hydropower and biomass facilities.

Goal 3.5The implications of climate change for natural hazard pro-cesses are known, and changes in risk are identified at anearly stage.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: An increase innatural hazards such as heatwaves, flooding, mudslides,drought and forest fires can be expected as a consequenceof climate change. We must continue to monitor dangerousnatural hazard processes51, and expand this monitoring

G R E E N H O U S E G A S E M I S S I O N SC O 2 e q u i v a l e n t s w i t h o u t c a r b o n s i n k c a p a c i t y o f f o r e s t s a n d e m i s s i o nr e d u c t i o n c e r t i f i c a t e s

C A R B O N F O O T P R I N TTo t a l g r e e n h o u s e g a s e s e m i s s i o n s r e s u l t i n g f r o m t h e c o n s u m p t i o n o f g o o d sa n d s e r v i c e s i n S w i t z e r l a n d

R E N E W A B L E E N E R G I E SS h a r e o f f i n a l e n e r g y c o n s u m p t i o n

F I N A L E N E R G Y C O N S U M P T I O N P E R C A P I T AE n e r g y b o u g h t o r s e l f - p r o d u c e d b y c o n s u m e r f o r d e t e r m i n e d e n e r g y u s e

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where necessary, to identify and understand natural hazardsand other climate-related changes at an early stage. Thisprovides the basis on which the appropriate prevention, man-agement and regeneration steps can be taken in good time.This is backed up by the continuous operational monitoringof climate indicators52 which permit estimates to be made offuture climate-related changes.

Goal 3.6The risks attached to climate change are minimised; use ismade of climate-related opportunities; people, propertyand natural habitats are protected; and the economy, envi-ronment and society have all become more adaptable.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Climate changeimpacts on the economy, the environment and society. Actionto adapt to its local effects is already needed, and will becomeincreasingly important as global warming progresses. Theadaptation to climate change action plan for 2014–1953 isaimed at reviewing the capacity framework that enables Swit-zerland to adapt to climate change, and improving the basisof knowledge on which it rests. It contains sectoral measureswhich help the affected sectors to minimise climate-relatedrisks, make the most of opportunities, and expand their adap-tive capacity. It also sets out cross-sectoral measuresdesigned to improve both knowledge and capacity to act. Thefocus here is on regularly updating climate scenarios, basichydrological information and projections, the nationwideanalysis of the opportunities and risks of climate change, andthe coordination of adaptation work in cooperation betweendifferent levels of government. The Confederation is runninga pilot programme to promote the implementation of theadaptation strategy at cantonal, regional and commune lev-els. Efforts are also being made to raise awareness amongdecision-makers and the population at large of the impactsof climate change.

4 . 2 . 4 .

A c t i o n a re a 4 – N a t u r a l re s o u rc e s


The quantitative and qualitative capacity and usage limits ofthe planet’s natural resources are respected. This applies toareas such as biodiversity, the landscape, soil, air, water andforests, as well as renewable and non-renewable resourcesfor use as energy or materials. The pressure on ecosystemsis limited to allow them to remain functional, resilient and

maintain wildlife population numbers. The space needed tomaintain resources is safeguarded. The environmentalimpact caused by Switzerland at home and abroad has beenreduced to a level that nature can withstand.



• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improvednutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable managementof water and sanitation for all

• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seasand marine resources for sustainable development

• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use ofterrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests,combat desertification, and halt and reverse landdegradation and halt biodiversity loss


• At the global level, exploitation of the earth’s biocapacity isstill excessive. This burden is also growing markedly in indus-trialising developing and threshold countries. At present,Switzerland uses three times the resources that sustainabledevelopment would actually permit, and around 70% of theenvironmental impact of Swiss consumption is felt abroad.This requires an abrupt about-turn in society and businesstowards sustainable patterns of consumption.

• A sufficient volume of intact natural resources is essentialto healthy economic and social growth, yet they are underthreat today from urban sprawl, overuse and environmentaltoxins. Major progress has already been made with regard towater and air quality, chemical pollutants and protectionagainst natural hazards. However, micro pollutants – such asresidues from medications or plant protection products –present a challenge, especially in the regions of the SwissMittelland where land usage is very intensive. Air quality con-tinues to be impaired by fine particulate matter and ozonefrom combustion processes and agricultural emissions.Meanwhile, heavy metals have been found in problematicconcentrations in the soil, the carbon content of arable landis too low, and productive land is still being lost to develop-ment and erosion.

• Biodiversity has declined significantly over the pastcentury, with half of Switzerland’s habitats and a third of itsspecies now under threat. Although the instruments andmeasures applied to date have achieved a certain success,they are not enough. The ecological infrastructure of reservesand habitat networks must be upgraded and expanded tosecure the land needed to preserve biodiversity in the longterm. The conservation status of national priority speciesmust be improved to prevent their extinction to the extent

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140

120

100

80

60

401990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

1980 2001 2007 2014*

1983/85 1993/95 2004/06 2009/13

100

75

50

25

0

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

4

3

2

1

0

1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

* 2 0 1 4 : c h a n g e i n m e t h o d o l o g yS o u r c e : F e d e r a l O f f i c e f o r t h e E n v i r o n m e n t

R e g u l a r b r e e d i n g b i r d s ( 1 7 3 s p e c i e s )F r o m R e d L i s t ( 4 1 s p e c i e s )Number of meshes per 1000 km2 I n d e x 1 9 9 0 = 1 0 0

T h o u s a n d s o f t o n sP e r c e n t

S o u r c e : S w i s s O r n i t h o l o g i c a l I n s t i t u t e S e m p a c h

S o u r c e : S w i s s F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t e f o r F o r e s t , S n o w a n d L a n d s c a p e R e s e a r c h ( W S L ) – N F I S o u r c e : F S O – N i t r o g e n b a l a n c eC e n s u s y e a r s

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possible. Genetic impoverishment must be halted, and furtherefforts must be made to prevent the spread of invasive foreignspecies with the potential to harm the Swiss environment.

• If we are to preserve natural resources successfully, it isalso absolutely essential that their importance and value asthe foundations of society and business are properly recog-nised and respected. This must be strengthened still further.


Goal 4.1Switzerland has an ecological infrastructure of reservesand habitat networks in place; there have been improve-ments in both the state of undeveloped areas and the con-servation status of wildlife species.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Working alongsidethe cantons, with its Swiss Biodiversity Strategy and ActionPlan54 the Confederation aims to implement measures toconserve biodiversity in both the immediate and long terms,based on ten strategic objectives. These include securingreserves and habitat networks, the sustainable use of re-

L A N D S C A P E F R A G M E N T AT I O NE f f e c t i v e m e s h d e n s i t y, t a k i n g i n t o a c c o u n t r o a d s . T h e e f f e c t i v e m e s hd e n s i t y m e a s u r e s t h e p r o b a b i l i t y t h a t t w o r a n d o m l y c h o s e n p o i n t s a r es e p a r a t e d b y a n o b s t a c l e ( r o a d s o r s e t t l e m e n t s f o r e x a m p l e )

A G R I C U LT U R A L N I T R O G E N B A L A N C ED i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n t h e a m o u n t o f n i t r o g e n e n t e r i n g a g r i c u l t u r a l l a n da n d t h e a m o u n t w i t h d r a w n f r o m i t

E C O L O G I C A L Q U A L I T Y O F T H E F O R E S TS h a r e o f f o r e s t a r e a w i t h m e d i u m a n d h i g h b i o t o p e v a l u e s

B R E E D I N G B I R D P O P U L AT I O N STr e n d i n b r e e d i n g b i r d p o p u l a t i o n s i n S w i t z e r l a n d

ARE_SNE_2016_LF_E_V1.indd 27 13.05.16 15:01


sources, promoting biodiversity in urban areas, and factoringbiodiversity into measurements of national well-being. TheConfederation is also working with the cantons to strengthenenforcement across the full range of environmental legisla-tion. A pilot project from 2014 to 2016 trialled the implemen-tation of five measures: comparison and evaluation, toughermonitoring, programmes to encourage cooperation, net-working between different policy areas, and a review of thesanction mechanism. The findings of the project will then beimplemented, backed up by new means of enforcement.

At the international level, the Confederation is committed toimplementing the global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–202055 and to achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets for2020, as well as to establishing clear international rules andframeworks for sustainable forest management.

Goal 4.2Soil function is preserved for the long term. Soil use doesnot result in degradation and, where possible, soils andtheir function are restored.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Smart resourcemanagement is needed to ensure that the soil can continuein future to fulfil its diverse functions in terms of food, watersupplies and a source of energy and raw materials. Thisshould be secured by means of the Confederation’s soil strat-egy18, which is designed to balance the need to conserve thesoil and the need to use it by taking a multifunctional ap-proach that will ultimately share the available land area in thebest possible way between the differing requirements. Forsoil to maintain its multifunctionality overall, no matter whatthe location it should be used primarily for the purpose towhich it is best suited, and soils which have become degradedshould be restored. In addition to the soil strategy, the Con-federation also pursues the sectoral plan for crop rotationareas17. A forward-looking approach to weighing up eco-nomic, environmental and social interests is crucial here.

Goal 4.3Forests are managed and used efficiently in a way thatpreserves their natural qualities. All forest functions arefulfilled equally, and their basic spatial structure is pre-served without any shrinkage in the land area covered.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confedera-tion is committed to ensuring sensitive forest management,to the use and conservation of forest ecosystems, and tocreating favourable conditions for efficient and innovativeforestry and timber sectors. With its resource policy forwood56, it encourages the consistent use of wood from do-mestic forests, and the resource-efficient use of the rawmaterial. The Confederation’s forests policy 202057 is in-tended to create favourable conditions for sensitive, efficient

and innovative forest management to ensure that Switzer-land’s forests are able to fulfil their many different functions.The spatial structure of the forests, as well as the land areathey occupy, should largely be preserved. Forest develop-ment in the future will be coordinated with landscape diver-sity (including the networks between different landscapes)and with spatial development objectives (including priorityagricultural areas). The Federal Council’s forests policy 2020and the Confederation’s resource policy for wood are up-dated and enhanced continually.

Goal 4.4The landscape continues to be developed and shaped whilepreserving its character. The benefits of the landscape arerecognised and secured.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confederationpursues an integrated landscape policy to secure the qualitiesof the Swiss landscape and its benefits to society in the longterm. The Swiss Landscape Concept (LCS)58 provides guide-lines for nature and landscape conservation in the perfor-mance of federal government tasks, and is binding on allauthorities. One of its objectives is to counter the pressurecaused by the increasing area occupied by settlements andtransport infrastructures, and the associated urban sprawland landscape fragmentation. With a view to taking on therole of an overall landscape concept in the future, the LCS isbeing updated to improve coordination between space-re-lated policy areas such as spatial planning, energy, transportand agriculture.

Goal 4.5The agriculture and food industry is competitive, resilient,environmentally friendly and resource-efficient along theentire value chain.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Useful agriculturalarea is under great pressure. To ensure sustainable food pro-duction and supplies, the Confederation applies instrumentssuch as the agricultural policy for 2014–1759 to improve farmcompetitiveness and support shared services within the ag-ricultural sector. This includes security of supply grants tomaintain production capacity in the event of supply bottle-necks, production system grants to promote particularlytraditional, environmentally and animal-friendly forms ofproduction, grants to keep agricultural landscapes undevel-oped, biodiversity grants to preserve and promote biodiver-sity, landscape quality grants to preserve, promote andenhance the future of a variety of agricultural landscapes,resource efficiency grants to improve resources, and transi-tional grants to ensure that these developments are palatableto society at large. Agricultural policy will be evaluated to

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2 8 / 2 9

determine its impacts on all dimensions of sustainability, andits instruments optimised at the secondary legislation (ordi-nance) level where necessary. The aim of the plant protectionproducts action plan60, meanwhile, is to reduce the risk ofpollution from plant protection products, and thus protecthumans and the environment even more effectively fromharm.

At the international level, the Confederation specifically sup-ports the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), and participates in the international 10-Year Frame-work for Programmes on Consumption and Production61

(10YFP) as part of its global-level commitment to sustainablefood and nutrition systems. Switzerland also runs its GlobalProgramme Food Security 62 for sustainable agriculture andfood security world-wide.

4 . 2 . 5 .

A c t i o n a re a 5 – Ec o n o m i c a n d f i n a n c i a l s y s t e m


The Swiss economy and financial system is competitive andresilient, as well as transparent, open and innovative. Itserves the common good and the welfare of the individual,secures jobs and appropriate pay for those in employment,and offers opportunities for personal development as wellas decent working conditions on the same terms for all. Itoperates within environmental tolerance limits.

Common goods and resources are distributed fairly in con-sideration of future generations, and economic and fiscalpolicy are congruent with these principles. Where possible,external costs are internalised at all stages of the valuechain. Counter-productive incentive systems that distortthe market have been eliminated, and market forces enablesustainable economic growth. Intervention in economicfreedoms is avoided as much as possible.

Illegal and unfair flows of funds across international bor-ders, as well as tax evasion, are contained. The public-sec-tor budget is balanced, and the tax burden moderate.



• Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainableeconomic growth, full and productive employment anddecent work for all

• Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies forsustainable development, provide access to justice for alland build effective, accountable and inclusive institutionsat all levels

• Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementationand revitalise the global partnership for sustainabledevelopment


• The Swiss economy needs the best possible operatingconditions so that it can guarantee high productivity and holdits competitive ground internationally, thereby securing jobsand prosperity in Switzerland. This calls for a competitivebusiness environment and the retention or enhancement ofaccess to foreign markets as well as a minimum of bureau-cracy.

• In view of slow growth in the working population as a pro-portion of the total, efforts are required to bring out the poten-tial present in the labour force and to counter the challengespresented by demographic change. A further priority is toraise aggregate labour productivity, which has advanced onlymarginally over the past two decades and is currently lowerthan in peer economies. At the same time, it is important toencourage high workplace quality and to keep stress levelslow.

• Our footprint continues to greatly exceed the earth’s bio-capacity. Enormous efforts are required if we are to conservenatural habitats successfully. This is to be achieved by ‘greeneconomy’ programmes which improve resource efficiencyand reduce resource use, encourage the decoupling of re-source consumption and economic growth, and facilitate adialogue with business, the scientific community, and societyas a whole. This demands public-sector frameworks whichencourage innovation, as well as a strong voluntary commit-ment on the part of these three sectors. True-cost pricing forenergy, mobility, waste disposal, space and resource con-sumption must also become more widespread by reducingnon-sustainable subsidies and internalising external costswhere possible.

• Sustainable development means ensuring that presentgenerations do not live at the expense of future generations.From the fiscal policy perspective, this means preventing anundesirable redistribution of wealth between generations.This is achieved by means of a balanced public-sector budgetin the medium term, low rates of debt, and low levels of gov-

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ernment spending and taxation in comparison with othercountries. Switzerland’s appeal as a business location shouldbe given a strategic boost by means of an attractive tax sys-tem.

• As a dynamic and open economy with its own currencyand a major international financial sector, Switzerland is reli-ant upon a stable financial system. Action must therefore betaken to achieve this stability and resilience, and to ensurethat the financial sector is able to withstand shocks withoutresorting to bailouts from the public purse.

• Unfair and illegal flows of funds resulting from tax avoid-ance and evasion, as well as money laundering and corrup-tion, are a drain on public budgets world-wide. Working inparticular on the basis of international standards publishedby recognised bodies, a concerted international effort istherefore required to tackle the root cause of such transac-tions and to implement the relevant standards domestically.


Goal 5.1The Swiss economy is capable of raising labour productiv-ity in the long term. The economy is resilient, secures jobs,improves resource-efficiency and increases the prosperityof the population. As its contribution to respect for plane-tary tolerance limits, the overuse of natural resources isavoided, and the environmental impact of production andconsumption is significantly reduced.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The new growthpolicy63 targets sustainable economic growth. In the future,it will be based on three pillars: raising labour productivity,strengthening the resilience of the economy, and mitigatingproblematic side-effects. The Federal Council has determinedthat a sustainable, long-term economic policy should focusprimarily on high and growing per-capita incomes. Economicoutput should be raised in particular by the more efficient andproductive use of all factors of production. The capacity ofcompanies to innovate is an important part of this, which theConfederation supports specifically by creating the right op-erating framework.

Mitigating problematic side-effects addresses the possiblenegative consequences of economic growth, as well as con-flicts of interest with other social and environmental con-cerns. On the environmental front, in its green economy4 andother programmes, the Confederation actively promotes thesparing use of natural resources, green patterns of consump-tion and a stronger closed-loop economy. At the global level,the Confederation is also actively involved in promoting agreen economy, for example through initiatives such as the

10-Year Framework for Programmes on Sustainable Con-sumption and Production (10YFP)61 .

To expand the knowledge base about green economies, thelaunch of a Swiss National Science Foundation National Re-search Programme on the green economy is currently beingconsidered.

Goal 5.2Decent working conditions and social standards are main-tained and encouraged.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Decent workingconditions form one of the cornerstones of ethical and sus-tainable business. By ratifying International Labour Organiza-tion conventions 17064 (safety in the use of chemicals atwork) and 17464 (prevention of major industrial accidents),the Federal Council has committed itself to sufficient occu-pational health and safety at the workplace. This is crucial tothe protection of the population and the environment, andhelps to achieve dignified working conditions.

To reduce stress and other psychosocial strain at the work-place, the Confederation has joined forces with cantonal ex-ecutive bodies to launch a targeted campaign promotingprevention at work65.

Goal 5.3The public-sector budget is balanced. The public sector isnot run at the expense of future generations.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: A balanced pub-lic-sector budget is of key importance to avoid transferringany financial burden on to future generations. According toInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) guidelines, the disclosureof budgetary risks is a fundamental element of risk manage-ment, and thus of sustainable fiscal policy. The Confederationcontributes to the management of risk by reporting regularlyon current budget risks66.

The Federal Council’s financial policy model67 determines theobjectives, principles and instruments of Confederation fiscalpolicy. It sets out guidelines for fiscal policy decisions on thepart of both the executive and administrative branches ofgovernment. In view of seismic shifts in the operating frame-work since the current financial policy model was drawn upin 1999, it is to be amended in line with the Confederation’sprimary goals.

ARE_SNE_2016_LF_E_V1.indd 30 13.05.16 15:01

60

50

40

30

20

10

01992 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2015

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

140

130

120

110

100

901990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014*

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

15

12

9

6

3

0

2 0 1 3 a n d 2 0 1 4 : p r o v i s i o n a l d a t aS o u r c e : F S O – N a t i o n a l A c c o u n t s

*2 0 1 4 : e s t i m a t e d v a l u eS o u r c e : F FA – F i n a n c i a l s t a t i s t i c s

I n d e x 1 9 9 1 = 1 0 0 P e r c e n t

P e r c e n t

2 0 1 3 a n d 2 0 1 4 : p r o v i s i o n a lS o u r c e s : F S O – N a t i o n a l A c c o u n t s , W o r k Vo l u m e S t a t i s t i c s

S o u r c e : F S O – E n v i r o n m e n t a l a c c o u n t s

3 0 / 3 1

Goal 5.4The Swiss financial sector is competitive, transparent andhas a long-term focus. It stands out internationally for itsquality, integrity and stability. Measures are in place to pre-vent ‘too big to fail’ situations.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Under its currentfinancial markets policy, the Confederation is committed to astrong, internationally competitive and sustainable financialsector that operates with integrity. Access to foreign marketsmust be secured and an active role must be played in shapingand implementing international tax and financial standardsand in creating a prudent system of regulation for Switzer-land. To strengthen legal certainty for investors, businessowners and customers and to minimise reputational risks,laws and ordinances will be amended or passed in the follow-

ing areas: guarantees of stability and consumer and investorprotection, corporate taxation, the exchange of bank clientdata, and stricter rules to prevent white-collar crime.

To reduce the risks to Switzerland as a whole from system-ically important financial institutions, regulations will ensurethat they have sufficient equity capital and are organised insuch a way that, if necessary, they could be wound up with-out public-sector support68. These regulations are reviewedregularly.

L A B O U R P R O D U C T I V I T YP r o d u c t i v i t y t r e n d b y h o u r s a c t u a l l y w o r k e d . A t p r e v i o u s y e a r ’s p r i c e s ,r e f e r e n c e y e a r = 2 0 1 0

E N V I R O N M E N T A L T A X E STa x a t i o n o f l a b o u r i n r e l a t i o n t o e n v i r o n m e n t a l t a x e s

I N V E S T M E N T T O G D P R AT I OG r o s s i n v e s t m e n t s i n r e l a t i o n t o t h e g r o s s d o m e s t i c p r o d u c t

L E V E L O F P U B L I C D E B TG r o s s d e b t o f t h e C o n f e d e r a t i o n , c a n t o n s a n d c o m m u n e s ( w i t h o u t s o c i a li n s u r a n c e ) i n r e l a t i o n t o g r o s s d o m e s t i c p r o d u c t

ARE_SNE_2016_LF_E_V1.indd 31 13.05.16 15:01


Goal 5.5Mechanisms to internalise negative externalities into mar-ket prices have been developed, and implemented wherethis is possible and makes sense.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Internalising ex-ternal costs into market prices is an efficient, market-basedmeans of reducing the negative effects of economic activity.It puts a price on these costs, such as the impact on theenvironment, and there is thus an incentive to avoid them.The Confederation already employs a range of instrumentshere. For example, in the heavy vehicle sector, externaleffects such as environmental and accident costs are inter-nalised via the distance-related Heavy Vehicle Fee32 (HVF).The CO2 levy69, an incentive charge, increases the costs offossil fuels such as heating oil and natural gas, to createincentives to use them sparingly and to increase consump-tion of carbon-neutral or low-carbon sources of energy. In asimilar way, the VOC fee70 creates incentives to make moresparing use of volatile organic compounds. From 2021onwards, it is planned that a climate and energy incentivesystem45 of climate and electricity levies will permit thegradual dismantling of today’s subsidy-based measures infavour of an incentive-only system.

There is still a considerable need for action to internalise theexternal effects of today’s products and services. For this tobe possible in the future, it will be crucial to create a meth-odological foundation on which to value and monetarisethese different effects. As the first step in this direction, theConfederation is committed to improving the methodologicalbasis for environmental assessments of products and rawmaterials4. This is intended to increase transparency aboutwhere exactly along the value chain the relevant environmen-tal impacts are taking place. In addition, as part of its greeneconomy action plan4 the Confederation is committed tostrengthening and extending the application of establishedvoluntary international standards promoting resource-effi-cient products.

4 . 2 . 6 .

A c t i o n a re a 6 –Ed u c a t i o n , re s e a rc h a n d i n n ova t i o n


In a global comparison, Switzerland has a highly developed,high-performing system of education, research and innova-tion. This enables people to take responsibility for their ownthoughts and actions, to experience personal growth, toacquire the knowledge and skills they need to be employ-able, and to strengthen both their own resilience and that ofsociety as a whole. It gives them the capacity to recognisethe importance of sustainable development and to play anactive, thoughtful part in the form it should take.

A funding policy for education, research and innovation thatis rooted in the principles of sustainable development helpsto strengthen Switzerland as a scientific centre, to furtherexpand its ability to take responsibility for the future and tobe part of the solution to global problems.

The actions of the actors involved in education, researchand innovation are based on personal responsibility andindependent initiative, an awareness of society and thefuture, and interactive and interdisciplinary learning. Thisensures a continuous supply of new impetus and newapproaches to drive sustainable development forward.



• Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality educationand promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.


• Education, research and innovation (ERI) are of vital impor-tance to common welfare, social cohesion and Switzerland’scompetitiveness. Switzerland can only be one of the world’sleading science nations if it has an ERI system that is effec-tive and adaptive, coherent in itself, needs-based and inter-nationally open. Its complementary strands of vocational andgeneral education should remain a major factor in supplyingbusiness, public service and research and innovation with abroad variety of well-qualified specialists who keep their skillsand knowledge up to date.

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5

4

3

2

1

0 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 20122000 2003 2006 2009 2012

1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

100

80

60

40

20

0

8

6

4

2

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012

* 2 0 0 9 : C h a n g e i n t h e s k i l l s p r o f i l e sS o u r c e s : F S O ; C o n s o r t i u m P I S A . c h

2 0 1 0 : I n t e r r u p t i o n i n t h e t i m e s e r i e sS o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s L a b o u r F o r c e S u r v e y

P e r c e n t P e r c e n t

P e r c e n t

S o u r c e s : F S O – R e s e a r c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t ; O E C D

S o u r c e : F S O – S c i e n c e a n d t e c h n o l o g y

3 2 / 3 3

• One principle is key here: in ERI, as elsewhere, there shouldbe no discrimination on the basis of physical or mental char-acteristics, gender, or social, economic or cultural back-ground, or on the basis of prejudice or stereotype. The actionthat must be taken to eliminate such discrimination is alsoseen as helping to support equal opportunities and mobiliseuntapped resources and talent. At the same time, a continuedeffort is required to enhance understanding of sustainabilityin the education and research spheres.


Goal 6.1Sustainable development is an integral part of the ERI sys-tem and is strengthened via its funding mechanisms athome and abroad.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confederationbases the financial support measures proposed in the ERIDispatch for 2017–2071 on the principles of sustainable de-velopment. In doing so, it ensures coherence and continuitybeyond the individual four-year funding periods covered bythe Dispatches.

R E A D I N G S K I L L S O F 1 5 - Y E A R - O L D SS h a r e o f 1 5 - y e a r - o l d s r e a c h i n g a t l e a s t r e a d i n g s k i l l s l e v e l 2 ( s c a l e < 1 t o 6 * )

N U M B E R O F R E S E A R C H E R SF u l l - t i m e e q u i v a l e n t s p e r t h o u s a n d e m p l o y e d p e r s o n s

E D U C AT I O N A L AT T A I N M E N T O F T H E P O P U L AT I O NS h a r e o f 2 5 - 6 4 y e a r - o l d s o f t h e p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n t p o p u l a t i o n w h o h a v ec o m p l e t e d u p p e r s e c o n d a r y o r t e r t i a r y l e v e l e d u c a t i o n

E X P E N D I T U R E O N R E S E A R C H A N D D E V E L O P M E N TS h a r e o f g r o s s d o m e s t i c p r o d u c t

ARE_SNE_2016_LF_E_V1.indd 33 13.05.16 15:01


At the international level, the Confederation is committed toimplementing the UNESCO Global Action Programme onEducation for Sustainable Development (ESD)72, which buildson the corresponding forerunner programme for 2005–14.Switzerland also contributes to the agendas of other interna-tional organisations – such as the UN, UNESCO, the OECDand the Council of Europe – to promote education for sus-tainable development by participating in cross-border part-nerships or by initiating and supporting them.

Goal 6.2Sustainable development forms an integral part of the ob-jectives shared by the Confederation and the Cantons foreducation in Switzerland.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confederationand the cantons are committed to integrating education forsustainable development (ESD) in schools and educationalcurricula. This work previously concentrated on compulsoryschooling, but is now to be extended to cover other levels andareas of education, specifically foundation courses in voca-tional education and training, as well as secondary schoolswith an academic bias. In the vocational education and train-ing (VET) sector, the Confederation supports a variety ofprofessional associations with foundation courses and moreadvanced training. In this way, the skills that are needed toprotect natural resources and use them sustainably, as wellto consume energy sustainably, can be incorporated into thecore materials for this training, such as the course regula-tions, training plan, examination regulations and frameworkcurriculum. Furthermore, éducation21 – a foundation sup-ported by the Confederation as the national skills centre forESD – is currently drawing up proposals for the introductionand rollout of ESD in vocational education and training.

Education for sustainable development forms part of report-ing on education at both Confederation and cantonal levels,and will be included in the Swiss education report 201873.Sustainable development is now a fixed element of the report,which tracks the continued development of the Swiss educa-tion system. The report in itself is also strengthened by theinclusion of sustainable development.

Goal 6.3Individuals are empowered to help support sustainabledevelopment.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: In addition to be-ing included in formal education curricula, sustainable devel-opment should also be encouraged in the non-formal andinformal education sectors. The Confederation supports theefforts of the organisations involved to create a closer andmore effective network and to develop implementation pro-grammes together.

4 . 2 . 7 .

A c t i o n a re a 7 – S o c i a l s e c u r i t y


Social security systems are safeguarded and are funded forthe long term. They are adapted to changing economic andsocial circumstances to ensure a subsistence income forall. Opportunities are taken to achieve an inclusive, unitedand diverse society. Poverty and social isolation have beeneradicated because everyone is assured that their basicneeds will be met and that they will have access to thegoods, healthcare, education, work, means of communica-tion and culture that they need to live a life of dignity. Thechallenges posed by economic, environmental and socialchange have been anticipated.



• Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societiesfor sustainable development, provide access to justicefor all and build effective, accountable and inclusiveinstitutions at all levels


The proportion of people of retirement age will continue torise in relation to the working population, which will placeadded pressure on social security systems and on socialpolicy. Systems for providing security in old age must there-fore be adapted to demographic trends, without shifting thefinancial burden to future generations.

There remains an urgent need for financial social benefits andstate services to be better coordinated. This is true not onlyof social policies, but also of labour market, immigration,health, housing, family, education, equality and tax policies, ifwe are to prevent people falling into serious poverty traps. Atthe same time, however, lasting dependency on state means-tested benefits must be avoided.

Although the proportion of people living below the poverty linehas fallen in recent years, almost eight per cent (2012) of thepermanent resident population in private households is stillaffected. Poverty is particularly prevalent in single-personand single-parent households, in dual-parent householdswith three or more children and among people with only basicschooling as well as women and pensioners. Existing pro-grammes to prevent and combat poverty must therefore bestrengthened, and coordinated more effectively. Each individ-

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2013 20141998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

15

12

9

6

3

0

1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

P o p u l a t i o n w i t h o u t m i g r a t i o n b a c k g r o u n dP o p u l a t i o n w i t h a m i g r a t i o n b a c k g r o u n d * .

2 0 1 3 : p r o v i s i o n a lS o u r c e : F S O – To t a l S o c i a l S e c u r i t y A c c o u n t s

S o u r c e : F S O – H o u s e h o l d B u d g e t S u r v e y* I n c l u d i n g f o r e i g n e r s o f t h e t h i r d g e n e r a t i o n o r h i g h e r

S o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s L a b o u r F o r c e S u r v e y

P e r c e n t

P e r c e n t

S w i s s F r a n c s

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

15

12

9

6

3

0

E x c l u d i n g t h e i m p u t e d r e n tS o u r c e : F S O – S t a t i s t i c s o n I n c o m e a n d L i v i n g C o n d i t i o n s

P e r c e n t

P O V E R T Y R AT ES h a r e o f t h e p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n t p o p u l a t i o n l i v i n g b e l o w t h e p o v e r t y l i n e

3 4 / 3 5

ual must have the opportunity to make the most of theirpersonal capabilities. Educational opportunity is a particulararea of focus here. Others include the integration into societyand working life of those with limited job market prospects,support for families, and the provision of information on avail-able support.


Goal 7.1Social security enables the entire population to participatein social and economic life. The system reflects changingsocial and economic circumstances and its funding issecure.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Under the Retire-ment Provision 202074 reform programme, action will betaken to maintain the level of retirement benefits and toensure financial equilibrium. It will take account of the demo-graphic and economic shifts which pose enormous chal-lenges to the pay-as-you-go basic state pension scheme

T O T A L E X P E N D I T U R E O N S O C I A L S E C U R I T YA s a p e r c e n t a g e o f t h e g r o s s d o m e s t i c p r o d u c t

E Q U I V A L I S E D D I S P O S A B L E I N C O M EM o n t h l y e q u i v a l i s e d d i s p o s a b l e i n c o m e a t 2 0 1 3 p r i c e s ( m e d i a n ) . T h e n e td i s p o s a b l e i n c o m e t a k e s i n t o a c c o u n t d i f f e r e n c e s i n h o u s e h o l d s i z e a n dc o m p o s i t i o n .

E A R LY S C H O O L L E A V E R S B Y M I G R AT O R Y S T AT U SS h a r e o f y o u n g p e r s o n s a g e d 1 8 – 2 4 w h o a r e n o l o n g e r i n e d u c a t i o n a n dh a v e n o p o s t - c o m p u l s o r y e d u c a t i o n

ARE_SNE_2016_LF_E_V1.indd 35 13.05.16 15:01


(AHV), as well as occupational pension provision in the formof savings insurance. Reform of occupational pension provi-sion will also improve the distribution of surpluses, as well astransparency and regulation.

Since 2004, Switzerland’s disability insurance scheme (IV)has become much more successful at integrating people withdisabilities into the world of work. However, further efforts arestill required to integrate children and young people withhealth problems, as well as those with mental health issues.Plans for the future of the IV scheme75 aim to close this gapand to strengthen coordination between the parties whichcontribute to social security. The reforms are aimed at pre-venting a rise in disability pensions among young adults andpeople with a mental impairment.

Goal 7.2The different security and integration systems dovetail witheach other. The available support is used effectively andefficiently in the interests of those who need it.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Under the aegis ofinter-institutional cooperation76, the actions of the differentparties involved in social security, integration and healthcareprovision are coordinated with each other. Specifically, allindividuals should be assured of access to appropriate edu-cation and qualifications. This is particularly important forpeople with disabilities, as well as migrants, to enable themto join the labour market and find lasting employment as soonas possible. Action should also be taken to support the (re)integration of those with mental health issues into the worldof work. This requires close cooperation between the variousIIC coordination offices at all levels of government, whichshould themselves be further expanded and strengthened.

Goal 7.3Those at risk of and living in poverty have a good chance ofintegration into society and the labour market.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Alongside thecantons, cities, communes, social partners and non-govern-mental organisations, the Confederation is involved in anational programme for the period 2014–1877 which seeksto both prevent and combat poverty. The programme encour-ages networking between the actors in this sphere andcreates foundations and information for early support throughto the transition into work, adult education (enabling adults togain a professional qualification), integration into society andthe world of work as well as addressing the areas of housing,family poverty and monitoring. The programme’s findings onhow to improve educational opportunities for socially disad-vantaged individuals, on integration into society and workinglife, as well as with regard to general living conditions, aremade available to professionals in the field. In this way, the

programme helps to improve the chances of integration forthose at risk of and living in poverty.

Goal 7.4Vulnerable individuals receive the protection they need andare integrated as quickly as possible. Asylum-seekers aretreated in a credible, efficient and appropriate way in ac-cordance with the rule of law.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Those in need whoapply for asylum in Switzerland should be treated swiftly andfairly. By restructuring its system of asylum78, the Confeder-ation aims to speed up asylum proceedings and to conductthem in regional government-run centres. Accommodationfacilities are to be structured on a regional basis and organ-ised efficiently. As proceedings are made faster, legal protec-tion will also be extended to allow asylum seekers with nofinancial resources of their own access to free advice andlegal representation.

4 . 2 . 8 .

A c t i o n a re a 8 – S o c i a l c o h e s i o na n d g e n d e r e q u a l i t y


Social cohesion is strong in Switzerland, and everyone hasprospects for the future. Relationships of equality betweenthe sexes, generations, cultures, religions, regions and lin-guistic and social communities are assured, and high levelsof mutual acceptance and tolerance prevail. Oppression,discrimination and violence in all their forms are curbed.Men and women enjoy the same financial independence andhave equal rights to participate in political and economiclife. In all areas, people with disabilities are included andenjoy equal opportunities. Proactive action is taken to coun-ter the challenges of migration.

Swiss society has dismantled the structural framework thatsupported discrimination, and actively practises integration,pluralism, and equal rights and opportunities for all. Thesocial, housing and working environment, as well as oppor-tunities for sport, exercise and leisure, permit a good qualityof life and support social integration. Great importance isattached to culture and creativity. Social decision-makingprocesses are democratic, participatory, transparent andfair. Voluntary work is common.

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• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all womenand girls

• Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies forsustainable development, provide access to justice for alland build effective, accountable and inclusive institutionsat all levels


• Social cohesion is challenged by many factors, such as theincome gap, or poverty. Other developments which mightjeopardise this cohesion are fears of the possible conse-quences of both regular and irregular migration and of cul-tural pluralism, as well as ideational and religious tensions.

• Reciprocal knowledge and recognition of the different cul-tures to be found within Switzerland, and the integration ofthe resident foreign population, are particularly important tosocial cohesion. To achieve this, it is essential that discrimi-natory barriers be taken down, that all forms of racism aretackled rigorously, and that there is respect for the human andbasic constitutional rights of all. Problems that stem from alack of integration on both sides must be reduced, and con-sequential costs thus minimised.

• Sustainable social development demands a cohesive andfair society. This in turn requires the right frameworks forequal opportunities, equal rights and participation in the lifeof society, as well as appropriate opportunities to participatein political decision-making. Areas of focus here include gen-der equality, and especially ensuring wage equality, support-ing the reconciliation of work and family life, and participationin decision-making processes. Another is equality for peoplewith disabilities, and their genuine participation in the life ofsociety, which has not yet been achieved to a sufficient level.We must also continue to constantly monitor social problemssuch as violence and oppression, and to combat them in alltheir forms. This applies in particular to domestic violence,forced marriage, physical, psychological and sexual violence,and female genital mutilation (FGM).

• Inter-generational understanding is another importantaspect of social cohesion. Demographic trends are demand-ing that we prepare ourselves for a four-generation society.In the future, policies must increasingly adopt approachesthat harness the potential offered by all of the different gen-erations and that strengthen intergenerational relationsoverall.

• Switzerland is also a country of considerable regional di-versity. Here it is important to promote aspects such as na-tional cohesion, mutual understanding and interregional

solidarity. Taking linguistic and cultural diversity into account,efforts to foster shared values should be continued. Continu-ous dialogue plays a key role here. Access to Switzerland’snational languages must be assured.

• The social and cultural evolution of the individual is one ofthe primary goals of human development. Cultural aspectsmust therefore be considered in any form of political action.In addition to this wholesale inclusion, sustainable social andsocietal development also demands targeted promotion andmeasures for the creation and preservation of culture andheritage.


Goal 8.1All sections of the population are able to participate in thelife of society. Honorary positions and volunteer work arerecognised and supported as pillars of our society.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Participation by allin the life of society counters polarisation, and is thus impor-tant in managing the challenges of our culturally diversenation. The Confederation is committed to cementing socialcohesion and strengthening this participation.

The Culture Dispatch 2016–2026 sets out changes to in-crease cultural participation, i.e. to get as many people aspossible involved in the cultural life and cultural heritage ofSwitzerland. These plans include new powers for the Confed-eration to support access to culture as part of the revision ofthe Culture Promotion Act79, expanding music teaching withthe launch of the youth and music programme80, and agreater effort to promote reading skills. The Confederationalso supports projects designed to promote the skills of chil-dren and young people81 and their integration into social,political and cultural life.

Honorary functions and voluntary work play an important partin popular sport. The Confederation therefore promotes hon-orary and voluntary work through the measures for the futurethat are set out as part of the youth and sport promotionprogramme82 , as well as the recreational sports concept28

and the competitive sports concept29.

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Goal 8.2Gender equality is respected in both professional and pri-vate life, and women are assured of full and effective par-ticipation in decision-making at all economic, political andpublic levels. Unpaid care work is shared more equally be-tween women and men.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: To help parents toreconcile work and family life, the stimulus programme forsupplementary childcare 2015–1983 is creating additionalneeds-based daycare places. In future, the Confederationalso plans to subsidise the efforts of the cantons, communesand possibly also employers to expand available childcare84.In addition, the Confederation runs an online informationplatform85 as a resource about the instruments that havebeen developed at cantonal level. Through its Action Plan forSupport and Respite of Relatives Providing Care86 the Con-federation is also endeavouring to encourage a more equita-ble gender distribution in unpaid care, nursing and householdduties for children and adults.

To increase the proportion of women in management posi-tions, the revision of company law87 includes provisionsstating that men and women should each account for at least30 per cent of seats on the boards of directors of economi-cally significant listed companies. Furthermore, each gendershould account for at least 20 per cent of these companies’executive boards. The Confederation has also set a corre-sponding 30 per cent target for both men and women in thetop management bodies of government-owned companiesand institutions. This must be achieved by 2020, and progresswill be reviewed annually. The Confederation is also commit-ted to ensuring greater female participation in political life.

To enforce wage equality, the Confederation will conductstricter checks on public invitations to tender to ensure thatmen and women are being treated equally under the FederalPublic Procurement Act (PPA). Furthermore, in the future theFederal Council wishes to impose a legal obligation on em-ployers to conduct regular wage analyses and have theseaudited by third parties. Information and training will also beexpanded.

Where education and training are concerned, the Confedera-tion is committed to gender equality and equal opportunitiesthrough the ‘Equal Opportunity at Universities of AppliedSciences’88 and ‘Equal Opportunities for Women and Men atSwiss Universities/Gender Studies’89 programmes. A suc-cessor programme covering all types of institutes of tertiaryeducation is planned for the 2017–20 funding period.

Switzerland is also involved in promoting gender equality atthe international level in order to influence normative andpolitical processes.

Goal 8.3All forms of violence against women and girls are greatlyreduced.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: By ratifying theCouncil of Europe Convention on preventing and combatingviolence against women and domestic violence90 the FederalCouncil supports action against any form of violence againstwomen, be it physical, psychological, or sexual, or stalking,forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

With its programme against forced marriage91 the Confeder-ation is engaged in prevention as well as in support, care andprotection for (potential) victims. Networks to combat forcedmarriage will be further extended in all regions of Switzerlandup to 2017 by uniting experts in domestic violence and inte-gration to work together and exchange their findings on aregular basis.

As part of the national programme on migration and health92,the Confederation is strengthening its commitment to com-bating female genital mutilation by engaging in preventionand awareness-raising work93. The possible creation of anetwork to combat female genital mutilation is also beingexamined. The network would be established and supportedby a variety of organisations. At the same time, gender equal-ity and the prevention of gender-specific violence are beingpursued in Switzerland’s development cooperation effortsabroad.

Goal 8.4Migrants are quickly and sustainably integrated into Swit-zerland. They have equal opportunities to participate in allaspects of life.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Promoting inte-gration and combating discrimination are a challenge forsociety as a whole, requiring well-coordinated action on theground. Switzerland’s cantons thus run their own cantonalintegration programmes94 (CIP). These are based on strate-gic objectives set jointly by the Confederation and the can-tons, and are financed by them on a 50:50 basis. In addition,the Confederation runs its own programmes and projects ofnational importance95 (PPNI), which are supra-regional innature. These provide support for innovative projects whichmay subsequently be adopted into CIP structures. Further-more, with its national programme on migration and health92

the Confederation is committed to improving health literacyamong the migrant population, and adjusting the healthcaresystem in accordance with their needs. In parallel with itsimplementation of integration programmes, the Confedera-tion also supports the dialogue on integration that is beingconducted within the Tripartite Agglomeration Conference96

(TAC). The TAC ensures that the debate on integration policy

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800

600

400

200

02009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

2000 2004 2007 2010 2013

1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

30

25

20

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100

80

60

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20

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50

40

30

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1992 1997 2002 2007 2012* C o m p a r e d t o t h e m e d i a n w a g e

S o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s E a r n i n g s S t r u c t u r e S u r v e yS o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s H e a l t h S u r v e y

S o u r c e : F S O – U n p a i d W o r k ( t h e m o d u l e i n t h e S w i s s L a b o u r F o r c e S u r v e y )S o u r c e : F S O – P o l i c e c r i m e s t a t i s t i c s

P e r c e n t

P e r c e n t

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3 8 / 3 9

is conducted at all federal levels with the relevant governmentand non-governmental organisations and institutions.

At the international level, through the Global Programme Mi-gration and Development97, the Confederation is committedto regular and safe migration, decent working conditions, andrespect for the human rights of migrants.

Goal 8.5People with disabilities are socially, economically and po-litically integrated in all aspects of life.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confedera-tion is committed to the equal treatment of people with dis-abilities in all aspects of life. The development of a nationalpolicy on disability98 is intended to ensure that differentpolicy areas at federal and cantonal level are better coordi-nated in the interests of people with disabilities, and aregeared to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights ofPersons with Disabilities99. The Convention, which has beenratified by Switzerland, is an international undertaking com-prehensively to safeguard the rights of people with disabili-ties. The effect of the Disability Discrimination Act100 (DDA),which entered into force in 2004, was evaluated as a basis fordrafting the national policy on disability.

V O L U N T A R Y W O R KS h a r e o f p e r s o n s w h o d o v o l u n t a r y w o r k o f t h e p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n tp o p u l a t i o n a g e d 1 5 a n d o v e r

P E R S O N S H A V I N G AT L E A S T O N E P E R S O N O F T R U S TN u m b e r o f p e o p l e w h o s a y t h a t t h e y a r e a b l e t o t a l k t o o n e o r s e v e r a l p e r s o n so f t r u s t a b o u t v e r y p e r s o n a l p r o b l e m s a t a n y t i m e

G E N D E R W A G E G A PW a g e g a p * b e t w e e n w o m e n a n d m e n a s a p e r c e n t a g e o f m e n ’s m o n t h l yg r o s s w a g e , p r i v a t e s e c t o r

N U M B E R O F F E M A L E V I C T I M S O F S E R I O U S V I O L E N C EN u m b e r o f c a s e s k n o w n t o t h e p o l i c e

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Goal 8.6Discriminatory barriers and structures have been disman-tled, and victims of racial discrimination receive supportand advice.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confederationemploys prevention measures in its commitment to combat-ing all forms of direct and indirect racial discrimination. TheCantonal Integration Programmes94 (CIP) plan to establishprofessional support and advice services for the victims ofracial discrimination where they live, and in all aspects of life.Through the CIP, work is also ongoing to dismantle discrimi-natory barriers in the mesh of public-sector rules and regula-tions, and to make institutions more open. Furthermore, theConfederation has joined forces with the cantons and com-munes to draw up an action plan to improve conditions fortravelling populations and to promote the culture of the Jeni,Sinti/Manouche and Roma peoples101.

Goal 8.7There is a high level of social cohesion and cultural diver-sity in local communities and neighbourhoods.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: With increasingpluralisation and growing fears of social inequality within thepopulation, it has become increasingly important to coordi-nate spatial development with social processes. The commu-nity cohesion project102 has therefore been designed on thebasis of experience gained in the two pilot phases of theProjects urbains programme. It supports towns/cities andcommunes with projects for sustainable neighbourhooddevelopment in areas under particular pressure. The im-provements in quality of life in agglomerations, as well as thelocational appeal of urban spaces that result from this socialapproach to space, are important for the development of thecountry as a whole. The programme incorporates objectivesfor spatial development, integration policy, the promotion ofhousing and efforts to combat discrimination, and supportstheir efficient and sustainable implementation.

Goal 8.8The proportion of low-cost housing is preserved or ex-panded, especially in highly sought-after areas; the homesin question are easily accessible to disadvantaged groups.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The Confederationis committed to ensuring the appropriate availability of hous-ing for all sections of the population, and to avoiding crowd-ing-out and social segregation. The sustainable spatial devel-opment pilot scheme for 2014–1820 provides incentives tocreate a sufficient, needs-based supply of housing. It is in-tended in particular to support low-cost housing constructionthat is family-friendly or appropriate for the needs of senior

citizens. The Confederation’s housing research programme19

provides further basic principles for improving the supply ofhousing and the residential environment, and improving mar-ket transparency. With its housing evaluation scheme, it alsooffers planners, property developers, authorities and otherexperts a tool for managing the current challenges involvedin housing construction.

4 . 2 . 9 .

A c t i o n a re a 9 – H e a l t h


The population enjoys a high quality of life, and people areable to live and to age healthily. Healthy living conditionsencourage a good sense of mental and physical well-being.Human exposure to harmful factors is negligible. The pop-ulation is well informed and educated about health issues.

Each individual has access to high-quality, patient-focusedhealthcare. Medical intervention is conducted only where itsnecessity and benefits are proven. A well-coordinated net-work of government and non-governmental organisationsoffers perfectly dovetailed services from prevention andhealth promotion through to treatment, nursing, rehabilita-tion from illnesses and accidents, and palliative care.Heathcare costs are affordable for all population groups.



• Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-beingfor all at all ages


• Measured in terms of life-expectancy and mortality rates,the Swiss population has never been in better health. Peoplestill face many risks to their health, however. Here, factorssuch as a lack of education or low incomes, in particular, havea negative impact on public health. Global trends such astravel, market globalisation and antibiotic resistance all fa-vour the incidence and spread of communicable diseases.Furthermore, we are seeing a rise in mental health issues, forexample as a result of greater stress in the workplace or re-lated unhealthy working conditions.

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• In the past, healthcare has been focused primarily ontreatment, i.e. curative medicine. In the future, greater empha-sis must be placed on preventing illness and promotinghealth. A comprehensive policy on health is required whichdraws attention to the correlation between a person’s state ofhealth, on the one hand, and its determinants – level of edu-cation, environment, dietary habits, exercise and mobilitypatterns, as well as social and gender-specific differences ormigration backgrounds – on the other. It is vital that publichealth be encouraged on the same terms for all, that socialcohesion be strengthened, that the best possible conditionsbe created to enable the population to engage regularly insport and exercise, and that better protection against threatsto health be provided, such as easier access to vaccinations,prevention and efforts to combat communicable diseases.

• In view of demographic shifts, the healthcare system mustbe aligned as closely as possible with the challenges to come,and both its funding and sufficient numbers of well-qualifiedhealthcare professionals secured for the long term. At thesame time, new developments in medicine are continuallyexpanding the possibilities of diagnostics and treatment.Here, care must be taken to avoid over-medicalisation.


Goal 9.1The growing burden of illness caused by non-communica-ble and mental conditions is contained, and early deathsreduced.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Non-communica-ble diseases are the largest cause of death in the world today.The national strategy for the prevention of non-communica-ble diseases (NCD strategy)103 is intended to improve thehealth literacy of the population and to create an environmentthat makes it easier to adopt healthier behaviours. It showsways in which five of the major NCDs – cancer, diabetes,cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases andmusculoskeletal disorders – can be prevented or delayed, andtheir consequences mitigated.

Mental disorders are widespread. Indeed, they are among themost common and debilitating conditions. As part of its‘Health 2020’104 health policy priorities, the Confederation isendeavouring to foster good mental health and to improve theprevention and early detection of mental illness, to reduce thenumber of sufferers. Particular attention is to be paid here toprevent mental health issues resulting in exclusion from thelabour market. Efforts to promote a comprehensive policy onhealth should also include closer cooperation between fed-eral agencies on health-related domestic and foreign policyactivities.

By implementing the Swiss Health Foreign Policy105 (SHFP),the Confederation also helps to improve health around theworld. Under the aegis of the World Health Organization, itsupports initiatives such as the establishment of global fund-ing mechanism to fund research and development to identifynew medicines for conditions which primarily affect poorpopulations in developing and threshold countries.

Goal 9.2The proportion of the resident population which does nottake enough exercise is 10% lower than in 2015.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Through the na-tional diet and exercise programme106 (NDEP), the Confeder-ation is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle with abalanced diet and sufficient exercise. The aim is a lastingeffort to promote quality of life by strengthening personalresponsibility, ensuring food security and promoting volun-tary action on the part of businesses.

Furthermore, through its youth and sport82 promotionprogramme, sport for adults and the sustainable spatial de-velopment 2014–1820 pilot scheme, the Confederation ishelping to encourage sport and exercise to increase the pro-portion of the resident population of Switzerland that meetsthe government’s recommendations for exercise. This is in-tended to help young people make more out of their potential,to reduce their susceptibility to illness and to promote theirphysical, mental and social development.

Goal 9.3A smaller proportion of the population suffers from sub-stance abuse and other addictions. Those who are depend-ent receive the help and treatment they need.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: The individual andtheir environment, their circumstances and their influenceover their own living conditions are crucial to dealing with thesubject of addiction. For this reason, strengthening people’shealth resources and potential are key concerns of the na-tional strategy on addiction107. This is designed to preventpeople developing problematic levels of consumption whichcan lead to dependency, and to providing those at risk withsupport at an early stage. Another of the strategy’s areas ofemphasis is to stand in solidarity with those who become illor who are at risk, and to make sure they receive help andsupport.

Through its involvement in international organisations as partof its Swiss Health Foreign Policy105, Switzerland also repre-sents this policy at the international level.

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2002 2007 2012

1992 1997 2002 2007 2012

2007 2009 2011 2013

20

15

10

5

0

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

S o u r c e : F S O – S t a t i s t i c s o n I n c o m e a n d L i v i n g C o n d i t i o n s

2 0 1 2 : B r e a k i n t h e t i m e s e r i e s d u e t o a r e v i s i o n o f t h e q u e s t i o n n a i r eS o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s H e a l t h S u r v e y

S o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s H e a l t h S u r v e y

P e r c e n t

Ye a r s

P e r c e n t

2007 2012

10

8

6

4

2

0S o u r c e : F S O – S w i s s H e a l t h S u r v e y

P e r c e n t

R I S K Y A L C O H O L C O N S U M P T I O NS h a r e o f t h e p o p u l a t i o n a g e d 1 5 a n d o v e r l i v i n g i n p r i v a t e h o u s e h o l d sw i t h c h r o n i c c o n s u m p t i o n a t m e d i u m o r h i g h r i s k

M e nW o m e n


Goal 9.4People suffering chronic illnesses receive the support andtreatment they need.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Changing livingand working conditions, demographic shifts, medical andtechnical progress and changing health behaviours meanthat there are increasing numbers of patients with chroniccommunicable and non-communicable diseases. As part ofthe health policy priorities laid down in the Federal Council’s‘Health 2020’ programme104, the Confederation and the can-tons are working to improve the health-related quality of lifeand coordination and cooperation in healthcare provision,and to reduce the amount of care required by those withchronic illnesses.

Goal 9.5Switzerland maintains a high level of health protection andcontinues to combat communicable diseases effectively.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: In cooperationwith the cantons, international health authorities and otherpartners, the Confederation is committed to combating com-municable diseases that present a threat to public health inSwitzerland. Prevention and control strategies include pre-cautions to protect public health against naturally occurringpathogens and those released accidentally or deliberatelyinto the environment, to identify risks at an early stage and tocontain the effects of outbreaks and epidemics of communi-cable diseases in Switzerland. In addition, protection againstchemicals that damage health and the environment, radiationand other environmental pollution will be upheld, and the

L I F E E X P E C T A N C Y I N G O O D H E A LT HL i f e e x p e c t a n c y a t b i r t h

F O R E G O I N G C A R E F O R F I N A N C I A L R E A S O N SS h a r e o f t h e p o p u l a t i o n a g e d 1 6 a n d o v e r l i v i n g i n p r i v a t e h o u s e h o l d s ,a t r i s k o f p o v e r t y, w h o f o r e g o m e d i c a l o r d e n t a l c o n s u l t a t i o n s

H E A LT H - R E L E V A N T B E H A V I O U R : P H Y S I C A L A C T I V I T YS h a r e o f p e r s o n s w h o e n g a g e i n p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y d u r i n g t h e i r l e i s u r e t i m ei n l i n e w i t h t h e l a t e s t r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s

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long-term impact of harmful environmental effects will bemonitored using appropriate mechanisms.

Through its involvement in the Global Health SecurityAgenda108 and in the World Health Organization (WHO), theConfederation is also helping to speed up the fight againstcommunicable diseases at the global level.

Goal 9.6The resident population of Switzerland is well informed andeducated about health issues.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: ‘Health literacy’ isthe ability of the individual to make decisions in everyday lifethat have a positive effect on their own health and that ofothers. This is very important in enabling people to navigatemore efficiently through the healthcare system, preventillness more effectively, and take greater care of their health.Strengthening the health literacy and independent responsi-bility of the population is therefore a key aspect of the FederalCouncil’s ‘Health 2020’104 health policy priorities. The capac-ity of providers (the healthcare system, education system,employers and market) to create frameworks which promotegood health must also be boosted.

Goal 9.7There are sufficient well-qualified healthcare professionalsto ensure a high quality of healthcare provision.

Federal Council action to achieve this goal: Healthcare pro-fessionals are in short supply in Switzerland, as they areworld-wide. That is why the Confederation is supporting thecreation of suitable basic and further training opportunitiesas part of its ‘Health 2020’104 health policy priorities. Thenumber of basic and further training places at universitiesand other institutions is to be brought into line with currentneeds. While respecting the autonomy of institutes of tertiaryeducation to set their own curricula, the content of thesecourses should increasingly be geared to integrated health-care provision. Greater attention should be paid to training inpublic health in view of the increase in demand for theseexperts that is expected to come from public administrationsand from profit and non-profit organisations. At the sametime, Switzerland is implementing the WHO’s code of con-duct for the international recruitment of healthcare profes-sionals.

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5 .

I N T E R N AT I O N A L E N G A G E M E N T

5 . 1 .

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Switzerland is heavily committed to sustainable developmentaround the world through its foreign policy, foreign economicpolicy, and international cooperation. The key points of focushere are the alleviation of poverty and global risks, relievingneed, the protection and sustainable use of natural resources,promoting peace and inclusive societies, and respect forhuman rights. The Confederation is engaged in transformingthe economy and society so that both comply with planetarytolerance limits and so that the well-being of current andfuture generations can be assured. In addition to its domesticpolicy efforts, in this way it also makes a specific contributionat the international level to the implementation of the 2030Agenda and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) inparticular.

This section provides an overview of the Confederation’sareas of foreign policy focus where sustainable developmentis concerned. A detailed presentation of Switzerland’s inter-national engagement can be found in the Dispatch on inter-national cooperation, in the Foreign Policy Report (Aussen-politischer Bericht) and in reporting on sectoral policies.

5 . 2 .

F O R E I G N P O L I C Y I N S T R U M E N T S

When deploying its instruments of international cooperation(IC), and in its foreign policies for individual sectors, the Con-federation takes care to adhere to a coherent sustainabledevelopment policy. This means structuring and coordinatingthe different areas of foreign policy so that they are asnon-contradictory as possible and actively encourage syner-gies. The same applies to coordination between foreign anddomestic policy.

Via its Dispatch on international cooperation for 2017–20109,which is based on the 2030 Agenda as well as other points ofreference, the Federal Council applies for framework financ-ing facilities and determines the instruments that will be usedto implement the SDG internationally as part of IC activities.This applies in particular to humanitarian aid, technical coop-eration and financial aid to developing countries, to economicand trade policy measures as part of development coopera-tion, transition cooperation activities in the states of EasternEurope and Central Asia, as well as action to promote peaceand human security. Particular attention is paid here to theever-faster, mutually reinforcing dynamics between poverty,the protection of natural resources, global risks, conflicts andgender equality as conditions for sustainable developmentpolicy. With its framework financing facility for the globalenvironment, the Confederation also contributes to severalselected multilateral funds (specifically the Global Environ-ment Facility GEF110), which support the efforts of developingcountries in favour of the global environment, and the imple-mentation of international environmental conventions.

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Under the aegis of its sectoral foreign policies, as well asinternational processes and initiatives, the Confederation isinvolved in programmes and contributions to political dia-logue at partner country level or on the international stage tomanage global risks and to implement the 2030 Agenda. Thiswork specifically covers foreign policies on the environment,health, foreign trade, business and finance, as well as agricul-ture and migration.

5 . 3 .

C O N T R I B U T I O N S T O T H E S D G ATI N T E R N AT I O N A L L E V E L

The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals itcontains create an international framework for action for thechallenges which require a joint response with other statesand actors. The contributions that the Confederation makesvia its international cooperation activities and its sectoralforeign policies are described below.

End poverty in all its forms everywhere (SDG1) and reduceinequality within and among countries (SDG10)

The fight against poverty remains one of the areas of empha-sis of the Confederation’s bilateral and multilateral coopera-tion. Particular attention is paid here to the situation of fragilestates, the world’s poorest countries, and support for moreadvanced developing countries. The Confederation supportsthe efforts of its partner countries’ governments to alleviatepoverty and achieve sustainable development, and focuseson improving the situation of particularly disadvantaged andvulnerable people.

It is also active at the international level in promoting a coher-ent and constructive approach to migratory flows. It isstrengthening this approach by playing an active part in theGlobal Forum for Migration and Development111, as well as inthe UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). Through its mi-gration foreign policy, the Confederation supports pro-grammes and measures in countries of origin and transit, withan emphasis on safe and regular migration, decent workingconditions and respect for the human rights of migrants.Furthermore, aid services and protection for refugees anddisplaced persons in humanitarian crises form part of the coreremit of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which concentrates on inter-vention in regions of origin and in countries of first refuge.

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutritionand promote sustainable agriculture (SDG2)

The Confederation supports global food security and encour-ages sustainable food and nutrition systems, as well as thepreservation of ecosystems. Through its Global ProgrammeFood Security62, as well as targeted bilateral and multilateralaction, the Confederation aims to influence the global frame-work, strengthen institutions, increase the yields of small-holder farmers’ production systems in a sustainable way,secure land rights and improve food security. It is also foster-ing new directions in agricultural research and advice, and ishelping smallholder farmers to husband natural resources, tocope with social and economic change, to adapt to the effectsof climate change, to secure land rights and to gain betteraccess to markets. As part of the 10-Year Framework forProgrammes on Sustainable Consumption and Production61

(10YFP) the Confederation is also involved in a global mul-ti-stakeholder programme to promote sustainable systemsof food and nutrition. It is also an advocate of ecosystemservices, the preservation of biodiversity in agriculture, as wellas the associated conventions and regulations, so that seedsthat are adapted to their environment remain available in fu-ture too.

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at allages (SDG3)

By implementing the Swiss Health Foreign Policy105 (SHFP),the Confederation also helps to improve health around theworld. As part of its development cooperation work, it sup-ports initiatives such as the establishment of global mecha-nisms to fund research and development aimed at identifyingnew medicines for conditions which primarily affect poorpopulations in developing and threshold countries. Throughits commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda108, itadvances more effective ways of combating communicablediseases. It is also involved in the international drugs debate,with an emphasis on the health policy aspects (four-pillarpolicy) and human rights, and takes a stance against thedeath penalty. Furthermore, the Confederation’s commitmentto the sustainable handling of dangerous chemicals andwaste is an important contribution to the protection of healtharound the world.

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and pro-mote lifelong learning opportunities for all (SDG4)

Under its policy to promote international cooperation oneducation, the Confederation is an advocate of the right of allto a good basic education. It is also involved in implementingthe UNESCO Education 2030 Framework for Action112, andplaces particular emphasis on vocational education and

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training. Where general schooling is concerned, the Confed-eration brings its many years of experience to bear in promot-ing political education.

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls(SDG5)

Gender equality is both a strategic objective and a horizontalissue in foreign policy and international cooperation. Whilerespecting the differing roles and needs of women and men,the Confederation is committed to gender equality in social,economic and political participation. This work also includespreventing gender-specific violence, and measures to ensurethat women and men have an equal voice in political andeconomic processes. In its international cooperation activi-ties, Switzerland is working towards respect for both thecorresponding laws in its partner countries, as well as inter-national norms and regulations, while also advocating dueconsideration for gender-specific risks. Indeed, gender as-pects are considered as an integral part of the planning ofinternational cooperation activities.

Ensure availability and sustainable management of waterand sanitation for all (SDG6)

Through programmes such as the Global Water Initiative113

and instruments such as the UNECE Helsinki Convention of1992 and the Convention on Chemicals and Biodiversity, theConfederation is committed to hygiene, promoting access todrinking water, and the right to water and sanitation. It alsosupports comprehensive, integrated water management inindividual water catchment areas that also protects water-related ecosystems. This means that a greater quantity andhigher quality of water is available for agricultural, industrialand household uses. In this way, the Confederation also helpsto reduce global water conflicts, to improve water securityand to prevent water-related disasters. Furthermore, it isengaged in holistic approaches to resolving challenges inwater catchment areas that span international borders. Pro-jects to improve water and waste water management in citiesare another focus area in this field.

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economicgrowth, full and productive employment and decent workfor all (SDG8)

The Confederation is engaged on several fronts in producinga set of sustainable international economic regulations whichalso include developing countries. Here, efforts are made toachieve coherence between foreign economic policy instru-ments such as bilateral free trade and investment agree-ments, and the objectives of sustainable development. Eco-

nomic development cooperation also improves the operatingframework for local and international enterprises. Care istaken here to craft sustainable, inclusive growth that alsofactors in environmental and economic aspects. In addition,the Confederation supports non-legally-binding measures onCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the frameworkset out in the Federal Council’s CSR position paper1 and isalso drawing up a National Action Plan to implement the UNGuiding Principles on Business and Human Rights2, therebyplaying its part in the protection of human rights around theworld. Furthermore, it is committed to the more efficientimplementation of the OECD’s Guidelines for MultinationalEnterprises by strengthening National Contact Points (NCP).Internationally, it supports initiatives for sustainable businesspractices, such as the UN Global Compact114, and is commit-ted to ILO standards which promote dignified work, andespecially for the credible application of the Organization’score labour standards.

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sus-tainable industrialisation and foster innovation (SDG9)

The Confederation supports the availability of basic services,more efficient and ecological energy service providers, andproperly functioning water and waste water infrastructures.It promotes initiatives for inclusive and sustainable industri-alisation which ensure that developing countries are increas-ingly included in the profitable stages of international valuechains, and that the resulting gains benefit a broad section ofthe population. Energy and resource-efficient production isanother area of focus.

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilientand sustainable (SDG11)

The Confederation is working towards ensuring that citiesand other settlements in developing countries provide a safeliving environment for all sections of the population, as wellas on measures to improve infrastructures and town planningin a way that shrinks their environmental footprint. Such en-vironmental improvements often also strengthen these areas’resilience in the face of disasters such as extreme weatherevents. Here, it is crucial that the best possible use is madeof space, and that public utility providers are made morerobust by investment and organisational change (corporatedevelopment).

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns(SDG12)

The Confederation is actively involved in international initia-tives and programmes supporting the transition of the world’s

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economies and societies towards sustainable patterns ofconsumption and production, i.e. a green economy. Theseinclude undertakings such as the 10-Year Framework forProgrammes on Sustainable Consumption and Production(10YFP)61, the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP)and the International Resource Panel (IRP). Within these con-structs, the Confederation focuses on a number of differentareas: sustainable food and nutrition systems, sustainablepublic procurement, sustainable value chains and standardsfor agricultural production, integrated and sustainable waterusage, international regimes governing chemicals and waste,and sustainability reporting. As part of its work to implementthe recommendations of the background report on commod-ities3, Switzerland – as an important commodity tradingcentre – is committed to aspects such as improved govern-ance and sustainability along value chains, as well as torespect for human rights at the extraction and trading stages.

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its im-pacts (SDG13) and ensure access to affordable, reliable,sustainable and modern energy for all (SDG7)

The UN Climate Change Conference in Paris at the end of2015 adopted a long-term legally binding agreement on cli-mate change for the post-2020 period. It is equally binding onall UN member states in accordance with their climate re-sponsibility and climate capacity. In addition, Switzerlandadvocates a further tightening of climate rules and regula-tions by 2020. Via the Global Programme Climate Change115,the Global Environment Facility (GEF)110 and the Green Cli-mate Fund (GCF)116, the Confederation supports the imple-mentation of climate policy in the form of measures to cutemissions, adapt to climate change and make the transfor-mation to sustainable, poverty-reducing energy generation,infrastructure and agriculture. Exchange with foreign govern-ments on governance and institutional issues related to thepromotion of resource-efficiency and renewable energies(‘cleantech’) is being stepped up, with a particular emphasison knowledge transfer and sharing good examples. Mean-while, a sustainable supply of energy will be achieved byinvestment in renovating existing or constructing new powergeneration facilities, among other measures.

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marineresources for sustainable development (SDG14)

Via the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),Switzerland is committed to action against pollution as aresult of waste and micro plastics, and its impact on marineareas.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrialecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat deserti-fication, and halt and reverse land degradation and haltbiodiversity loss (SDG15)

The Confederation is committed to implementing the GlobalStrategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–20117 and achieving theAichi Biodiversity Targets for 2020. It is stepping up its inter-national engagement in accordance with the SwissBiodiversity Strategy54, and is working to integrate biodiver-sity into relevant policies and strategies, as well as towardsgreater coherence and the use of synergies. It also intends tofulfil its international biodiversity funding commitments.

The Confederation is active in establishing clear internationalrules and frameworks for sustainable forest management. Itis also committed to the implementation on the UN Conven-tion to Combat Desertification, and to taking greater care ofsoil as a resource.

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainabledevelopment, provide access to justice for all and buildeffective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels(SDG16)

At both the international level and in its own legislation, theConfederation supports the introduction and implementabil-ity of national and international norms, and standards toprotect human rights. Action on peace promotion and humansecurity targets the source of armed violence and humanrights violations, as well as their impacts on political and so-cial processes. While addressing these issues, the highestpriority is the protection of the individual. Specifically, actionincludes mediation, peace processes, support for democraticprocesses, dealing with the past, bomb clearance and armscontrol, protection for civilians in conflict situations and dis-placed persons, as well as the fight against human trafficking.In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, which are also someof the poorest areas in the world, international cooperationalso tackles the root of conflict and violence, i.e. factors suchas social and political exclusion or discrimination. It supportsthe establishment of legitimate state institutions which servesociety at large. These tasks include the fundamental dutiesof the state such as ensuring the personal security of theindividual, access to justice, and basic services. The Confed-eration is also engaged in ensuring that multilateral organi-sations should play an active role in overcoming conflicts andfragile situations.

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Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise theglobal partnership for sustainable development (SDG17)

The Confederation supports the comprehensive financingand implementation framework that was adopted by all UNstates at the Third International Conference on Financing forDevelopment: the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA). Keyimportance is attached to domestic resource mobilisation asthe primary source of financing for sustainable developmentin developing and threshold countries, as well as to its efficientand fair use. In this way, the Confederation boosts its supportfor the establishment of taxation systems and efficient finan-cial administrations in developing countries. It is also com-mitted to a coordinated international effort to eliminate thecauses of unfair and illegal financial flows, notably based oninternational standards issued by recognised bodies. Domes-tically, it implements the relevant international standards forinstance for combating corruption and money laundering, aswell as those that apply to cross-border tax issues. Throughits asset recovery programme, it also helps to ensure thatfunds which enter Switzerland illegally can be returned totheir countries of origin.

The Confederation’s international cooperation work109 pro-vides it with mechanisms which allow it to promote privateinvestment in countries of the South and East. These includethe Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM)and the Swiss Capacity Building Facility (SCBF), which is apublic-private development partnership to promote sustain-able financial products and services in the world’s poorestcountries. The Confederation also supports the implementa-tion of the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agricul-ture and Food Systems.

Despite cost-saving measures, the Confederation has still seta target of 0.5 per cent of gross domestic product to be ded-icated to international cooperation. Whether or not this canactually be achieved depends on how economic activitydevelops, as well as other components of development aid.This funding is to be deployed in the poorest countries, inconflict-affected contexts and fragile states, as well as inmiddle-income countries. Efforts to improve the effective-ness and transparency of public development aid funding willalso be continued.

To reduce the dependence of recipient countries on this aid,Switzerland attaches particular importance to technical co-operation, as well as to technology and knowledge transfer.With its Cleaner Production Centres (CPC), it supports localskills acquisition, and improves the underlying conditions forenvironmentally friendly production methods.

5 . 4 .

S H A P I N G G L O B A L G O V E R N A N C E

The Confederation is committed to establishing a compre-hensive, coherent, effective and efficient framework for gov-ernance. Based among other things on the principles of therule of law, accountability, transparency and participation, thisframework should facilitate sustainable development at alllevels, from global to local. At the global level, the Confedera-tion is involved in the High Level Political Forum on Sustain-able Development (HLPF) alongside all other countries and allrelevant stakeholder representatives. Accordingly, it will par-ticipate in the planned periodic reporting and implementationmonitoring for the Sustainable Development Goals, providespecific input on how the basis of data can be improved, andhelp developing countries to build their national capacity todraft national strategies for sustainable development and totrack their implementation. Furthermore, the Confederation iscommitted to strengthening governance in specific sectors.

In all of its bilateral development cooperation activities, theConfederation observes international practice by supportingnational development plans. In this way, it combines sustain-able development agendas with those of effective develop-ment.

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6 .

T H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N A S A M O D E L

Sustainable development cannot just be demanded. It mustalso be demonstrated. The Confederation therefore consist-ently applies the principles of sustainable development to itsown activities. It already fulfils its responsibilities in particularwith regard to workplace ecology, public procurement, prop-erty management and human resources, and in its capacityas the owner of state-run companies. Examples of its areasof activity are presented below.

6 . 1 .

R E S O U R C E A N D E N V I R O N M E N TA LM A N A G E M E N T ( R U M B A )

Since its launch in 1999, the Confederation’s RUMBA resourceand environmental management118 programme has system-atically been reducing the operational and product-relatedenvironmental impact of the Federal Administration. Underthe programme, government Departments, ParliamentaryServices, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and the SwissFederal Supreme Court in Lucerne cut environmental impactper full-time equivalent by 23.1 per cent between 2006 and2014. Technical building-related measures and targetedawareness-raising campaigns about staff behaviours wereparticularly significant factors in this positive result.

Despite this progress, there is potential to reduce this envi-ronmental impact still further, in particular where electricityand heating, and mobility, are concerned. In 2016 the FederalCouncil will decide on the future of RUMBA. The aim is to turnthe programme into a permanent part of the Federal Admin-

istration’s remit. Factoring in the NMM New ManagementModel for the Federal Administration, new goals for the2017–20 target period will be examined, the goal-settingprocess optimised and harmonised, and consideration givento adapting organisational structures towards more central-ised data collection and controlling.

In the medium term, further options for further step-by-step,modular development should be looked into. These mightinclude extending the programme to other organisationalunits, broadening it to cover impacts beyond purely govern-mental tasks, the voluntary introduction of certified environ-mental management systems, and ways and means ofreporting on sustainability.

6 . 2 .

T H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N :E X E M P L A R Y I N E N E R G Y

The Confederation itself is responsible for two per cent ofaggregate domestic energy consumption. It fulfils its respon-sibility by reducing and optimising the energy used by thecivilian Federal Administration, the Federal Department ofDefence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS, and the entiredomain of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETHZurich / EPFL Lausanne), as well as strategic government-runcompanies such as Swiss Post, Swiss Federal Railways, Sky-guide and Swisscom as part of its ‘The Confederation: exem-plary in energy’ programme119. These organisations signedthe corresponding declaration of intent in November 2014.

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The intention is to take appropriate action to achieve a 25 percent increase in energy efficiency between the base year of2006 and 2020. To make this possible, all of the actors con-cerned adopted an action plan setting out 39 shared actionpoints for buildings and renewable energies, mobility, datacentres and green IT. Annual monitoring will track the impactthat implementing these measures has, and the public will beinformed transparently in an annual report.

6 . 3 .

P U B L I C P R O C U R E M E N TB Y T H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N

In its public procurement of goods (products, services, con-struction), the Confederation endeavours to ensure that theysatisfy high economic, environmental and social require-ments throughout their life cycles. It sets an example with itsown procurement activities, by purchasing products andconstructing buildings that are economical, environmentallycompatible and healthy, and are produced or built by meansthat are as socially responsible as possible.

Recommendations on sustainable procurement practices120

for the Confederation’s purchasing units were last updated bythe Federal Procurement Conference FPC in the summer of2015. In addition, in 2013 the sustainable procurement mon-itoring scheme was launched as part of the Confederation’sprocurement controlling activities.

The Confederation is currently looking into setting up a na-tional platform for sustainable public procurement. The aimof this platform is to promote sustainable public procurementand to ensure that information is shared between the Confed-eration, the cantons and, where possible, the communes.

6 . 4 .

S U S TA I N A B L E P R O P E RT YM A N A G E M E N T O N T H E PA RT

O F T H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N

At essentially all phases of construction and operation, fed-eral construction and property services (BLO) manage theConfederation’s buildings in accordance with the principles ofsustainable development. The Ordinance on Federal RealEstate Management and Logistics (REMFLO) has beenamended accordingly and entered into force on 1 January2016. The Ordinance is fleshed out by directives from theFederal Department of Finance FDF on sustainable propertymanagement, in the form of guidelines that are binding on theBLO. These in turn are supported by the recommendations ofthe KBOB coordination group for construction and propertyservices, and the IPB interest group consisting of private pro-fessional building owners.

6 . 5 .

A C T I O N A R E A S F O R T H E F U T U R E

The action that the Confederation takes in its model roleshould be enhanced, and expanded where this is possible andmeaningful. In 2016, a systematic status report must be pre-pared on how the Confederation fulfils its corporate socialresponsibility (CSR)1 obligations as an employer, purchaser,investor and owner of state-run enterprises. This overviewshould also pinpoint any need for action in the future, andsupply the Federal Council with proposals on how to extendand further improve the effectiveness of the measures thatare already in place at federal level.

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M O N I T O R I N G A N D R E P O RT I N G

7 . 1 .

M O N I T O R I N G S U S TA I N A B L ED E V E L O P M E N T I N S W I T Z E R L A N D

To weigh up interests and to make political decisions, weneed to know where we stand on the key opportunity anddeficit parameters in relation to sustainable development.Measuring sustainable development has thus become anincreasingly important instrument of implementation.

In fact, Switzerland has had a comprehensive sustainabledevelopment monitoring system – MONET – in place since2003. Its 75 or so regularly updated indicators give an overallpicture. This system takes a holistic approach which meas-ures the quality of life of the present generation, as well asfairness of distribution geographically and over time. It ob-serves whether – and in what areas – Switzerland is on thepath to sustainable development. The indicators are not se-lected on the basis of political targets. Instead, they arefounded on a consistent methodological concept comprisinga reference framework and a systemic structure. This en-sures MONET’s independence, transparency and complete-ness.

MONET is an evolving system, in which indicators are revisedas new focal points and framework conditions for sustainabledevelopment emerge. With this in mind, the system’s refer-ence framework was amended to include the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDG) and those of the 2030 Agenda. Thecurrent legislative period will bring further expansion to allowthe MONET system to measure the 2030 Agenda targetframework that has been amended to fit Switzerland. It will

thus lay the foundation for both national and internationalreporting.

A selection of MONET indicators is given in the present Strat-egy in reference to the visions and objectives of the ActionPlan. Further information is available to a wider audience inthe form of key indicators, pocket statistics and the ‘Cockpit’web application for the action areas of this SustainableDevelopment Strategy.

7 . 2 .

M O N I T O R I N G S U S TA I N A B L ED E V E L O P M E N T

AT T H E G L O B A L L E V E L

At the global level, the progress and goals achieved by the2030 Agenda are measured in terms of a list of internationalkey indicators, which are set by the UN Statistical Commis-sion and are identical for all countries. UN member statesregularly monitor developments in the key indicators. Thisdata is then published in an annual international progressreport on the Sustainable Development Goals. This enablesaction areas around the world to be identified, and progressto be compared between countries.

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7 . 3 .

R E P O RT I N G

The implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategyis evaluated regularly to supply information for its eventualrevision. The MONET indicator system also has an importantrole to play in this respect. Information on target attainmentand the implementation of measures under the Action Plan isregularly updated and published, and the Federal Councilmust produce a report on the implementation of the Strategyby the end of 2018. This will comprise an evaluation, as wellas a proposal for the next generation of the Strategy for the2020–23 legislative period. Furthermore, federal agencies arerequired to include sustainable development in their ownperiodic reports on items of business or areas covered bytheir sectoral policies.

At the international level, UN member states have agreed topresent their progress in the form of country reports, whichwill be submitted to the High Level Political Forum on Sus-tainable Development (HLPF). This meets under the aegis ofthe UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and SocialCouncil ECOSOC (see Section 2.2). It offers opportunities forcountries to share their different experiences, as well as fordialogue with relevant stakeholders.

Reporting on the basis of the 2030 Agenda is a challenge forall nations, and necessitates certain changes to the formatand structure of national strategies. Switzerland shares itsexperience with other countries in Europe and also in thecontext of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment (OECD) and the UN Economic Commission forEurope (UNECE). The aim is to achieve a reporting frameworkthat accommodates the challenges that Switzerland faceswhile also meeting the requirements for the shared reportingof 2030 Agenda implementation work. This system must bedesigned to avoid overlaps while making the most of syner-gies between national and international reporting processes.Switzerland must submit its first national report to the HLPFby 2018.

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8 .

O R G A N I S AT I O N W I T H I NT H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N

8 . 1 .

I N T E G R AT I N G S U S TA I N A B L ED E V E L O P M E N T I N T O E X I S T I N G

P L A N N I N G A N D P O L I C YM A N A G E M E N T P R O C E S S E S

It is important to regard sustainable development not as anadditional part of the Confederation’s remit, but rather tointegrate it as far as possible into the usual planning andpolicy management processes at the agency, departmentaland Federal Council levels. The present Strategy and, at thebroader level, the 2030 Agenda, provide an important refer-ence framework for its integration into sectoral policies.

Political responsibility for the Strategy lies with the FederalCouncil. Its implementation, meanwhile, is a matter for thefederal agencies concerned, which must ensure that thedetails are determined to reflect their particular areas of ac-tivity, that it is put into practice and that its measures are wellcoordinated. As is the case with provisions at constitutional,law and ordinance level, submissions to the Federal Councilmust be aligned with the Strategy, and the agencies mustfactor its principles into their planning and internal processes.In doing this, they must make use of synergies, ensure coher-ence between sectoral policies, and flag up any conflictingobjectives.

Sustainable development should be achieved primarily bysetting priorities and reallocating existing resources. TheStrategy is to be implemented in the main via existing coor-dination and reconciliation mechanisms, and overlapsavoided.

8 . 1 . 1 .

C o o rd i n a t i o n a t t h e n a t i o n a l l e v e l

The implementation of the Strategy in domestic policy is co-ordinated by the Interdepartmental Sustainable DevelopmentCommittee (ISDC), which comprises representatives of allfederal agencies whose activities are of relevance to sustain-able development. The ISDC assumes the function of a coor-dination and discussion platform for sustainability-relatedactivities and processes within the Federal Administration. Itencourages cooperation between federal agencies, as well asthe integration of sustainable development principles intosectoral policies. The federal agencies appoint their own rep-resentatives on the ISDC, but these must have the authorityto represent their administrative unit with a great degree ofcommitment.

The ISDC is chaired by the Federal Office for Spatial Develop-ment ARE. As the competent specialist unit within the Con-federation, it guarantees the consistency and effectiveness ofwork to implement the Sustainable Development Strategy,and also ensures communication and dialogue both withinthe Federal Administration and with external actors.

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8 . 1 . 2 .

C o o rd i n a t i o n a t t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e v e l

The interdepartmental 2030 Agenda Task Force coordinatesinternational negotiations on the 2030 Agenda, and also han-dles coordination within the Federal Administration. It iscomposed of those federal agencies which deal at the sec-toral policy or general level with sustainable developmentissues in foreign policy. As an information, coordination anddiscussion platform led by the Federal Department of ForeignAffairs FDFA, the Task Force guarantees Switzerland’s foreignpolicy contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agency,and its representation in the HLPF.

As a provisional body, the 2030 Agenda Task Force will bemaintained for the 2016–17 transitional phase (see Section8.1.4). The future form and role of this body will be deter-mined during this period.

8 . 1 . 3 .

C o o rd i n a t i o n b e t w e e n n a t i o n a la n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e v e l s

With the 2030 Agenda, coordination between domestic andforeign policy has gained a special level of meaning. Coordi-nation between national and international levels is assured bymeans of regular exchange between the ISDC, the 2030Agenda Task Force, and other bodies. While involving thesectoral federal agencies concerned, the competent unitswithin the DETEC (ARE) and the FDFA (SDC) are responsiblefor the flow of information and for coordinating activities.

8 . 1 . 4 .

I m p l e m e n t i n g t h e 2 0 3 0 A g e n d a f o rS u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t

The Confederation is committed both nationally and interna-tionally to implementing the 2030 Agenda and to attaining itsSustainable Development Goals by 2030. This presents newchallenges for the organisational structure and processes ofthe Federal Administration. During the transitional phase in2016 and 2017, questions relating to institutional arrange-ments will be examined and modifications proposed wherenecessary. Particular attention must be paid here to coordi-nating national and international processes as effectively aspossible. Building on existing structures, the aim is to arriveat an efficient process within the Confederation to implementthe 2030 Agenda in domestic and foreign policy. Synergiesshould be created between national and international pro-cesses, and overlaps avoided. Initial work will also be done onwhat exactly the implementation of the SDG will entail.

The transitional phase will include the following programmeof work:

• Status analysis of the extent to which the 2030 Agenda isalready implemented in sectoral policies in Switzerland (gapanalysis), and identification of future action areas with regardto the SDG;

• Clarification of arrangements, and the transfer of respon-sibility for the SDG to the federal agencies in charge of sec-toral policy fields;

• Determination of the future process and internal structurewithin the Federal Administration that is needed for Switzer-land to implement the 2030 Agenda;

• Clarification of the UN’s requirements for internationalreporting as they apply to Switzerland, and for the productionof Switzerland’s first report to the HLPF on the implementa-tion of the 2030 Agenda;

• Expansion of the MONET system of indicators to ensurereporting to the UN and on the Sustainable DevelopmentStrategy;

• Determination of the way in which stakeholders outsidethe Federal Administration will participate in consultationsand in the implementation partnerships for the 2030 Agenda,and of the way in which stakeholder contributions will beacknowledged.

This work will be managed by an internal coordination groupset up for a fixed period. It will comprise representatives ofboth national and international levels. It will be led by theFederal Office for Spatial Development ARE and by the SwissAgency for Development and Cooperation SDC. The group

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will include representatives of the Federal Office for the Envi-ronment FOEN, the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH, theFederal Office for Agriculture FOAG, the Federal StatisticalOffice FSO, the FDFA Directorate of Political Affairs, and otherinterested federal agencies from the ISDC and the 2030Agenda Task Force.

The coordination group will determine a joint programme ofwork, for which the competent federal agencies will providethe necessary funding and resources. It will consult all of theaffected agencies and will encourage exchange with actorsfrom outside the Federal Administration. At the end of thetransitional phase, the Departments concerned will submit areport to the Federal Council on the status of implementationand on any action or amendments that may be required. Theywill also propose the way forward for Switzerland’s imple-mentation of the 2030 Agenda. This report must be submittedby January 2018.

8 . 1 . 5 .

Fu n d i n g i m p l e m e n t a t i o n

The implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategywill be funded via the budgets that have been approved for theindividual federal agencies, which are responsible for incor-porating the necessary financial resources into their financialplanning. Should additional funding be required for measuresin parallel with strategy implementation, it must be applied foras part of the normal budget process.

8 . 2 .

I N S T R U M E N T S A N D P R O C E S S E SF O R I N T E G R AT I N G

S U S TA I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N TI N T O S E C T O R A L P O L I C I E S

8 . 2 . 1 .

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y a s s e s s m e n t s

In the interests of the balanced inclusion of sustainabledevelopment criteria, and improving policy coherence be-tween Confederation initiatives, it is very important to theFederal Council that interests are weighed up against eachother and programmes optimised at an early stage, and thatthe decisions that have been taken are presented and ex-plained transparently.

Sustainability assessments are a prospective means of eval-uation and optimisation to analyse the social, economic andenvironmental impacts of the Confederation’s politicalprojects and initiatives at strategy, plan and programme orproject level. The method centres on the systematic captureof an initiative’s direct and indirect, desirable and undesirableeffects. A logical and holistic estimate of impacts creates atransparent basis for decision-making.

The guidelines for Federal Council Dispatches (DispatchGuidelines) recommend that sustainability assessments beconducted to estimate the expected impacts of specific ini-tiatives. Guidelines for federal agencies describe how themethodology should be applied. The ARE helps the federalgovernment’s administrative units to conduct sustainabilityassessments.

These assessments overlap with other existing and plannedevaluation tools. At legislative level, these primarily includeregulatory impact assessments (RIA). Projects in the trans-port sector, meanwhile, must also be evaluated in terms ofthe NIBA guidelines for assessing railway transport projectsand the NISTRA sustainability indicators for road infrastruc-ture projects.

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S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T S T R A T E G Y 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9O R G A N I S A T I O N W I T H I N T H E C O N F E D E R A T I O N

8 . 2 . 2 .

P o l i c y c o h e re n c e f o r s u s t a i n a b l e d ev e l o p m e n t

The preparation of Federal Council decisions in consultationswith various offices or in interdepartmental working groupson specific themes is central to ensuring policy coherence atthe federal level. These consultation and coordination pro-cesses examine the Confederation’s initiatives in specificsectors to ensure that they are congruent with sustainabledevelopment. The task here is to make greater use of syner-gies between different policies, and to mitigate any conflictingaims and negative side-effects.

This task has become a priority issue in international discus-sions, such as those surrounding the 2030 Agenda. TheConfederation’s Foreign Policy Report for 2015 states thatfurther work is planned to ensure better policy coherence. Aspart of this work, whenever foreign policy questions areraised, particularly relevant and current individual aspects orFederal Council decisions should also be discussed. Theresearch and groundwork that is required to set up a system-atic observation system for the various aspects of foreignpolicy, and the relevant monitoring instruments, is currentlyunderway.

8 . 2 . 3 .

Tr a i n i n g

The integration of sustainable development into sectoral pol-icies requires cross-sectoral exchange, as well as familiaritywith the key sustainable development principles and theirnational and international frameworks and objectives. To thisend, all administrative units encourage their staff to partici-pate in further training courses and to share specific experi-ence in the sustainable development domain.

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9 .

C O O P E R AT I O N W I T H T H EC A N T O N S A N D C O M M U N E S

In an international comparison, Switzerland’s political systemis very decentralised, with the cantons and communes fulfill-ing an extremely important role. Factoring sustainable devel-opment principles into all levels of government is thus a keyconcern for the Confederation, and great importance is at-tached to vertical cooperation between the Confederation,cantons and communes. The important role of the subna-tional and local levels in implementing sustainable develop-ment was emphasised at the UN Conference on SustainableDevelopment (Rio+20) in 2012. The cantons and communesare called upon to do their part in implementing the newinternational 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable DevelopmentGoals (SDG).

Many cantons and communes are already using the FederalCouncil’s Sustainable Development Strategy as a referenceframework for their own activities. Decision-makers at alllevels of government are called upon to reflect the FederalCouncil guidelines in their own, similar initiatives. Thesemight be local or cantonal Agenda 21 programmes, sustain-ability strategies, legislative programmes, the use of monitor-ing, controlling and assessment instruments, or institutionalsafeguards to embed sustainable development more securelyin governance structures. Sustainable development shouldnot be regarded as an additional government task, but shouldbe integrated as far as possible into normal planning andcontrol processes.

Vertical integration via the Sustainable Development Forum,as a tried-and-tested platform for exchange and networkingbetween different levels of government, is to be continued aspart of a partnership with the Swiss Conference of Directorsof Public Works, Planning and Environmental Protection(DPPE), the SSV association of Swiss cities and the SGVSwiss association of local authorities. The Confederationcontinues to foster regional and local sustainability processesand projects with technical and logistical support, as well asa comprehensive range of activities to network the actorsconcerned.

In addition, through its sustainable development promotionprogramme (Förderprogramm Nachhaltige Entwicklung), theConfederation supports specific initiatives which help tostrengthen the sustainable development concept. It maintainsa database of current sustainability projects in Switzerlandand organises events to share knowledge and experience ongood examples of processes, instruments and projects. It alsoencourages continued development in the methodology, andthe more consistent use of sustainability assessment, as wellas monitoring within the ‘Cercle Indicateurs’ network for thecantons and cities. Particular efforts are made to reinforcesustainability processes and projects at neighbourhood level.

Furthermore, in the current legislative period special attentionwill be given to closer cooperation with the cantons’ special-ist sustainability units and delegates as the Confederation'skey partners. These bodies and individuals in turn serve aspoints of contact for the communes. To achieve this, a jointprogramme of work is to be adopted to cement sustainabledevelopment at the institutional level as an integral elementof decision-making processes and policy priorities. Oneexample of such work might be to draft guidelines for theimplementation of the Confederation’s Sustainable Develop-ment Strategy at the local level. Greater prominence shouldalso be given to sustainability assessments of cantonal sec-toral strategies, programmes and projects which receiveConfederation funding. The law already provides for this inrespect of cantonal implementation programmes for the NewRegional Policy (NRP)14.

The Confederation encourages closer intercantonal cooper-ation on sustainable development, and supports the creationof the relevant structures, in the context of a conference ofcantonal sustainability units and delegates, for example. Inthis regard the creation of regional platforms should also beexamined.

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Finally, the Confederation also organises and coordinatesSwitzerland’s participation in the European SustainableDevelopment Week (ESDW), which was held for the first timeacross Europe in 2014, and runs each year from 30 May to 5June. Cantons and communes, as well as other public andprivate-sector actors, are encouraged to organise and com-municate projects in connection with ESDW.

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1 0 .

C O O P E R AT I O N W I T H C I V I L S O C I E T Y,B U S I N E S S A N D S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H

Sustainable development demands action from the whole ofsociety. In addition to a concerted effort on the part of thethree levels of government, this also requires close coopera-tion with private-sector business, non-governmental organi-sations, associations, and the scientific community. Sustain-able development can only be implemented successfully if alllevels do their part.

In the future, dialogue and cooperation on sustainable devel-opment will be heavily influenced by the 2030 Agenda and itsSustainable Development Goals, which will form the refer-ence framework for sustainable development in Switzerland.The participatory processes to arrive at national and interna-tional sustainability policies will nonetheless be amalgamatedinto a single dialogue so that proper account can be taken ofthe expertise and interests of all actors, and to permit a broadhorizontal discussion. The related processes will be safe-guarded via the 2030 Dialogue on Sustainable Development,which covers consultations on the Confederation’s sustain-ability policy, partnerships to implement the 2030 Agenda,and communication activities.

1 0 . 1 .

C O N S U LTAT I O N S O NT H E C O N F E D E R AT I O N ’ S P O L I C Y

O N S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Work to revise the Sustainable Development Strategy in-volved closer cooperation with the cantons, communes andinstitutional stakeholder groups from business, society, sci-ence and politics (see Section 1.2). They were included in theprocess of developing the strategy as part of a broad-basedstakeholder dialogue – a process that will be consolidated asa consultation procedure in the 2030 Dialogue on SustainableDevelopment. This is intended to ensure that the outcomesof the stakeholder dialogue to date continue to provide input,and that the stakeholder groups are involved in an ongoingprocess within the Confederation’s sustainable developmentpolicy cycle of monitoring, planning, implementation, evalua-tion and reporting.

Exactly what form this future consultation process will take isto be determined during the transitional phase (see Section8.1.4). Key issues in this ongoing discussion might includedefining future action areas in order to achieve the Sustain-able Development Goals, and the implementation and reviewof the Sustainable Development Strategy itself.

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S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T S T R A T E G Y 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9C O O P E R A T I O N W I T H C I V I L S O C I E T Y , B U S I N E S S A N D S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H

1 0 . 2 .

PA RT N E R S H I P S F O RS U S TA I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T

Switzerland has a long tradition of partnership between gov-ernment and non-governmental actors. Where sectoral policyis concerned, policy-makers have been working alongsideinterested associations and non-governmental organisations– primarily from the environmental, development coopera-tion, business and social spheres – on a regular basis formany years. At the international level, the authorities involvethese organisations in preparations for important negotia-tions. They have lent major impetus to sustainable develop-ment in Switzerland, most recently in the preparation of theSwiss position on the 2030 Agenda negotiations.

Implementing this universal agenda will be one of the particu-lar challenges of the future. Here, the Sustainable Develop-ment Goals will be adapted to Switzerland’s particular cir-cumstances and put into effect in partnerships in all areasand at all levels. The implementation partnerships betweenthe Confederation, cantons, communes and representativesof business, civil society and the scientific community shouldthus remain focused on the sectoral level. That said, thesepartnerships should also be further consolidated at the gen-eral level of national Swiss sustainability policy as part of the2030 Dialogue on Sustainable Development. This will ensurea coordinated approach between the various areas, and en-able broader partnerships – such as multi-stakeholder initi-atives – to be established. How exactly the different actorscan be involved in implementation, and how their contribu-tions can be acknowledged, are among the issues that willhave to be resolved.

1 0 . 3 .

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

A proactive information policy is key to the successful imple-mentation of sustainable development at all levels of govern-ment and in society. In the context of the 2030 Dialogue onSustainable Development, the Federal Council strives toachieve a perfectly balanced and cohesive blend of targetedcommunications activities.

It maintains an information portal to create transparencyabout the implementation of the Strategy and its measures.The portal also provides an overview of sustainability-relatedConfederation sectoral policies, as well as the most importantinternational policy processes for sustainable development.In addition, the Confederation will regularly release informa-tion about major issues and activities in the field.

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1 1 .

A P P E N D I C E S

1 1 . 1 .

L I S T O F A B B R E V I AT I O N S

10YFP: 10-Year Framework for Programmes onConsumption and Production

2030 Agenda: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

AAAA: Addis Ababa Action Agenda

AHV: Alters- und Hinterlassenen-Versicherung –Swiss state old age and survivors’ insurance (pension)

ARE: Federal Office for Spatial Development

BLO: Bau- und Liegenschaftsorgane de Bundes –federal construction and property management services

BREKO: Breitensportkonzept des Bundes –the Confederation’s recreational sports concept)

CIP: Cantonal Integration Programme

CO2: Carbon dioxide

CPC: Cleaner Production Centres

CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility

DDA: Disability Discrimination Act

DDPS: Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protectionand Sports

DETEC: Federal Department of the Environment, Transport,Energy and Communications

DPPE: Swiss Conference of Directors of Public Works,Planning and Environmental Protection

ECOSOC: UN Economic and Social Council

ERI: Education, research and innovation

ESD: Education for sustainable development

ESDW: European Sustainable Development Week

FAO: UN Food and Agriculture Organization

FDF: Federal Department of Finance

FDFA: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

FGM: Female Genital Mutilation

FOEN: Federal Office for the Environment

FOPH: Federal Office of Public Health

FPC: Federal Procurement Conference

FSO: Swiss Federal Statistical Office

GCF: Green Climate Fund

GEF: Global Environment Facility

HLPF: UN High-Level Political Forum on sustainabledevelopment

HVF: Capacity-related Heavy Vehicle Fee

IC: International Cooperation

IIC: Inter-institutional cooperation

ILO: International Labour Organization

IMF: International Monetary Fund

IPB: Interessengemeinschaft privater professionellerBauherren –an interest group consisting of privateprofessional developers

ISDC: Interdepartmental Sustainable DevelopmentCommittee

IV: Federal disability insurance

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J+S: Jugend + Sport – the Confederation’s Youth+Sportsports promotion programme

KBOB: Koordinationskonferenz der Bau- und Liegenschafts-organe der öffentlichen Bauherren – coordination group forconstruction and property services

KEV: Kostendeckende Einspeisevergütung – Feed-inremuneration at cost

LCS: Swiss Landscape Concept

LEKO: Leistungssportkonzept des Bundes – theConfederation’s competitive sports concept

MDG: UN Millennium Development Goals

MONET: Monitoring der Nachhaltigen Entwicklung – systemof indicators which monitors sustainable development inSwitzerland

NAF: Nationalstrassen- und Agglomerationsverkehrs-Fondsdes Bundes – the Confederation’s motorway andagglomeration transport fund

NCD: Non-Communicable Diseases

NCP: OECD National Contact Point

NIBA: Nachhaltigkeitsindikatoren für Bahninfrastruktur-projekte des Bundes – the system of sustainability indica-tors for the Confederation’s rail infrastructure projects)

NISTRA: Nachhaltigkeitsindikatoren für Strasseninfra-strukturprojekte des Bundes – the system of sustainabilityindicators for the Confederation’s road infrastructure projects

NMM: New Management Model

NNBS: Netzwerk Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz – thesustainable construction network for Switzerland

NRP: New Regional Policy

OECD: Organisation for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment

PPA: Federal Public Procurement Act

PPNI: Programmes and Projects of National Importance(PPNI)

RAI Principles: Principles for Responsible AgriculturalInvestments

RIA: The Confederation’s Regulatory Impact Assessment

RIF: Rail Infrastructure Fund

RUMBA: Ressourcen- und Umweltmanagement derBundesverwaltung – resource and environmentalmanagement in the Federal Administration)

SA: Sustainability Assessment by the Confederationand the cantons

SCBF: Swiss Capacity Building Facility

SCCER: Swiss Competence Centres for Energy Research

SDC: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

SGV: Schweizerischer Gemeindeverband – the Swissassociation of local authorities

SHFP: Swiss Health Foreign Policy

SIFEM: Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets

SSV: Schweizerischer Städteverband – the association ofSwiss cities

TAC: Tripartite Agglomeration Conference

UN: United Nations

UN DRC: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons withDisabilities

UNECE: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization

VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds

WBS: Wohnungs-Bewertungs-System – the Confederation’shousing evaluation system

WHO: World Health Organization

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S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T S T R A T E G Y 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9A P P E N D I C E S

1 1 . 2 .

B I B L I O G R A P H Y

1 Corporate Social Responsibility – Federal CouncilPosition Paper and Action Plan on Corporate Responsibilityfor Society and the Environment (2015) (GesellschaftlicheVerantwortung der Unternehmen – Positionspapier undAktionsplan des Bundesrates zur Verantwortung derUnternehmen für Gesellschaft und Umwelt (2015)). Leadfederal agency: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.Information: www.seco.admin.ch

2 National action plan for the implementation of the UNGuiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Nation-aler Aktionsplan zur Umsetzung der UNO-Leitprinzipien fürWirtschaft und Menschenrechte) (at the draft stage). Leadfederal agency: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA,Human Security Division. Information: www.eda.admin.ch

3 Background report on commodities (GrundlagenberichtRohstoffe). Second status report on the implementation ofthe recommendations (2015) (2, Berichterstattung zumStand der Umsetzung der Empfehlungen (2015)). Leadfederal agencies: State Secretariat for International FinancialMatters SIF, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO,State Secretariat of the Federal Department of ForeignAffairs (STS-FDFA). Information: www.seco.admin.ch

4 Green Economy: Report and Action Plan (2013). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

5 Reffnet.ch – the Swiss resource efficiency network (d/f).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for the EnvironmentFOEN. Information: www.reffnet.ch

6 Ordinance on the Prevention and Disposal of Waste (Ver-ordnung über die Vermeidung und Entsorgung von Abfällen)(2016). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for the Environ-ment FOEN. Information: www.admin.ch

7 Resource Trialogue 2030 –Trialogue on the future of wasteand resource management in Switzerland (Ressourcen-trialog 2030 – Trialog zur Zukunft der Abfall- undRessourcenwirtschaft der Schweiz). Participating federalagency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

8 Financial support for consumer organisations. Lead federalagency: Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau FCAB Information:www.bfk.admin.ch

9 Energy label. Lead federal agency: Swiss Federal Office ofEnergy SFOE. Information: www.bfe.admin.ch

10 Spatial Strategy for Switzerland (Raumkonzept Schweiz(RKCH)) (2012). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Spa-tial Development ARE. Information: www.are.admin.ch

11 Confederation agglomeration policy for 2016+ (Agglo-merationspolitik des Bundes 2016+). For coherent spatialplanning in Switzerland (Für eine kohärente Raument-wicklung Schweiz) (2015). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice for Spatial Development ARE. Information:www.are.admin.ch

12 Agglomeration programmes transport and settlement(Agglomerationsprogramme Verkehr und Siedlung). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE.Information: www.are.admin.ch

13 Confederation policy on rural and mountain areas (2015)(Politik des Bundes für die ländlichen Räume und Berg-gebiete). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Spatial De-velopment ARE. Information: www.are.admin.ch

14 New Regional Policy (NRP) (Neue Regionalpolitik). Leadfederal agency: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.Information: www.seco.admin.ch

15 Instruments of parks policy – the ‘Park label’ (Instrumenteder Pärkepolitik – Parklabel). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

16 Transport sectoral plan, programme section (SachplanVerkehr, Teil Programm) (2006). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice for Spatial Development ARE. Information:www.are.admin.ch

17 Crop rotation areas sectoral plan (Sachplan Fruchtfolge-flächen). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Spatial De-velopment ARE. Information: www.are.admin.ch

18 Soil Strategy (Bodenstrategie) (currently at the draftstage). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for theEnvironment FOEN. Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

19 Confederation housing research programme (Wohn-forschungsprogramm des Bundes). Lead federal agency:Federal Housing Office FHO. Information: www.bwo.admin.ch

20 Sustainable spatial planning pilot scheme 2014–18 (Mod-ellvorhaben Nachhaltige Raumentwicklung 2014–2018).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Spatial DevelopmentARE. Information: www.are.admin.ch

21 Mobility management in site planning and habitation.Lead federal agency: Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE.Information: www.mobilitaet-fuer-gemeinden.ch

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22 Sustainable Construction Network Switzerland(Netzwerk Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz (NNBS). Leadfederal agencies: Coordination group for construction andproperty services KBOB, the Swiss Federal Roads AuthorityFEDRO, the Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE, theFederal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse, theFederal Office for the Environment FOEN, the Federal Officeof Transport FOT, and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.Information: www.nnbs.ch

23 Coordination between public and private developers. Leadfederal agency: Coordination group for construction andproperty services KBOB. Information: www.kbob.admin.ch

24 Ordinance on Federal Real Estate Management and Logis-tics (REMFLO). Lead federal agency: Federal Department ofFinance FDF. Information: www.admin.ch

25 eco-bau platform for life cycle assessments in theconstruction sector. Lead federal agency: Coordinationgroup for construction and property services KBOB.Information: www.kbob.admin.ch

26 Dispatch on Funding for Culture Promotion 2016–20(Culture Dispatch) (2015) (Botschaft zur Förderung derKultur 2016–2020) (2015). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice of Culture FOC Information: www.bak.admin.ch

27 Building culture strategy (Strategie für Baukultur)(currently at the draft stage). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice of Culture FOC Information: www.bak.admin.ch

28 The Confederation’s recreational sports concept (Breiten-sportkonzept des Bundes) (currently at the draft stage).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Sport FOSPO.Information: www.baspo.admin.ch

29 The Confederation’s competitive sports concept(Leistungssportkonzept des Bundes) (currently at the draftstage). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Sport FOSPO.Information: www.baspo.admin.ch

30 Report on the mobility pricing concept (currently at thedraft stage). Lead federal agency: Swiss Federal RoadsAuthority FEDRO. Information: www.fedro.admin.ch

31 Action plan for non-motorised transport (Massnahmen-plan Langsamverkehr) (currently at the draft stage). Leadfederal agency: Swiss Federal Roads Authority FEDRO.Information: www.fedro.admin.ch

32 Distance-related heavy vehicle fee (HVF). Lead federalagencies: Swiss Customs Administration SCA, Federal Officeof Transport FOT, Federal Office for Spatial DevelopmentARE. Information: www.lsva.ch

33 Alpine Transit Exchange as part of the ‘Suivi de Zurich’programme. Lead federal agency: Federal Office of TransportFOT Information: www.bav.admin.ch

34 Motorway and agglomeration transport fund (National-strassen- und Agglomerationsverkehrs-Fonds). Lead federalagency: Swiss Federal Roads Authority FEDRO.Information: www.fedro.admin.ch

35 Financing and expansion of the rail infrastructure(Finanzierung und Ausbau der Bahninfrastruktur).Lead federal agency: Federal Office of Transport FOT.Information: www.bav.admin.ch

36 Dispatch on nationwide rail freight transport (Botschaftzum Schienengüterverkehr in der Fläche). Lead federalagency: Federal Office of Transport FOT.Information: www.bav.admin.ch

37 Protection Against Natural Hazards in Switzerland – Visionand Strategy (2004) (Sicherheit vor Naturgefahren – Visionund Strategie) (2004). Lead federal agency: Federal Office forthe Environment FOEN. Information: www.planat.ch

38 National strategy for the protection of critical infra-structures (Strategie zum Schutz kritischer Infrastrukturen)(2012). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for CivilProtection FOCP. Information: www.planat.ch

39 Federal Act on the Reduction of CO2 emissions (CO2 Act).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for the EnvironmentFOEN. Information: www.admin.ch

40 ICAO Action Plan on CO2 Emission Reduction in Switzer-land (2015). Lead federal agency: Federal Office of CivilAviation FOCA. Information: www.bazl.admin.ch

41 Climate Strategy for Agriculture – climate conservationand adaptation to climate change for a sustainable Swissagricultural and food industry (2011) (KlimastrategieLandwirtschaft – Klimaschutz und Anpassung an denKlimawandel für eine nachhaltige Schweizer Land- undErnährungswirtschaft) (2011). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice for Agriculture FOAG. Information: www.blw.admin.ch

42 Energy Strategy 2050 (Energiestrategie 2050).Lead federal agency: Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE.Information: www.uvek.admin.ch

43 SwissEnergy. Lead federal agency: Swiss Federal Office ofEnergy SFOE. Information: www.energieschweiz.ch

44 Target agreements with energy-intensive industrial andservice companies. Lead federal agency: Swiss FederalOffice of Energy SFOE. Information: www.bfe.admin.ch

45 Climate and energy incentive system (Klima- undEnergielenkungssystem). Lead federal agency: FederalFinance Administration FFA. Information: www.efv.admin.ch

46 Swiss Coordinated Energy Research action plan (Aktions-plan Koordinierte Energieforschung Schweiz). Lead federalagency: Commission for Technology and Innovation CTIInformation: www.kti.admin.ch

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47 Competitive tendering – ProKilowatt. Lead federal agency:Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE.Information: www.bfe.admin.ch

48 Efficiency regulations for electrical appliances. Lead fed-eral agency: Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE.Information: www.bfe.admin.ch

49 KEV feed-in remuneration at cost system (KostendeckendeEinspeisevergütung). Lead federal agency: Swiss FederalOffice of Energy SFOE. Information: www.bfe.admin.ch

50 One-off subsidies for solar energy facilities. Lead federalagency: Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE. Information:www.bfe.admin.ch

51 Monitoring of dangerous natural hazard processes. Leadfederal agency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

52 Continuous operational monitoring of climate indicators.Lead federal agency: Federal Office of Meteorology andClimatology MeteoSwiss.Information: www.meteoswiss.admin.ch

53 Adaptation to Climate Change Action Plan for 2014–19(2014) (Aktionsplan Anpassung an den Klimawandel2014–2019) (2014). Lead federal agency: Federal Office forthe Environment FOEN. Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

54 Swiss Biodiversity Strategy (2012) and Swiss BiodiversityAction Plan (currently at the draft stage). Lead federalagency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

55 Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–20. Leadfederal agency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

56 Resource policy for wood (Ressourcenpolitik Holz). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

57 Forests Policy 2020 (Waldpolitik 2020) (2013). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

58 Swiss landscape concept (LCS) (LandschaftskonzeptSchweiz). Lead federal agency: Federal Office for theEnvironment FOEN. Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

59 Agricultural policy for 2014–17 (Agrarpolitik 2014–2017).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG.Information: www.blw.admin.ch

60 Plant protection products action plan (AktionsplanPflanzenschutzmittel) (currently at the draft stage).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG.Information: www.blw.admin.ch

61 10-Year Framework for Programmes on Consumptionand Production (10YFP). Lead federal agency: Federal Officefor the Environment FOEN. Information: www.unep.org

62 Global Programme Food Security. Lead federal agency:Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC.Information: www.sdc.admin.ch

63 White paper on the new growth policy 2016–19 (2015)(Neue Wachstumspolitik 2016–2019) (2015). Lead federalagency: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.Information: www.seco.admin.ch

64 Ratification of the conventions 170 (safety in the use ofchemicals at work) and 174 (prevention of major industrialaccidents) of the International Labour Organization (ILO).Lead federal agency: State Secretariat for Economic AffairsSECO. Information: www.seco.admin.ch

65 Targeted campaign on psychosocial risks. Lead federalagency: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.Information: www.seco.admin.ch

66 Reporting on fiscal risk. Lead federal agency: FederalFinance Administration FFA Information: www.efv.admin.ch

67 Federal Council financial policy model (Finanzleitbilddes Bundesrats) Lead federal agency: Federal FinanceAdministration FFA Information: www.efv.admin.ch

68 Strengthening financial sector stability. Lead federalagency: General Secretariat Federal Department of Finance.Information: www.efd.admin.ch

69 CO2 levy. Lead federal agency: Federal Office for theEnvironment FOEN Information: www.bafu.admin.ch

70 VOC incentive fee. Lead federal agency: Federal Office forthe Environment FOEN Information: www.voc.admin.ch

71 Dispatch on Support for Education, Research andInnovation 2017–20 (Botschaft zur Förderung von Bildung,Forschung und Innovation 2017–2020) (currently at the draftstage). Lead federal agency: State Secretariat for Education,Research and Innovation SERI. Information:www.sbfi.admin.ch

72 Global Action Programme on Education for SustainableDevelopment (ESD). Lead federal agency: Swiss UNESCOCommission Information: www.unesco.ch (d/f)

73 Swiss Education Report 2018 (Bildungsbericht Schweiz2018) (currently at the draft stage). Lead federal agency:State Secretariat for Education, Research and InnovationSERI. Information: www.sbfi.admin.ch

74 Retirement Provision 2020 (Altersvorsorge 2020) (cur-rently at the draft stage). Lead federal agency: Federal SocialInsurance Office FSIO. Information: www.bsv.admin.ch

75 The Future of Invalidity Insurance (Weiterentwicklung derInvalidenversicherung) (currently at the preparatory stage).Lead federal agency: Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO.Information: www.bsv.admin.ch

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76 Inter-institutional cooperation IIC (InterinstitutionelleZusammenarbeit IIZ). Lead federal agency: State Secretariatfor Migration SEM. Information: www.iiz.ch (d/f)

77 National programme against poverty 2014–18 (NationalesProgramm gegen Armut 2014–2018). Lead federal agency:Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO. Information:www.gegenarmut.ch

78 Restructuring of the system of asylum. Lead federalagency: State Secretariat for Migration SEM. Information:www.sem.admin.ch

79 Culture Promotion Act (Kulturförderungsgesetz). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office of Culture FOC. Information:www.bak.admin.ch

80 Youth and music programme (Programm Jugend undMusik) Lead federal agency: Federal Office of Culture FOC.Information: www.bak.admin.ch

81 Child and youth promotion. Lead federal agency: FederalSocial Insurance Office FSIO. Information: www.bsv.admin.ch

82 Youth+Sport promotion programme (Sportförderungs-programm Jugend und Sport). Lead federal agency: FederalOffice for Sport FOSPO Information: www.jugendundsport.ch

83 Stimulus programme for supplementary childcare2015–19 (Impulsprogramm für Familienergänzende Betreu-ung 2015–2019) (2014). Lead federal agency: Federal SocialInsurance Office FSIO. Information: www.bsv.admin.ch

84 Support for supplementary childcare. Lead federal agency:Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO. Information:www.bsv.admin.ch

85 Information platform on reconciling work and family life(d/f/i). Lead federal agencies: State Secretariat for EconomicAffairs SECO, Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO.Information: www.berufundfamilie.admin.ch

86 Action Plan for Support and Respite of Relatives ProvidingCare, part of the Federal Council’s ‘Health 2020’ strategy(Aktionsplan zur Unterstützung und Entlastung von pflegen-den Angehörigen im Rahmen der Bundesrätlichen StrategieGesundheit 2020) (2014). Lead federal agency: Federal Officeof Public Health FOPH. Information: www.bag.admin.ch

87 Revision of company law. Lead federal agency: FederalOffice of Justice FOJ. Information: www.bj.admin.ch

88 Federal government ‘Equal Opportunity at Universities ofApplied Sciences 2013–16’ programme (2012) (Bundes-programm Chancengleichheit von Frauen und Männern anden Fachhochschulen 2013–2016) (2012). Lead federalagency: State Secretariat for Education, Research andInnovation SERI. Information: www.sbfi.admin.ch

89 Federal government ‘Equal Opportunities for Women andMen at Swiss Universities/Gender Studies’ programme(Bundesprogramm Chancengleichheit von Frau und Mannan Universitäten). Lead federal agency: State Secretariat forEducation, Research and Innovation SERI.Information: www.sbfi.admin.ch

90 Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention onpreventing and combating violence against women anddomestic violence. Lead federal agency: Federal Office ofJustice FOJ. Information: www.bj.admin.ch

91 Programme against forced marriage 2013–17 (Programmgegen Zwangsheiraten 2013–2017) (2012). Lead federalagencies: State Secretariat for Migration SEM, Federal Officefor Gender Equality FOGE. Information:www.gegen-zwangsheirat.ch

92 National programme on migration and health (NationalesProgramm Migration und Gesundheit). Lead federal agency:Federal Office of Public Health FOPH. Information:www.bag.admin.ch

93 Prevention and awareness-raising work to combat femalegenital mutilation. Lead federal agency: Federal Office ofPublic Health FOPH. Information: www.bag.admin.ch

94 Cantonal integration programmes (CIP). Lead federalagency: State Secretariat for Migration SEM.Information: www.sem.admin.ch

95 Programmes and projects of national importance (PPNI)(Programme und Projekte von nationaler Bedeutung).Lead federal agency: State Secretariat for Migration SEM.Information: www.sem.admin.ch

96 Dialogue on integration at the Tripartite AgglomerationConference. Lead federal agency: State Secretariat forMigration SEM. Information: www.dialog-integration.ch

97 Global Programme Migration and Development. Leadfederal agency: Swiss Agency for Development andCooperation SDC Information: www.sdc.admin.ch

98 Disability policy (Behindertenpolitik) (currently at the draftstage). Lead federal agency: Federal Bureau for the Equality ofPeople with Disabilities. Information: www.edi.admin.ch/ebgb

99 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Lead federal agency: Federal Bureau for the Equality ofPeople with Disabilities. Information: www.edi.admin.ch/ebgb

100 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Lead federal agency:Federal Bureau for the Equality of People with Disabilities.Information: www.admin.ch

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101 Action plan to improve conditions for travelling popula-tions and to promote the culture of the Jeni, Sinti/Manouchand Roma peoples (Aktionsplan zur Verbesserung derRahmenbedingungen für die fahrende Lebensweise und zurFörderung der Kultur der Jenischen, Sinti/Manouche undRoma) (currently at the draft stage). Lead federal agency:Service for combating racism SCRA. Information:www.frb.admin.ch

102 Community cohesion programme (ProgrammZusammenhalt in Quartieren) (currently at the draft stage).Lead federal agency: Federal Office for Spatial DevelopmentARE. Information: www.are.admin.ch

103 National strategy for the prevention of non-communica-ble diseases (NCD strategy) (Nationale Strategie Präventionnichtübertragbarer Krankheiten (NCD-Strategie)). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office of Public Health FOPH.Information: www.bag.admin.ch

104 Health 2020 strategy (Strategie Gesundheit 2020). Leadfederal agency: Federal Office of Public Health FOPH.Information: www.bag.admin.ch

105 Swiss Health Foreign Policy (SHFP). Lead federal agency:Federal Office of Public Health FOPH. Information:www.bag.admin.ch

106 National diet and exercise programme (NationalesProgramm Ernährung und Bewegung (NDEP)). Lead federalagency: Federal Office of Public Health FOPH. Information:www.bag.admin.ch

107 National strategy on addiction (Nationale StrategieSucht) (currently at the draft stage). Lead federal agency:Federal Office of Public Health FOPH. Information:www.bag.admin.ch

108 Global Health Security Agenda. Lead federal agency:Federal Office of Public Health FOPH. Information:www.globalhealth.gov

109 Dispatch on international cooperation for 2017–20(Botschaft zur Internationalen Zusammenarbeit 2017–2020)(currently at the draft stage). Lead federal agency: SwissAgency for Development and Cooperation SDC. Information:www.sdc.admin.ch

110 Global Environment Facility (GEF). Lead federal agency:Federal Office for the Environment FOEN. Information:www.bafu.admin.ch, www.thegef.org

111 Global Forum on Migration and Development. Lead fed-eral agency: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, HumanSecurity Division Information: www.fdfa.admin.ch,www.gfmd.org

112 Education 2030 Framework for Action (AktionsrahmenBildung 2030). Lead federal agency: Swiss UNESCOCommission. Information: www.unesco.ch

113 Global Water Initiative. Lead federal agency: SwissAgency for Development and Cooperation SDC. Information:www.sdc.admin.ch

114 UN Global Compact. Lead federal agency: State Secretar-iat for Economic Affairs SECO. Information:www.seco.admin.ch, www.unglobalcompact.org

115 Global Programme Climate Change. Lead federal agency:Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC.Information: www.sdc.admin.ch

116 Green Climate Fund (GCF). Lead federal agency: SwissAgency for Development and Cooperation SDC. Information:www.sdc.admin.ch, www.greenclimate.fund

117 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–20 (StrategischerPlan für Biodiversität 2011–2020). Lead federal agency:Federal Office for the Environment FOEN. Information:www.sib.admin.ch

118 Resource and Environmental Management in the FederalAdministration (Ressourcen- und Umweltmanagement derBundesverwaltung). Programme lead: General Secretaries’Conference (GSK). Information: www.rumba.admin.ch

119 The Confederation: exemplary in energy. Lead federalagency: Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE. Information:www.energie-vorbild.admin.ch

120 Recommendations on sustainable procurementpractices (Empfehlungen zu einer nachhaltigen öffentlichenBeschaffungspraxis). Lead federal agency: Federal Procure-ment Conference FPC. Information: www.bkb.admin.ch

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P i c t u r e c r e d i t s

S h u t t e r s t o c k : p . 1 , 1 1G e t t y i m a g e s : p . 4 4 , 5 0 , 6 7F o t o l i a : p . 4 , 7 , 1 4 , 5 3 , 5 6 , 6 1 , 6 4

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T h i s S u s t a i n a b l e D eve l o p m e n t S t r a t e g y 2 0 1 6 – 1 9 s e t s o u t t h e Fe d e r a lC o u n c i l ’s p o l i c y p r i o r i t i e s f o r s u s t a i n a b l e d eve l o p m e n t i n t h e m e d i u mt o l o n g t e r m . I t a l s o l i s t s t h e a c t i o n t h a t t h e C o n fe d e r a t i o n w i l l t a ket o i m p l e m e n t t h i s S t r a t e g y d u r i n g t h e l e g i s l a t i ve p e r i o d . I n a d d i t i o n , t h eS t r a t e g y i n d i c a t e s t h e c o n t r i b u t i o n t h a t S w i t ze r l a n d w i l l m a ke t oa c h i ev i n g t h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s ’ g l o b a l A g e n d a 2 0 3 0 f o r S u s t a i n a b l eD eve l o p m e n t ( ‘ 2 0 3 0 A g e n d a’ ) d u r i n g t h i s p e r i o d . w w w. a re . a d m i n . c h / s u s t a i n a b l e d eve l o p m e n t

ARE_SNE_2016_LF_E_V1.indd 76 13.05.16 15:01

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2016 2019 · vise the Sustainable Development Strategy for the...

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