2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Sustainable consumption and sustainable production: Promoting and facilitat- ing sustainable consumption patterns, ensuring prosperity and well-being while protecting natural resources, furthering transformation towards sustainable food systems in Switzerland and abroad, strengthening corporate responsibility in Switzerland and internationally.

2. Climate, energy and biodiversity: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing climate-related impacts, reducing energy consumption, using energy more efficiently and expanding renewable energies, preserving, sustainably using, promot- ing and regenerating biodiversity.

3. Equal opportunities and social cohesion: Promoting individual self-determination, ensuring social cohesion, guaranteeing real equality between women and men. Drivers of sustainable development Civil society, the economy and the financial market, together with education, research and innovation, all play a crucial role as drivers in facilitating attainment of the priority goals. The Confederation therefore creates the enabling environment needed and in so doing enhances Switzerland’s attributes as a business location. Monitoring and reporting In the pursuit of the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (2030 SDS), the Confederation regularly reviews – both qualitatively and quantitatively – the state of implementation and provides progress reports. On this basis, it deduces what further action is needed and accordingly makes any requisite adjustments. Implementation measures All federal agencies are invited, within their spheres of competence, to play a part in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy. Numerous strategies, action plans and measures in all policy areas are playing a vital part in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- ment at federal level. They are determined via the usual decision-making processes in the respective policy areas. In addition, in each legislative period the Federal Council adopts an action plan on the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy containing selected new measures that flesh out the goals and strategic directions in areas in which there are still gaps. Executive Summary 5 1 Introduction Sustainable development is a state objective enshrined in the Federal Constitution (Arts. 2 and 73 Cst.) Since 1997, the Federal Council has been laying out the political priorities of its sustainability policy in its Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS). In so doing, it endeavours to give balanced consideration to the various interests pertaining to business, society and the environment in all policy areas, in pursuit of a coherent policy for sustainable development at federal level. The Federal Council’s understanding of sustainable development is as follows: Sustainable development makes it possible to meet the basic needs of all people and ensures a good quality of life throughout the world, now and in the future. It encompasses the three dimensions of environmental responsibility, social solidarity and economic efficiency, and this on an equal, balanced and integrated basis, while also factoring in the tolerance limits of global ecosystems. With its underlying principles and its 17 global Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) comprises the reference framework for this. In domestic and foreign policy terms, the Federal Council attaches paramount import­ ance to implementing the 2030 Agenda and, through the 2030 SDS, underscores its commitment to meeting the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals. It has there- fore reset its strategy time horizon to 2030. Switzerland is implementing the entirety of the 2030 Agenda and attaches equal importance to all 17 global Sustainable Devel­ opment Goals. By setting three priority topics (sustainable consumption and sustainable production; climate, energy and biodiversity; equal opportunities and social cohesion), the Federal Council is underpinning its efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda, especially in those fields where there is the greatest need for action and coordination between the various aspects of Switzerland’s domestic and foreign policy. The 2030 SDS is primarily a tool for coordinating policy areas and is specifically aimed at gearing the numerous sectoral activities of the Confederation towards sustainable development. As a cross-cutting strategy, it formulates guidelines for federal policy and establishes targets up to 2030 as well as strategic directions with corresponding policy priorities. In this way, it facilitates future-fit approaches to managing any conflicts between objectives in government action in pursuit of sustainable development. It builds on existing strategies and actions and, as a guiding strategy, is aimed at further developing them from a sustainability perspective. The 2030 SDS applies primarily to federal policy and focuses in particular on areas that fall within the purview of the Confederation. Attaining the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda is incumbent on the whole of society and will require the collaboration of all players within their respective spheres of competence if it is to succeed. The Federal Council therefore invites the cantons, communes, civil society, the business sector and academia as well as the population at large to endorse the aims of this strategy and, through their inputs, to join forces with the Confederation in the pursuit of the global Sustain­ able Development Goals. 6 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Resilience – the capacity to anticipate disruptions as early as possible, and to protect against, adapt to, overcome and recover from them – is a crucial dimension of sustainable development. With its risks and opportunities, the digital transformation is playing a significant role in this process. Against the backdrop of mounting risks in the realms of nature, technology and society, it is all the more important to give balanced consideration to social, economic and environmental factors. Overcoming such global challenges in a highly networked and ever more digital world will require political, economic, civil society and scientific cooperation that transcends national borders. At the start of every legislature period and within the framework of the Dispatch on Legislature Planning, as well as based on an interim evaluation, the Federal Council approves an action plan for the duration of a legislature period. Mandated by the Federal Council, a baseline assessment of Switzerland’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda is prepared every four years. That assessment always forms the basis of a country report presented by the Federal Council, intended for the Swiss population and submitted to the United Nations in the framework of the voluntary review mechanism. The next report is due in 2022. The 2021–2023 Action Plan fleshes out the 2030 SDS with selected new federal-level measures that contribute to the aims and strategic directions of the 2030 SDS. Most of the Federal Government’s policy areas already contain numerous strategies and instruments either decided on or being implemented, all contributing to realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Action Plan specifically supplements them with further measures in areas where there are still gaps or which require greater cross-sectoral cooperation. It therefore contains only measures that are not already present in other strategies and instruments. 1 Introduction 7 2 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development In September 2015, Heads of State and Government of all UN member countries adopted the 2030 Agenda.1 In so doing, the international community created a common global reference framework for sustainable development. All states declared their readiness jointly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and to contribute appropriately towards implementing them domestically and internationally by incorporating the 2030 Agenda as a reference framework into their processes, policies and strategies. The 2030 Agenda lays out 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets, which must be implemented in full ( Appendix 1). It is a complex and ambitious Agenda that requires gradual change as well as profound transformations. Switzerland played a key role in shaping the 2030 Agenda during the international negotiations. In adopting the 2030 Agenda, Switzerland joined all other states in reaffirming the will to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030. While the 2030 Agenda is not binding under international law, it does represent an important point of reference for the Federal Council. This latter body has given a political undertaking to implement the Agenda 2030 in full, both in Switzerland and in its activities abroad, to make an appropriate contribution to realising the global Sustainable Development Goals as well as to provide or seek the necessary financial resources. The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) was submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations in September 2019.2 The report was prepared by an independent group of scientists so mandated by the international community, and takes stock of the first four years of implementation of the 2030 Agenda. According to the GSDR, the international community is still not on track to meet all the global Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The progress made over recent decades is at risk of being negated by increasing worldwide inequalities and potentially irreversible environmental degradation. A radical change of direction will require major changes to the way policies are designed. Particular importance would have to be attributed to the links between individual Sustainable Development Goals and the handling of any conflicts between their objectives. The insights from the GSDR lay critical groundwork for further action by Switzerland and were fed into the elaboration of the 2030 SDS. Other important insights can be derived from the sustainability research conducted by the academic community in Switzerland.3 8 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 3 Federal policy guidelines Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals requires joint endeavours in all policy areas and calls for fundamental adjustments in some instances. By way of orientation for national and international implementation, the Federal Council has laid out the follow- ing guidelines: – Taking joint responsibility: The challenge of sustainable development is of concern to every area of society. The precautionary principle, and the polluter pays and liability principles will have to be applied. If a globally sound ecological, social and economic system is to be secured over the long term, responsibility will have to be taken jointly and in solidarity, and special attention paid in all policy areas to the needs of future generations and to the 2030 Agenda principle of “leaving no one behind”. – Taking balanced account of target dimensions: Sustainable development takes account of the three target dimensions of economic efficiency, social solidarity and environmental responsibility, as well as correlations between them, in an equal, balanced and integrated manner. Special attention must be paid to the tolerance limits of global ecosystems, the satisfaction of people’s basic needs and fair distribution within and between generations. To address the long-term challenges effectively, a holistic approach is needed. – Incorporating sustainable development into all policy areas: The Federal Council regards sustainable development as a cross-cutting core concept. It should therefore not be treated as an auxiliary element of sectoral policy but incorporated into all policy areas as a forward-looking and integral component. Federal agencies are called upon, within their areas of competence, to implement the principles and goals enunciated in the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 SDS and to build them into their regular planning, budget and policy management processes. – Increasing policy coherence for sustainable development: The aim is to achieve policy coherence at all levels of government, between policy areas, between domes- tic and foreign policy goals and in relation to cross-border impacts, including those on developing countries. To harmonise and optimise government action on sustainable development, policy decisions must rest on proposals that allow for the early detection of their social, economic and environmental impacts. In making policy decisions, interests are weighed up transparently and the rationale given. This entails identifying and disclosing any content-related conflicts of objectives or adverse secondary effects. Much greater use is made of synergies between policies. 3 Federal policy guidelines 9 – Forging sustainable development partnerships: Many challenges can only be tackled through close cooperation between the three levels of state ( 7.2) and jointly with all social players ( 7.3). The Federal Council recognises the indispensable con- tributions made by all relevant state and non-state players towards sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and as far as possible includes them on a participatory basis in decision-making, implementation and reporting processes. Existing coordination channels are used whenever possible. To benefit from momentum across the whole of society, new partners are mobilised and existing partnerships further strengthened. 10 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 4 Priority topics The 2030 SDS focuses on those topic areas where there is particular need for action and for the coordination of policy areas at federal level. It concentrates exclusively on topics that are embodied in the 2030 Agenda and lays down the three areas of “sustainable consumption and sustainable production”, “climate, energy and biodiver- sity”, and “equal opportunities and social cohesion” as priorities for Switzerland’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda. These priority topics were determined based on the baseline assessment4 prepared in 2018, which analysed all goals and targets in the 2030 Agenda and ascertained Switzerland’s degree of target attainment. The first comprehensive country report on the status of implementation of the 2030 Agenda5 submitted by Switzerland to the UN in 2018 built upon it. The three priority topics are both closely interlinked and interdependent. The environ- ment-related challenges described in this chapter cannot therefore be resolved without considering their economic and social ramifications. The economic challenges must be tackled bearing in mind the attendant environmental and social impacts in Switzerland and abroad, and vice versa. These three mutually influencing priority topics clearly illustrate the importance of a balanced consideration of the three dimensions of sustainability. The quest for balance also forms the common theme running through the strategic goals outlined in this chapter. To implement the 2030 Agenda at national level, the challenges up to 2030 are identified for each priority topic. Structured by subtopic, domestic policy goals and strategic directions are laid down for federal policy. Each goal is based on a target from the 2030 Agenda6 adapted to Switzerland’s national realities and usually has a time horizon up to 2030. The number in front of each goal refers to the number of the correspond- ing target in the 2030 Agenda. At an international level, Switzerland is committed in principle to the corresponding targets as laid out in the 2030 Agenda. The strategic directions focus on domestic and foreign policy action alternatives, bearing in mind the positive and negative impacts on other countries and their prospects of meeting their own sustainable development goals.7 No measures are set out in this strategy. On the one hand, they are determined via the usual decision-making channels in the respective policy areas. On the other, in each legislature period the Federal Council adopts an action plan on the strategy, containing additional measures that flesh out the goals and strategic directions. 4 Priority topics 11 4.1 Sustainable consumption and sustainable production ZERO DECENT WORK AND INDUSTRY, INNOVATION HUNGER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE LIFE PARTNERSHIPS RESPONSIBLE BELOW WATER FOR THE GOALS CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION The world population is consuming more resources than ecosystems can provide, with Switzerland accounting for an above-average per capita share. If society and economy are to develop without surpassing the planet’s capacities, consumption and production patterns must be made more sustainable. In this context, Switzerland faces the following specific challenges: – Promoting and facilitating sustainable consumption patterns: Switzerland’s population needs to consume more sustainably. Natural resource usage must not outstrip the rate at which ecosystems are regenerated. Adverse social and environmental impacts of goods and services are to be reduced throughout their life cycle. 4.1.1 – Ensuring prosperity and well-being while protecting natural resources: The well-being and prosperity of the Swiss population should be ensured without overexploiting natural resources. Among other things, this requires the decoupling of economic growth from resource utilisation and the creation of a competitive regulatory environment that makes for an innovative and future-fit economy. It is imperative for production to be associated with more efficient and sparing use of resources. 4.1.2 12 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy – Furthering the transformation to sustainable food systems in Switzerland and abroad: Food systems must be made more sustain­ able so that they enhance food security and help promote healthy and sustainable nutrition without surpassing the tolerance limits of global and local ecosystems. At the same time, they must maintain and, where necessary, enhance the social compatibility and the economic base of the stakeholders concerned. 4.1.3 – Strengthening corporate responsibility in Switzerland and internationally: In line with international standards, companies domi- ciled or operating in Switzerland should be accountable for the impacts of their activities throughout their value chains on society and environment in Switzerland and abroad. 4.1.4 It is important that conflicts of objectives are handled transparently. Under this priority topic, this pertains, among other things, to the connec- tion between environmental degradation and economic growth, between ecological and social requirements and the leeway available to enterprises, between consumer society, resource consumption and production, and between the agriculture and food sector and the protec- tion and preservation of natural habitats. 4 Priority topics 13 4.1.1 Promoting and facilitating sustainable consumption patterns Since the mid-1990s, Swiss consumption has increased at twice the rate of popula- tion growth.8 In addition, each year Switzerland generates between 80 and 90 million tonnes of waste9 in the various phases of goods production, packaging, transport, distribution and consumption. Owing to market failures and a lack of international coordination, the adverse environmental impacts of production and consumption are still not being sufficiently factored into the pricing of goods and services. The upshot of this is the overexploitation of natural resources. An ever greater proportion of the goods consumed in Switzerland is supplied from abroad or made from imported raw materials or intermediate products.10 Domestic measures are therefore only a part of the solution. Promoting sustainable and trans­ parent supply chains is just as crucial to reducing Switzerland’s environmental and social footprint abroad. Challenges persist with respect to the global transformation of production systems towards sustainability, the promotion of cost transparency, trace­ ability, the declaration of real costs and the observance of international social and environmental standards at all stages of the value chain. At the same time, short and diversified production and supply chains prove their worth during global crises. Through their behaviour patterns, Switzerland’s consumers – whether private or public – can help to make the range of goods and services they consume more sustainable and thereby influence resource consumption and working conditions in Switzerland and beyond. The digital transformation too is fundamentally altering production processes, consumer behaviour and goods and services. While carrying risks ( 4.3.1), it is unlocking opportunities, for example, by making it possible to produce more energy-efficient goods, by incorporating technology that reduces the demand for certain products or resources or by boosting labour productivity. Yet so-called rebound effects – savings potential from efficiency gains is only partly realised owing to higher demand – could in part undermine or even outweigh these positive effects. Goals 12.8 People are aware of the economic, social and environmental impacts of their life- style. Consumers and private and public procurement entities can access the information needed to make purchasing decisions that help to bring down natural resource consumption and attenuate adverse social and environmental impacts. Framework conditions favour such decisions.11 12.c Negative environmental impacts of existing financial incentives for the use of fossil fuels are identified, and action taken to phase out their use. 14 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy National strategic directions (a) Boosting the supply of sustainable goods and services To ensure that the supply of sustainably produced goods and services is competitive and that market distortions are eliminated, the Confederation is committed to ensuring true cost pricing by internalising external costs. The Confederation looks into eliminat- ing environmentally harmful incentives, providing financial support for sustainable products and adopting statutory regulations to make the consumption of sustainable products more attractive. It examines existing obstacles to the supply of sustainable goods and to the more efficient use of natural resources and, within the scope of its possibilities, minimises them based on a weighing up of the interests at play. As a purchaser, the Confederation works with the cantons and communes to promote demand for sustainable innovations. ( 6.1) (b) Improving consumer knowledge The Confederation promotes sustainable purchasing decisions and highlights the advantages of sustainable consumption patterns. To that end, it encourages the relevant players to inform, sensitise and motivate consumers and private and public procurement entities to develop responsible consumer behaviour, thereby fomenting the production of sustainable goods and services. The Confederation provides ­consumers with understandable and pertinent information, such as basic data for life-cycle analyses, thus enabling them always to identify the most sustainable purchasing options. At home and abroad, the Confederation strives to ensure that product properties as well as the externalities present in supply chains and throughout product life cycles are declared in a transparent, comparable and credible manner. (c) Averting the negative impacts of subsidies or tax incentives for fossil fuels by reducing or restructuring them In its mandatory periodic review of subsidies, the Confederation also explores their implications for sustainability. Building on work already under way, it examines primarily the adverse effects of subsidies or those of full or partial tax exemptions. International strategic directions Switzerland monitors and supports international programmes to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. The country is implementing the UN Ten-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns and is helping to develop a follow-up programme. Switzerland is committed to the design of a uniform and internationally applicable method for quantitatively assessing the environmental impacts of products all throughout their life cycle. Switzerland supports databases that facilitate the assessment of the environmental impacts of the various economic activities.12 At an international level, Switzerland is committed to reducing and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. Through international cooperation, Switzerland supports education for sustainable development, civic participation, peace and human rights education, environmental education, the inclusion of health and nutrition in basic education programmes, and other educational activities. Switzerland promotes trade in environmentally friendly products. 4 Priority topics 15 4.1.2 Ensuring prosperity and well-being while protecting natural resources Switzerland’s level of prosperity is among the highest in the OECD area. Assuring long-term prosperity is nevertheless being hampered by demographic change and slowing growth of labour productivity and endangered by a high level of natural resource consumption.13 The crucial challenge is that of shaping economic activity such that prosperity and well-being are preserved without overexploiting natural resources. Innovative economic approaches, for example from the sharing economy, can support these objectives. Sustainable economic management creates stable employment and income opportun­ ities for people and for enterprises, ensures healthy long-term public finances, at the same time helping to fund and attain social and environmental objectives. The Swiss economy needs good, internationally competitive and sound framework conditions, legal and planning certainty, economic policy that fosters competition, efficient and innovation-friendly regulations, functioning ecosystems and well-preserved natural resources. A future-fit and highly diversified economy with substitution options can better withstand crises. Despite some efficiency gains, Switzerland is still far away from sustainable growth in all fields, particularly as regards resource utilisation. Increasing worldwide resource consumption has brought global climate stability and ecosystems to the limits of their resilience. Switzerland is contributing to this by virtue of its high per capita resource consumption.14 It is vital to associate production and consumption with more efficient and sparing use of resources and to further decouple economic activity from adverse impacts on environment and society. Goals 12.2 (a) The overexploitation of natural resources in Switzerland and abroad is avoided. The environmental impacts of consumption and production are markedly reduced. The materials footprint is reduced substantially and in harmony with the 1.5-degree target set in the Paris Climate Agreement.15 8.4 Companies adopt closed-loop approaches that are more efficient and sparing in the use of resources to optimise their procurement and production processes, products and business models.16 8.2 Framework conditions enabling competition and innovation as well as productivity for a sustainable economy are preserved and further enhanced.17 12.4 Constant care is taken to ensure that throughout their life cycle, chemicals have no unacceptable impacts on the environment and on human health.18 16 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy National strategic directions (a) Promoting socially and environmentally sustainable production patterns The Confederation strives to ensure that in pursuing their activities, economic players are mindful of the need to preserve the quality of the environment and human health, to respect human rights and ensure decent working conditions and to set goals that are in line with planetary tolerance limits. Based on dialogue with civil society organisations and business sector entities, the Confederation develops targets and measurable goals for sustainable consumption and production patterns. It also ensures strict application of the polluter-pays principle enshrined in the Federal Act on Environmental Protection of 7 October 1983 (EPA; SR 814.01)19 by seeing to it that the associated costs to the population and economy remain bearable. The Con­ federation institutes favourable general conditions that buttress the Swiss economy’s capacity for innovation over the long term and support the development and dissemination of innovations and technologies conducive to resource-sparing produc- tion and consumption. In addition to information regarding the sustainability of particular products, the Confederation also encourages initiatives that enable resource- conserving consumer behaviour. (b) Boosting competitiveness, innovative capacity and the productivity of the Swiss economy The Confederation supports sustainable economic development and further improves general conditions to foster the efficient allocation of the factors of production and greater incentives to innovation. It is committed to dynamic competition, low market-entry requirements, a high degree of transparency, a qualified workforce, healthy public finances and optimal administrative expenditure coupled with highly effective regulations. This requires regular monitoring to determine whether the hoped-for regulatory objectives can be met more effectively through better-suited meas- ures based on changed market conditions and on technological progress. It draws on the possibilities offered by digitisation to reduce the administrative burden. To the extent possible, regulatory provisions are internationally coordinated, lean and innovation friendly. (c) Promoting a circular economy The Confederation facilitates implementation of innovative production procedures and sustainable and resource-sparing business models guided by the principle of a circular economy. It eliminates barriers and administrative hurdles that hamper companies in establishing resource-efficient business models. It relies on private sector initiative and, where necessary, explores regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to resource conservation and the promotion of eco-design, repairing, sharing and reuse. This can boost material efficiency and reduce waste generation and the consumption of natural raw materials all along the value chain. (d) Avoiding the adverse effects of chemical products on health and the environment The Confederation creates a legal environment that enables companies to obtain the requisite data on the dangerous properties of all chemicals that they produce, import or put into circulation, as well as information to facilitate their safe handling, and to provide users with such information in an appropriate manner. It enacts regulations to enable the players responsible to take steps to minimise the risks involved in handling chemicals and to replace substances of particular concern with less hazardous alternatives. Furthermore, the Confederation promotes the application of the basic principles of sustainable chemistry in research and in the production, use and disposal of products, as well as in the development of new processes and products. 4 Priority topics 17 International strategic directions At multilateral, regional and bilateral levels, Switzerland strives for improved and binding framework conditions that will boost the competitive and innovative capacity of companies in sustainable production and the protection of natural resources, the extraction and trading of raw materials and in sustainable infrastructure. This entails promoting the implementation, further development and strengthening of inter- national environmental and social standards. In collaboration with the private sector, Switzerland advocates the greatest possible internalisation of externalities and the strengthening of global governance in this field. Switzerland supports the developing and emerging countries in shaping structural change, private sector development, becoming integrated into regional economic cycles and the global economy, and in creating decent employment. The country helps to strengthen local civil society and participatory approaches in decision-making processes. It favours the introduction of reliable legal frameworks for sustainable investment and supports the implementation of high ecological, social and economic standards. Of key importance in these endeavours are resource-efficient production processes, improved transparency, long-term financing solutions and the reinforcement of expert­ ise while being mindful of environmental dimensions. Switzerland is committed to a comprehensive, coherent and efficient international chemicals regime that tackles existing and new problem areas through effective action, including legally binding agreements. It supports framework conditions that make for the proper handling of chemicals and harmful substances at a national level, in particular in developing countries. 18 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 4.1.3 Furthering the transformation to sustainable food systems in Switzerland and abroad The long-term food security and well-being of the entire population requires sufficiently wholesome and affordable food that is produced in a socially and environmentally friendly manner. On the one hand, food systems must cope with ever more changes – from sudden shocks to long-term stress factors such as environmental changes (for example, climate or biodiversity and soil loss). On the other, sustainable and resilient food systems can overcome such crises and mitigate their adverse impacts on the environment and on people. The necessary transformation towards sustainable food systems poses challenges at all stages of the value chain in Switzerland and abroad – from production through to the disposal of food, including processing, transport, marketing and consumption. Short and diversified cycles have proven more advanta- geous in times of global crisis. In addition, diet is a critical health factor that raises other challenges, but also offers potential for synergies.20 About half the food consumed in Switzerland is imported. This division of labour fosters competition, innovation and general well-being in Switzerland, but also has the consequence that a considerable portion of the adverse environmental and social impacts of producing that food is felt abroad.21 Estimates are that food thrown away each year accounts for some 2.8 million tonnes of the avoidable food losses throughout the entire food chain. This means that 25 per cent of environmental harm from the food sector can be traced back to food losses.22 In the changeover to more sustainable food systems, reducing adverse social and environmental impacts is a key consideration.23, 24 Goals 2.1 The portion of the population consuming a healthy, balanced and sustainable diet in keeping with the nutritional recommendations of the food pyramid rises to a third.25 12.3 Avoidable food losses per capita are half the 2017 figure.26 12.2 (b) On the basis of environmental accounting, the carbon footprint from final per capita food demand declines by one quarter compared to 2020.27 2.4 The proportion of farms engaged in especially environment- and animal-friendly production under public and private sustainability programmes rises by a third compared with 2020.28 4 Priority topics 19 National strategic directions (a) Promoting healthy, balanced and sustainable nutrition Within the scope of its remit, the Confederation supports the relevant players, on the one hand, in improving the composition of food and meals according to sustainabil- ity criteria and in further developing it through research and innovation, and on the other, in making a balanced, wholesome and sustainable diet attractive and affordable for all. To that end, it supports the relevant information and awareness-raising activities, among other things. (b) Reducing food waste The Confederation devises and supports measures to reduce avoidable food waste all along the value chain up to and including the consumption stage. Those measures are devised and prioritised so as to reduce the environmental impact as drastically as possible and ensure food security. The Confederation and the industries jointly set specific reduction targets. (c) Enhancing sustainability throughout the food value chain The Confederation creates favourable, transparent and efficient framework conditions for sustainable food systems throughout the food value chain, from agricultural production through to consumption. It promotes the internalisation of external costs and transparency regarding the origin and production methods of food. In so doing, it is especially mindful of environmental impacts, social circumstances and animal welfare considerations. It foments a transition to sustainable food systems by further fine- tuning agricultural policy and other relevant policy areas. In the realm of production, the Confederation supports enterprises in the changeover to production methods that are resource-saving, socially sustainable, locally adapted and geared to the market. Besides, it explores and, where appropriate, applies greater restrictiveness in permitting the agriculture sector to introduce hazardous substances into the environment. In so doing, it ensures that the measures are economically and socially sustainable. The Confederation is committed to ensuring that the relevant stakeholders are able to apply knowledge so as to avoid greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity as well as agrobiodiversity. The Confederation also promotes the strengthening of basic and continuing education in the field of sustainable food systems. It promotes the transformation through coordinated collaboration in the agriculture and food sector, as well as with and among players in all other relevant policy areas. (d) Enhancing the resilience of the food system The Confederation promotes the resilience of the food system in order to ensure long-term food security. This includes responsible investment, strengthening the social and economic situation of agricultural enterprises, diversified, locally adapted and resource-efficient domestic production including at difficult production locations, and facilitating the relevant training opportunities. The Confederation strives to limit adverse environmental impacts, especially on climate and biodiversity and to foster the adaptation of the agriculture sector to changing overall climatic conditions. For this purpose, it draws on agroecological principles among other things. Moreover, the Confederation supports technological development for the enhancement of existing and future production methods. 20 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy International strategic directions Switzerland is committed to international framework conditions that promote and accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems. The country is committed to reducing poverty, eliminating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. It also champions food security and nutrition that is not only balanced, safe and healthy but also reflects the aspect of sustainable food production throughout the value chain. It also strives to ensure that cross-border trade helps to promote sustainable development in the agriculture and food sector.29 At the same time, it fosters transparency as to the origin of food imports and the production methods entailed. Under its bilateral and multilateral international cooperation programmes, Switzerland supports its partner countries in building up efficient, resilient and sustainable food systems for all stakeholders. Part and parcel of this is helping to build resource-sparing and resilient value chains in the agriculture sector. 4 Priority topics 21 4.1.4 Strengthening corporate responsibility in Switzerland and internationally Switzerland is an open, innovative and internationally networked economy. Many multinational corporations have their headquarters in Switzerland. This makes the country a leading international hub for trade and investment in value chains. These companies create added value both in Switzerland and abroad and generate employment while also fomenting technology transfer between countries. However, multinational corporations also face challenges, especially in relation to observing human rights or protecting the environment. The bulk of the adverse impacts occur abroad in the upstream phases of value creation. Responsible corporate governance is expected to minimise the negative social, economic and environmental impacts of business activities. This means specifically tackling the challenges arising from due diligence processes for companies’ own business activities and those of their supply chains and the operation of redress mech­ anisms in connection with human rights, working conditions, the environment, and the prevention of corruption.30 Goal 12.6 Companies domiciled and/or operating in Switzerland conduct their national and international business activities responsibly, with specific regard to working conditions, human rights and the environment.31 National strategic directions (a) Strengthening responsible corporate governance all along the value chain The Confederation takes specific action to raise awareness among companies domiciled and/or operating in Switzerland as to the importance of responsible corporate governance, and to assist them with implementation. On the basis of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Confederation supports enterprises in performing due diligence on their business activities and their value chains in Switzerland and abroad to ensure the sustainability of products and production processes. The Confederation is committed to the application and further development of coherent state and private sustainability standards. It also fosters initiatives to assist Swiss companies in gauging the effectiveness of their business activities in terms of the SDGs and in taking targeted action. At national and international levels, the Confederation is committed to promoting and harmonising companies’ disclosure of relevant and comparable information about their environmental, economic and social impacts. Considering that Switzerland leaves a substantial social and ecological footprint abroad, account must be taken of the principal causes of the adverse impacts all along the value chain. By laying the scientific groundwork and providing reliable environmental data, the Confederation enhances the transparency and quality of information as well as the assessment of value chains. Among other things, it provides basic data for life-cycle analyses. 22 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy The Confederation honours its international undertakings whereby it must protect its citizens if third parties – including corporations – commit human rights violations on its sovereign territory.32 Accordingly, it implements laws, incentives or promotional measures and supports corporate initiatives. Aggrieved parties can obtain redress through judicial and extrajudicial mechanisms. International strategic directions Switzerland is involved in implementing and developing international guidelines to encourage responsible corporate governance around the protection of human rights and the environment. As an open and internationally networked economy, Switzerland is alive to the impacts of its consumption and production patterns, especially on developing countries. Switzerland encourages the worldwide implemen­ tation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Supply Chains.33 Besides, the country specifically advocates the enhanced implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, both through its bilateral relations and in multinational bodies. 4 Priority topics 23 4.2 Climate, energy and biodiversity AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY CLEAN WATER SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SANITATION AND COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIPS CLIMATE LIFE FOR THE GOALS ACTION ON LAND The international community must ensure the long-term and sustainable preservation of the basis of life and the economy, as well as the main­ tenance and promotion of functional and thus efficient ecosystems for the economy and society. This is a challenge, especially in the areas of environment, energy, climate protection and adaptation to climate change. Switzerland faces the following specific challenges: – Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing climate- related impacts: Meeting Switzerland’s own climate goals and adapting to the consequences of climate change require targeted, expeditious, joint and coordinated commitment on the part of all stakeholders. 4.2.1 – Lowering energy consumption, using energy more efficiently and expanding renewable energy sources: Education, research, innovations, investments, incentives and incentive taxes should contribute to reducing energy consumption and bring about safe, sustainable and, as far as possible, emission-free energy production in Switzerland. 4.2.2 24 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy – Preserving, sustainably using, promoting and regenerating biodiversity: Well-being and prosperity in Switzerland are fostered if the functionality of its ecosystems and more generally biological and landscape diversity are preserved, protected, promoted and used sustainably. 4.2.3 Climate, energy and biodiversity are closely interlinked and mutually influencing fields. Climate change therefore increases the pressure on biodiversity. Climate protection measures impact biodiversity, and energy-related measures also affect both climate and biodiversity. By the same token, biodiversity and its ecosystem services also impact climate. Biodiversity in particular is relevant to both climate change adaptation and mitigation. This presupposes that biodiversity is rich and able to respond to changes. It is important that conflicts of objectives are handled transparently. Such conflicts arise from the demands placed by society and business on the environment, notably in connection with food, housing, recreational activities and mobility.34 Under this priority topic, this concerns mainly the compatibility of environment and nature protection with climate-resilient and high-quality human settlement development, economic growth and socially equitable framing of the regulatory system. The legislation must weigh up costs and benefits. 4 Priority topics 25 4.2.1 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing climate-related impacts The goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial values will only be attained if worldwide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to net zero by 2050.35 This will require a rapid and substantial lowering of emissions. In cutting greenhouse gas emissions, Switzerland’s challenges lie specifically in the areas of transport, buildings, industry, energy and agriculture. Roughly two thirds of Switzerland’s greenhouse gas footprint is created abroad. Good coordination between the policy areas concerned is indispensable. To the extent possible, action to cut greenhouse gas emissions must be based on the polluter-pays principle and help to internalise external costs. The effects of climate change are already being felt. Long-term and systematic climate observations show that compared with the average temperature for the pre- industrial reference period 1871–1900, Switzerland has warmed up by just under 2 °C to date.36 This is more than twice the average global temperature increase of 0.8 °C. The CH2018 Climate Change Scenarios37 show that unchecked climate change will see a continued increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, droughts, heavy precipitation, floods, landslides and winters with little snow. Other foreseeable adverse consequences include heat-related deaths and morbidity, health impairments – among them an increase in vector-borne diseases – as well as epidemics or heightened risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Further consequences include crop failures, damage to forests, and the spread of harmful organisms. Climate change simultaneously places added pressure on biodiversity. Climate change also has an impact on human settlements and infra­ structure, with adverse consequences for the population, the economy and the environment. Mitigating these negative consequences requires adaptation to the consequences of climate change and greater resilience. Goals 13.2 Greenhouse gases are down by at least 50 per cent compared with 1990. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to net zero by 2050 at the latest.38 13.1 Climate-related risks are minimised, opportunities are made use of, population, environ- ment, property and natural resource base are protected and the society, economy and environment are more resilient to these risks.39 11.b The number of damaging events affecting settlements is falling and their effects are diminishing compared with the 2005–2015 period. 13.3 People, authorities, enterprises, decision-makers, professionals and consumers have adequate information and agency to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.40 26 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy National strategic directions (a) Rapidly and substantially reducing all greenhouse gas emissions The Confederation creates an appropriate regulatory environment that favours a sub- stantial and rapid fall in fossil fuel consumption as well as a rapid reduction of non-energy and non-fossil greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, the Confederation continues consistently to apply national climate policy instruments and the associ- ated measures, supplementing and reinforcing them as necessary. It scales up its use and promotion of natural and technological carbon sinks in harmony with the aims of rich biodiversity41 and avoids further emissions from practices that are not adapted to the location. It ensures that by 2050 at the latest, unavoidable emissions are offset by means of emission sinks. In this connection, sinks are no substitute for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, but a complement to emission reductions.42 The Con­ federation incorporates climate protection into all relevant policy areas, strategies and plans, being mindful of the needs of the various population groups in the process. This entails coordinating transport, settlement and landscape development. In addition, public and private financial flows are to be made consistent with climate goals. The Confederation ensures that measures are implemented such that they are accept- able to society and business, reflect the polluter-pays principle, and contribute to the internalisation of external costs. (b) Coordinated and sustainable management of the effects of climate change The Confederation provides the basic information and data required for reducing risks and seizing opportunities in all the fields concerned. It puts findings into practice and incorporates climate change adaptation into its policies, strategies and planning. It coordinates and strengthens the climate change adaptation procedure by cooper- ating across sectors with other levels of government and non-governmental stakeholders in order to develop solutions, capitalise on synergies and avoid conflicts between objectives. The Confederation reinforces disaster preparedness and integrated risk management. To this end, it creates the requisite legislative framework, facilitates all risk reduction measures equally, and supports the continuous monitoring of changes and the prepar­ ation of hazard and risk analyses. Wherever possible, it simplifies the sharing of data and information between authorities, private players and academia. It considers the resili- ­ence of critical infrastructure in all areas, enhances it where possible and further refines warning systems for hazards and risks. (c) Designing sustainable and resilient settlement areas The Confederation formulates guidelines on designing sustainable and resilient settlement areas with a high quality of life. These guidelines encompass key aspects of climate protection and comprehensive climate adaptation as well as the promotion of biodiversity and landscape quality.43 Special care is taken to ensure optimum coordin­ ation of transport and settlement development. The Confederation identifies the risks to settlements and infrastructure, sets up early warning systems for damaging events and coordinates its measures at all levels of government and society for the prevention, management, minimisation of and recovery from such events. 4 Priority topics 27 (d) Enhancing awareness and promoting skills development The Confederation informs the public about climate change in Switzerland as well as action on climate protection and climate change adaptation, advises cantons and communes and supports the transmission of relevant information to businesses as well as consumers. Within the scope of its remit and with due regard for federal structures, the Confederation supports education for sustainable development, an area that also encompasses the ecological component and hence climate change. Within the framework of existing legislation, it promotes education and training in its areas of competence in order to reinforce knowledge and build capacity for climate protec- tion purposes at all educational levels. International strategic directions Switzerland contributes to the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, relying on science in so doing. In international climate negotiations and through multilateral and bilateral cooperation, it is committed specifically to effective and rapid global mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, to robust and detailed implemen- tation guidelines and to the scaling up of adaptation to the impacts of climate change. Switzerland redoubles its efforts to mobilise the private sector to make climate-friendly investments in developing countries and helping to fund climate programmes in multilateral development banks. The country also participates actively in the work of international financial bodies on the matter of climate-friendly financial flows and supports bilateral and multilateral programmes to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and promote adaptation to climate change. Switzerland supports integrated urban planning, sustainable urban mobility, sustainable water management, food security, sustainable use of natural resources, efficient energy management, and energy supplies from renewable sources. It promotes the use of efficient and clean technologies. This entails drawing on the potential of cities as foreign policy players through partnerships at home and abroad. Switzerland is committed to implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and is strengthening its partnerships with developing countries and relevant regional organisations through information sharing, technology and knowledge transfer as well as institutional capacity building for risk mitigation.44 It likewise supports the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. The preparation and wide distribution of information on weather, climate and environment as well as the development of early warning and observation systems provides decision-makers with a crucial information base. Switzerland also advocates that work be carried forward on safety-related aspects of climate change. 28 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 4.2.2 Lowering energy consumption, using energy more efficiently and expanding renewable energy sources Overall energy consumption has stabilised in Switzerland since 2000 except in the transport sector. Average per capita energy consumption is expected to decline further thanks to enhanced energy efficiency and energy savings resulting from innov­ ation, research, management and concrete incentives. Cutting energy consumption in this field through changed behaviour and greater efficiency despite the considerable need for mobility and the resulting increase in traffic45 will be a major challenge. Switzerland’s energy system is largely based on non-renewable resources, with the corresponding implications for climate and environment.46 Switzerland is entirely dependent on foreign sources for fossil and nuclear energy. The challenges are to use renewable energy sources to mitigate the environmental impacts of the energy system and to ensure the stability and resilience of the system while scaling up the decentralised supply of electricity from partly weather-dependent energy sources. The expanded use of renewable energy sources in Switzerland must be compatible with the protection of biological and landscape diversity and bodies of water and at the same time affordable. Goals 7.3 A 43 per cent reduction in average annual per capita energy consumption and a 13 per cent reduction in power consumption by 2035 is achieved, as compared to the situation in the year 2000.47 7.1 A sufficient, highly diversified, reliable, profitable and environment-friendly energy supply as well as the resilience of the requisite infrastructure is guaranteed.48 7.2 A steady increase in the share of cost-efficient renewable energies in overall energy consumption is achieved. Expanding the output of hydroelectric power, bringing production in Switzerland to at least 37,400 GW/h by 2035. Efforts will be made to expand power generation from other renewable energy sources such that domestic output will be at least 17,000 GW/h49 by 2035.50 4 Priority topics 29 National strategic directions (a) Reducing energy consumption The Confederation aims to achieve lasting reductions in per capita energy consumption through incentives, target agreements and ad hoc framework conditions in the realms of mobility, buildings, infrastructure, and industry, services and agriculture. This is to be done through the economical and efficient use of energy. In the process, the Confederation is mindful of the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the chosen means. (b) Rapidly expanding renewable energies, scaling back non-renewable energies and ensuring the reliability of supply Through targeted and market-oriented incentives, the Confederation strives rapidly to expand renewable energies and substantially increase their share in overall energy consumption. Incentives for the use of fossil fuels are eliminated and low- emission technologies given support. The government will ensure that today’s high degree of supply reliability is preserved, taking due account of the aspects of nature, homeland and landscape protection. The energy system is adapted such that renewable energies can be integrated to best advantage. The stability and resilience of the system are guaranteed through appropriate restructuring and expansion as well as through network management and access to foreign markets. International strategic directions At an international level, Switzerland prioritises accessible and affordable energy supplies, renewable energies and energy efficiency. Switzerland promotes energy production and supply, including decentralised off-grid solutions, and works towards eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. If implementation is to succeed, multi- lateral energy institutions must play a key role and be given greater support, especially in relation to sustainability, safety and investment protection. Within the framework of trade agreements, Switzerland endeavours to secure market access or investment protection for environment-friendly products and for renewable energies. Development cooperation efforts support knowledge building and technology transfer, the improvement of framework conditions and the mobilisation of private resources to enhance energy efficiency, renewable energies and decentralised energy supplies. 30 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 4.2.3 Preserving, sustainably using, promoting and regenerating biodiversity51 The state of biodiversity has deteriorated markedly over recent decades around the world and in Switzerland.52 About one-third of the species native to Switzerland53 and almost one-half of habitats54 are threatened. However, securing the requisite space for biodiversity in sufficient quality and quantity and with adequate interconnection and spatial distribution is crucial to preserving, promoting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. This enables the business sector and society to utilise ecosystem and land- scape services sustainably for the benefit of people. Resilience is an important ecosystem service. Many of the epidemics occurring around the world in recent years stem from zoonoses, which were favoured by the impacts of human activity on biodiversity, especially the destruction, overexploitation and contamination of ecosystems. The challenge lies in coordinating settlement and infrastructure development, inputs of nitrogen, heavy metals, microplastics, medicines (such as antibiotics), the use of plant protection products and the consequences of climate change with the protection, promotion and sustainable use of the soils, bodies of water, biodiversity and land- scapes. It is therefore incumbent on all stakeholders in all sectors also to safeguard biodiversity and make use of synergies in a manner favourable to nature and landscape. Protecting, preserving and promoting biodiversity can give rise to conflicting goals and interests, for example between agriculture and the development of settlements. Goals 15.5 The state of conservation of local species, especially populations of national priority species, is improved and to the extent possible, their extinction averted. Genetic diversity is preserved.55 15.8 Biological diversity as well as ecosystem services are restored and preserved. Their sustainable and site-appropriate use is encouraged. People and environment are under no threat from invasive alien species. Their spread is controlled and new introductions are prevented.56 15.a Negative impacts of existing financial incentives on biodiversity and landscape quality are identified and if possible eliminated. New financial incentives are examined for their impact on the environment. New positive incentives are created where this is useful.57 15.1 To secure space for the long-term conservation of biodiversity, at least 17 per cent58 of the land area is protected through properly maintained, environmentally representative and well-interconnected systems of protected areas and other effective site-related conservation measures, and integrated into the surrounding landscape. The ecological infrastructure is developed and reinforced. The status of priority national habitats is improved. 6.6 As far as possible, some waterbodies with heavily built-up shores will be restored to their natural state. Sufficient space will be set aside for all bodies of water and managed extensively as areas reserved for promoting biodiversity. To the extent pos­ sible, the adverse impacts of the use of waterbodies for hydropower (hydropeaking, sediment transport, fish migration) are eliminated by 2030.59 15.3 Soil function is guaranteed for the long term. Soil use causes no physical, chemical or biological stresses that in turn compromise soil function and hence soil fertility on a lasting basis. Degraded soils are restored and improved so that they are again able to fulfil the functions typical for their location. By 2030, soil consumption is reduced by one-third, compared to 2020. There will be no more net soil loss as of 2050.60 4 Priority topics 31 National strategic directions (a) Preserving, sustainably using, promoting and regenerating biodiversity and genetic diversity Jointly with the cantons and communes, the Confederation ensures the rapid and effective implementation of national biodiversity policy and the corresponding measures. It supplements and reinforces them where necessary. In its spatial planning activities it supports coordination and agreement on the use, conservation and development of biodiversity. It incorporates biodiversity into its concepts, strategies and action plans, utilises and supports the expertise of science-led institutions and makes funding available. It identifies existing financial incentives that adversely impact biodiversity and adapts them as far as possible. It extends and harmonises the legislation on preventing and controlling invasive alien species. (b) Creating a functioning ecological infrastructure The Confederation cooperates with the cantons and communes as well as private persons to ensure that there is a sufficient number of all habitats of high ecological quality – such as bodies of water, banks, wetlands, marshes, forests and extensively used agricultural and forest areas – and that they are spatially and functionally interconnected and that their territorial layout is appropriate. The Confe­d­ eration supports the cantons financially in introducing the necessary measures. The Confederation works with all competent stakeholders to ensure that protected areas are of the requisite ecological quality, are preserved and, where necessary, upgraded, and are expanded by means of connection areas. This entails enshrining designated habitats in spatial planning instruments such as cantonal structure plans and federal sectoral plans as well as proper and transparent coordination with the agriculture, forestry and spatial development sectors. Sustainable use is guar- anteed over the entire area. In the course of its activities, the Confederation protects natural and cultural landscape qualities and exploits synergies to the fullest extent. (c) Using soil sustainably, avoiding soil degradation and loss, and preserving and restoring soil functions In collaboration with other stakeholders, the Confederation redoubles its efforts to reduce soil degradation, preserve and restore the quality, quantity and multifaceted functions of the soil and ensure that it is used sustainably, economically, appropri- ately and in keeping with its site-specific properties. There should be no further net soil loss as of 2050.61 In conjunction with the cantons, the Confederation ensures that the necessary site-related information is available and that soil functions are taken into account in planning and in the balancing of interests. The Confederation strives to ensure that soil fertility is preserved and agricultural production systems are attuned to the tolerance levels of ecological systems. 32 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy International strategic directions Internationally, Switzerland strengthens its commitment to biodiversity. It champions the effective implementation of biodiversity-related treaties at global62 and regional63 levels and supports international initiatives to monitor the environment. In these multilateral processes, Switzerland works to bring about effective framework conditions for preserving, promoting and ensuring the sustainable use of biodiversity. Special importance is given to combating the major global causes of biodiversity loss (habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, climate change, environmental pollution, as well as invasive alien species).64 Priority is given to protecting, facilitating (e.g. through rewilding) and interconnecting ecosystems, sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems, as well as factoring biodiversity into the making of financial and investment decisions. Further priorities are the safety of gene technology for people, animals and the environment, appropriate access to genetic resources and a balanced and fair distribution of the benefits deriving from their use (“access and benefit sharing”).65 Switzerland works to ensure that synergies between individual environmental agreements are strengthened and that these conventions and their funding mechanisms are implemented coherently. Through its environmental foreign policy, foreign trade policy, foreign agricultural and energy policy, Switzerland aims to minimise the potential adverse impacts of its consumption on biodiversity abroad. Under its international cooperation programmes, Switzerland actively pursues the sustainable management of natural resources, the promotion of biodiversity, including biological diversity in agriculture, and the transformation of economy and society towards sustainable production and consumption. These are indispensable to the long- term observance of the tolerance limits of global ecosystems and to securing prosperity for all generations. 4 Priority topics 33 4.3 Equal opportunities and social cohesion NO GOOD HEALTH QUALITY GENDER DECENT WORK AND POVERTY AND WELL-BEING EDUCATION EQUALITY ECONOMIC GROWTH SUSTAINABLE CITIES PEACE, JUSTICE PARTNERSHIPS REDUCED AND COMMUNITIES AND STRONG FOR THE GOALS INEQUALITIES INSTITUTIONS An inclusive society offers all its members economic and social opportun­ ities as well as the opportunity to realise their personal potential. This requires that natural resources are available for all in sufficient quality and quantity and that they are used responsibly. Under the 2030 Agenda principle of “leaving no one behind”, this means eliminating poverty in all its forms around the world, reducing inequalities and discriminatory barriers that result from socio-economic or geographical factors or from aspects of social, cultural and personal identity. Invariably the most disadvantaged population groups suffer most from crises such as pandem- ics, natural disasters, conflicts or economic crises and their impacts. Switzerland faces the following specific challenges when it comes to ensuring equal opportunities and social cohesion: 34 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy – Promoting individual self-determination: It must be ensured that everyone is able to share in a country’s prosperity and shape his or her life independently. 4.3.1 – Ensuring social cohesion: Discrimination, inequalities and disadvan­ tages should be reduced, promotion given to social cohesion that takes account of diversity and territorial disparities, and intergenerational solidarity should be ensured. 4.3.2 – Guaranteeing real equality between women and men: Existing inequalities between women and men in professional and public life, in education and the family should be eliminated and further promotion given to gender equality. 4.3.3 It is important that conflicts of objectives are handled transparently. Under this priority topic, this concerns the connection between economic growth and fair distribution, between information and reporting obligations and the placing of administrative burdens on enterprises, between equal opportunities, equity of opportunity66 and economic freedom, and between information sharing for violence prevention and data protection, among other things. In the realm of foreign policy, contradictions may arise between development policy goals and other pol­icy areas such as finance and tax policy, trade policy or environ- ment policy. In parallel, there are synergies that can be harnessed and maximised. Integration, cultural and social policies, for example, are mutually supportive. 4 Priority topics 35 4.3.1 Promoting individual self-determination In 2019, some 8.7 per cent of Switzerland’s permanent resident population in private households were affected by income poverty.67 The situation of children and young adults who grow up in families affected or threatened by poverty is especially precar­ ious. As pertains to educational opportunities, disadvantages have been observed to stem from people’s socio-economic status or migration background.68 Challenges arise regarding access to supplementary childcare and early support as well as in promoting young people and young adults who are late migrants and lack a sound basic education or knowledge of the national languages. In addition, the housing conditions of the most impoverished households and those in precarious circumstances are less than adequate.69,70 Switzerland has a top-notch health system and the health of the population is very good by international comparison. Yet the handling of the pandemic has revealed that the system’s capacity to absorb such global health shocks needs to improve. Health risks are still many and varied and there are differences attributable to social factors both in health status and in health-related behaviour as well as in the uptake of available health services. Rising health costs are steadily driving up health insurance premiums, which represent a growing financial burden on many households and on the public purse and also have a negative impact on the use of services. Guaranteeing long-term access to a reliable, high-quality and affordable healthcare system, a healthy environ- ment and to effective prevention for everyone remains a challenge. As a driver of structural change, digitisation is transforming the world of work and the profiles being sought on the job market.71 It must be ensured that worker qualifications and skills can be adapted rapidly enough to keep pace with changing job market requirements. However, it cannot be ruled out that some people may be left behind in this transformation process. Trends in social security must therefore be closely monitored. The conditions enabling Switzerland to grasp the opportunities of digit­ isation ­( 4.1.1) for job creation purposes must be further enhanced. One key aspect of this is orienting education and training in the realm of digitisation towards the skills and expertise required by the business sector. Furthermore, the Swiss labour market must continue to show the requisite flexibility in order to take advantage of the digital transformation. Care must be taken to maintain high labour market participation and the good quality of working conditions. Goals 1.2 The segment of the population in Switzerland living below the national poverty line is reduced.72 3.8 Everyone in Switzerland benefits from top-calibre and affordable healthcare without discrimination. Low-threshold preventive services reach all demographics. Living con­ ditions in Switzerland are conducive to good health. There is a decline in the number of people who forgo necessary medical examinations or treatment for financial reasons.73 11.1 The stock of affordable housing is preserved and is increased in areas with high demand. Population groups at a disadvantage in the housing market have access to affordable and decent housing.74 4.3 Access to high-quality general and vocational education and training – including at tertiary level – offers economic and social opportunities irrespective of gender, origin, disability or social status.75 36 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy National strategic directions (a) Preventing and alleviating poverty as well as promoting social and professional integration The Confederation supports the cantons, cities and communes as well as civil society stakeholders in their ongoing endeavours to prevent and alleviate poverty. It pro- vides the requisite information on trends in poverty, preventive measures and their impacts. Within the scope of its remit, the Confederation promotes basic skills and professional qualifications for adults. In cooperation with other stakeholders, it provides assistance in accessing and remaining on the job market for people with difficulties in gaining such access or with limited prospects on the mainstream labour market. Specifically, the focus here is on preserving employability and de­- veloping strategies for social integration and cultural participation. These endeavours are attuned to existing structures in the health, social, cultural and education sectors. In conjunction with the cantons and social partners, the Confederation ensures that the wage and working conditions prevailing in Switzerland are not abusively undercut. (b) Increasing the chances of a healthy life and facilitating low-threshold access to healthcare The Confederation promotes health in keeping with the WHO definition of health as not just the absence of disease, but as a state of complete well-being. In collaboration with the cantons, communes and other stakeholders, the Confederation ensures that healthcare is easily accessible, non-discriminatory and coordinated and available to everyone in Switzerland. It is committed to ensuring that every person will be able not only to manage their own health risks and assess their health condition, but also to develop awareness of a healthy lifestyle as well as the requirements of public health, for example, in the event of a pandemic. Protecting the environment and natural spaces favours health and human well-being. In pursuit of a holistic health policy, the Confederation and cantons promote wholesome living conditions and in particular the reduction of health hazards emanating from the environment. Jointly with the social partners, they ensure that existing measures for prevention and health promotion in the world of work are applied more stringently. (c) Promoting the supply of decent housing The Confederation promotes non-profit housing development and advocates affordable accommodation and the economical use of living space. Together with the cantons, cities and communes, it is committed to providing an appropriate supply of housing, thereby forestalling the effects of exclusion, social segregation and discrimination. In this way, it caters specifically to the needs of families and aid-dependent people and their financial possibilities. To this end, the Confederation supports the cantons, cities and communes in particular through appropriate spatial planning measures, and encour- ages dialogue between the different levels of state. It cooperates with the cantons to create stopping places for itinerant communities. (d) Ensuring equitable access to education Within the scope of its remit and in agreement with the cantons, the Confederation works actively to identify structural disadvantages and discrimination at an early stage and to balance them out across educational levels and subject areas. This is achieved, for instance, by enhancing accessibility in the education system and ensuring optimal transitions between the different educational levels. Special attention is paid to the needs of preschool children and young people who are late migrants. 4 Priority topics 37 International strategic directions Under its international cooperation programmes, Switzerland helps to alleviate poverty and assists people in leading economically, socially and culturally self-determined lives. This means paying special attention to the principle of leaving no one behind. It addresses key health determinants such as water and sanitation, nutrition or air pollution, it buttresses health systems and global health security and facilitates access to high-quality, affordable and equitable health services and systems. Switzerland re­inforces education systems to allow for inclusive and equitable access and the comple- tion of a relevant, high-quality basic education and vocational training designed to meet the evolving needs of the job market and favour economic inclusion. The country promotes entrepreneurship and paves the way for the creation of decent work and reasonable earning opportunities. Switzerland is committed to implementing the provisions of the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In developing and emerging countries, Switzerland supports and strengthens workers, peasant farmers and small-scale producers through specific technical and financial programmes, climate protection measures and research. It also endeavours to ensure that its political activities do not adversely affect developing countries. This means ensuring that resources are managed sustainably and that natural resources are preserved under conditions equitable for all. It is also committed to building the capacity of developing countries to mobilise domestic resources and combat illicit financial flows.76 38 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 4.3.2 Ensuring social cohesion Reciprocal knowledge and recognition of the cultures, languages, religions and lifestyles that are present in Switzerland is of particular importance to social cohesion and prosperity for all. In this connection, regional disparities and issues of intergenerational distribution are just as challenging to national cohesion as the pursuit of individual lifestyles, social and cultural diversity and the participation of all in economic, social and political life. Social inclusion and equality of opportunity, for example in the spheres of health, education or working conditions, help build resilient societies, which come into their own especially in times of crisis. The Swiss Constitution prohibits discrimination based on origin, “race”,77 gender,78 age, language, social standing, way of life,79 religious, philosophical or political persua- sion or any physical, mental or psychological disability.80 Those affected nonetheless face challenges when it comes to the practical implementation of anti-discrimination legislation, in that the high costs involved in bringing civil cases often constitute a psychological barrier to filing complaints against discrimination.81 In addition, people who embody several of the features that become grounds for discrimination (e.g. origin, religion, social status) are often subject to multiple discrimination. This can lead to more extreme and frequent discrimination or considerably increase the risk of discrimination. Despite the measures introduced,82 equality for homosexuals, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people remains a challenge. The shifting of the societal debate to the Internet and to social media harbours further risks of discrimination. Goals 10.3 No one is discriminated against, in particular on grounds of origin, race,83 gender, age, language, social position, way of life, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious, philosophical or political beliefs, or because of a physical, mental or psychological disability.84 8.5 (a)85 People with disabilities are integrated into the job market.86 10.7 Immigration is safe, orderly and in keeping with Switzerland’s economic prosperity and social cohesion. Refugees and vulnerable persons are afforded protection that takes gender and age-specific needs and vulnerabilities into account. The causes of flight and irregular migration to Europe are tackled and the integration of refugees and migrants is encouraged and demanded.87 10.2 Democracy is strengthened through the creation of opportunities to participate in and help shape social development and decision-making processes, especially for those who are left out of the political decision-making process, as well as for children and adolescents. 11.a The Confederation adequately addresses the challenges specific and common to cities and communes, agglomerations, rural areas and mountain regions, and works towards coherent spatial development that helps to lessen negative regional disparities, preserve regional diversity as well as create a future-fit living environment.88 1.3 Social insurance coverage is preserved, with the social insurances being financially consolidated and attuned to trends in society. In conjunction with other cantonal means-tested benefits, they adequately cover social risks. 4 Priority topics 39 National strategic directions (a) Eliminating all forms of discrimination The Confederation provides information regarding the legal instruments available to victims of discrimination and promotes facilitated access to the justice system in order to protect people against all forms of direct and indirect discrimination as well as structural and intersectional89 discrimination. It redoubles its efforts to highlight and actively combat structural and institutional discrimination. It intensifies coordination and cooperation between the units that fight specific types of discrimination thereby strengthening the protection of persons who could face multiple discrimination. It raises awareness among legal players and, within the limits of its responsibilities, helping with their further training. To better gauge the need for action, the Confederation ex- plores the options for improving the data situation regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual characteristics. (b) Guaranteeing inclusion for people with disabilities The Confederation supports the participation of people with disabilities in the job market, in particular by helping to foster an inclusive work environment. It is working with the cantons to encourage their participation especially in social, cultural, sporting and political life and to take steps to remove obstacles. In so doing, the Confederation and cantons take special care to ensure that the principles of universal accessibility are consistently applied, especially with regard to digital com­ munication and access to public transport. (c) Facilitating the integration of migrants and ensuring protection for vulnerable persons In close collaboration with the cantons and communes as well as civil society, the Confederation introduces, encourages and strengthens action to promote and require the rapid assimilation of asylum seekers and migrants into society and the job market. The Confederation supports the cantons and communes in creating a general environment favourable to equal opportunities – in particular as regards learning a national language, and in education, health and housing matters – and in acting to foster mutual understanding, participation in social and cultural life and to guarantee access to services for all. Under its asylum policy, it offers protection to vulnerable persons and champions the cause of safe access routes, among other things. It partici- pates in the reception of refugees by helping to create cantonal resettlement places. (d) Encouraging social, cultural, economic and political inclusion and participation Within the scope of its powers and in consultation with the cantons, the Confederation is committed to promoting social, cultural and economic integration using a whole- of-society approach designed to foster peaceful coexistence and the participation of all segments of the population, in particular the resident foreign population. The Confederation therefore teams up with the cantons to promote social networking, political involvement, volunteering and mutual understanding. In addition, the Confederation supports projects to facilitate access for the broadest possible segment of the population to political participation, allowing individuals to play a part in shaping societal relations. (e) Reducing regional disparities The Confederation takes steps to make the range of available public services more equitable across the country, to eliminate regional inequalities, especially as regards access to particular types of services (mobility, health and education, culture, public services), and to promote competitiveness. The Confederation is committed to coherent spatial development. This means fostering cooperation between the competent players across communal lines and service areas and supporting them in finding solu- tions that guarantee the quality and accessibility of basic services. 40 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (f) Ensuring the long-term stability of retirement pension systems The financial stability of Switzerland’s retirement pension systems is secure despite demographic trends. The Confederation ensures that the reforms proposed in order to secure the financial balance of retirement pension systems while preserving social protection take due account of the interests of all age groups and safeguard the intergenerational contract. The supreme authority of each social insurance institu- tion is responsible for its investment policy. The Federal Council supports pension plans in their efforts to be mindful also of the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement in managing pension capital. International strategic directions To reinforce social coherence, Switzerland strives through its bilateral and multi- lateral cooperation to lessen discrimination, exclusion and vulnerabilities and to secure everyone’s participation in economic, social, cultural and political life. Promoting democracy is one of Switzerland’s foreign policy priorities. The country actively seeks to eliminate economic, political, social and cultural barriers hampering members of minorities, disadvantaged groups and children and young adults and to afford them access to services and resources. This entails striving rigorously to reduce gender- based disadvantages and improve access for women and girls in particular, as well to boost their participation. Switzerland supports human rights defenders and endeavours to protect them from arbitrariness, threats and violence in their local contexts.90 Switzerland strives for improved global governance and international solutions relating to migration, the protection of refugees and of internally displaced people. It is committed to creating framework conditions that enable migrants to play a part in securing the livelihoods of their families and by extension in realising the SDGs in their countries of origin. Switzerland works towards improving the living conditions of disadvantaged population groups, including those subject to discrimination and exclusion, people with disabilities, children, minorities, refugees, internally displaced people, migrants, and people affected by any form of poverty. It fosters peaceful, just and inclusive societies and is committed to the prevention of armed conflicts and all forms of violence. Switzerland cooperates with other European countries to improve economic, social, cultural, and territorial cohesion and thereby lessen territorial disparities in Europe. Cooperation with other Alpine States is of particular importance in this connection, not least of all considering their cultural closeness and the similarity of the challenges they must face. 4 Priority topics 41 4.3.3 Guaranteeing real equality between women and men Switzerland has not yet achieved gender equality. Admittedly, more women than men are now obtaining tertiary-level qualifications and female participation in the workforce has increased. However, the uneven distribution of roles when it comes to unpaid work in the form of homemaking and caregiving creates different employ- ment histories for women and men and hampers women’s economic self-reliance. Worthy of specific mention are the high rate of part-time female employment, discrimin­- ation based on pregnancy and maternity, as well as the still elusive equal pay for women and men. These inequities adversely impact social security cover during working and retirement years, as the social insurance system is based on a linear career model. More can still be done to improve the balance between working and family life, including caregiving. The facilities available in the way of supplementary childcare still fall short of the needs of parents, and this continues to be a financial burden on them. Women are still noticeably under-represented in economic and political decision-making bodies and leadership positions. Eliminating these inequalities also forms part of implementing the international instru- ments ratified by Switzerland, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Council of Europe Conven- tion on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). It also makes economic sense.91 Promoting economic self-reliance can positively impact the personal security of women and constitute an element of protection against violence. By the same token, removing structural inequalities and promoting self-determination for women are also instrumental in helping them to secure economic autonomy. Violence against women and girls is still a major social problem in Switzerland as well.92 In this endeavour, the priorities are to prevent and combat the various forms of gender-specific violence such as domestic violence, forced marriages, physical, psychological and sexual violence, female genital mutilation and stalking. Goals 5.1 Men and women are equal. Equality for women and men is guaranteed at the work- place, in education, politics and the family. The law ensures not just formal but also real equality.93 5.4 The distribution of gainful work and unpaid household and family work between the genders is more balanced. Women and men benefit from the corresponding regulatory framework that favours the reconciliation of private, family and work life as well as the balanced distribution of paid and unpaid housework and family work.94 8.5 (b)95 The labour market participation of women and their volume of work are increasing. Women and men are economically independent and have independent social security cover throughout their entire lives. Wage inequality is abolished and the pension gap between women and men is closing.96 5.5 The comprehensive and effective participation of women is guaranteed at all decision-making levels of economic, political and public life.97 5.2 All forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence, are curbed.98 42 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy National strategic directions (a) Guaranteeing economic independence, equal pay and a good work-life balance The Confederation continues actively to implement equal pay and provides employers with suitable tools for monitoring their wage practices. In reforming the social insurances, more specifically retirement provision, the Confederation is mindful of social trends, in particular the different life trajectories and associated needs of women and men. It is exploring the introduction of individual taxation in order to reduce negative employment incentives. The Confederation takes account of the diversity of family models and is committed to improving the work-life balance. Among other schemes, it therefore promotes the development of a sufficient number of affordable, non-family childcare facilities of good quality. (b) Promoting appropriate representation in decision-making bodies The Confederation sets clear goals for balanced gender representation in political and economic decision-making bodies and in leadership positions and takes effective steps to promote this. It is exploring a higher gender quota in extra-parliamentary commissions, analogous to the targets for management bodies of federal government- associated businesses and institutions. (c) Abolishing sexism and violence and combating gender stereotypes Violence, sexism and discrimination hinder equality between the sexes. The Confeder­ ation therefore works in close collaboration and coordination with the cantons to strengthen action to prevent and combat domestic and all types of gender-specific violence, especially physical, psychological and sexual violence, stalking, trafficking in women, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, as well as sexual harassment at the workplace and in public places. Accordingly, it acts to tighten the relevant civil and criminal law provisions. In combating discrimination and violence, the Confederation recognises that people are subject to multiple forms of discrimination. It combats not only discrimination but also stereotypical role models in the public space, in educa- tion and in the media, including social networks. International strategic directions Through the relevant UN bodies and multilateral development organisations, Switzerland works actively to further develop international policies and norms on gender equality and to advance women’s rights. In this regard, it is committed to combating all forms of gender discrimination, including multiple discrimination based on specific exclusion criteria such as age, socio-economic status, cultural identity, gender identity, sexual orientation or other exclusion criteria. The main international reference frameworks for gender equality are the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (“Istanbul Convention”), and the fourth UN World Conference on Women, together with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the work of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). It engages systematically in policy dialogue with its partner countries on gender equality. To that end, it recognises women as important players and partners, involves men and boys in the search for solutions, and sensitises them to equality issues. Switzerland’s foreign policy and international cooperation priorities specifically include strengthening the role of women in economic life, their effective involvement in political life and in social decision-making, as well as preventing and reducing all forms of gender-specific violence. Switzerland works to enhance sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights paying special attention to aspects of multiple discrimination. 4 Priority topics 43 Through the national action plan for the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”, Switzerland works specifically to promote an active role for women in conflict prevention and to bring about the full, effective and equitable participation of women in peace processes and in political processes. In so doing, Switzerland promotes effective participation by women from the grass- roots to the management level. It supports measures to protect women against sexual violence and to care for those affected by violence in humanitarian contexts. Switzerland also facilitates the participation of women in peacekeeping operations and in security policy. Switzerland also advocates the comprehensive control of the trade in small arms and light weapons. In pursuit of these goals, the country works with local civil society stakeholders and, at bilateral and multilateral levels, strives for the implementation of the Women Peace and Security Agenda. 44 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 5 Drivers of sustainable development Besides the Confederation, the cantons and communes, numerous other stakeholders fulfil a vital role in implementing the goals and strategic lines of action under the priority topics ( Chapter 4), and are therefore able – across all thematic priorities – to act as drivers of sustainable development and hence play a meaningful part in implementing the 2030 Agenda.99 The following paragraphs will shed light on the specific contributions of civil society, business, the financial market, and the spheres of education, research and innovation, which can have a particular impact on a number of relevant topics. In pursuing the SDGs, the utmost should be done to decouple the benefits of eco- nomic activity from undesirable environmental and social costs. Suitable economic policy conditions – as far as possible internalising negative externalities for example – and private sector approaches have a key role to play here. A financial sector that places sustainability at the centre of its decisions is contributing effectively to the furtherance of the 2030 Agenda and simultaneously securing its competitiveness and future-fitness. Moreover, education, research and innovation constitute a key to developing, scientifically supporting and disseminating knowledge about solutions to the critical challenges of sustainability. Finally, a great many civil society organisations and the general population make key contributions to realising the goals and strategic priorities of the 2030 SDS. 5 Drivers of sustainable development 45 5.1 Contribution of civil society On an individual and collective basis, civil society plays a critical role when it comes to defining, strengthening and implementing sustainable development in Switzerland and abroad. Through their day-to-day consumer decisions regarding mobility, shopping, holidays or housing conditions, citizens exert a significant and direct influence on sustainable development. Civil society is a key driver of social transformation processes. There are numerous civil society interest groups working actively to implement all the global Sustainable Development Goals, including critical voices. Some specifically champion the causes of marginalised groups and in that way do justice to the ambition of “leaving no one behind”. It is just as critically important to include children and young adults, as they will be most affected by future developments. Civil society stakeholders play a vital role with respect to all the priority issues and lines of action of this strategy. Through their experience and practical knowledge, they contribute to mobilisation, the dissemination of information and to opinion-building. In their professional and private lives, they are also able to promote behaviour that furthers the transformation towards sustainable development. Professional associations, for example, can play an important part in driving sustainable production, while interest groups can raise awareness of sustainable consumption. Clubs or neighbour- hood organisations can also motivate people to get involved in social, cultural and sporting activities as well as volunteer work and in that way enhance social cohesion. Youth associations also help to drive sustainable development. The Confederation and to a great extent the cantons and communes as well create the enabling environment in which civil society can contribute, whether individually or collectively, to sustainable development. This can be achieved, for example by including civil society organisations in opinion building and in participatory processes or by promoting clubs. Numerous enterprises and public employers also play their part by enabling and encouraging the appropriate engagement on the part of their employees. At the same time, the joint involvement of numerous stakeholders covers key aspects of global Sustainable Development Goal 17 “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development”, more specifically that of encouraging and promoting effective public, public-private, and civil society partner- ships for the implementation of the 2030 SDS. Cooperation between the Confederation and civil society is crucial to the implementation of the 2030 SDS ( Chapter 7.3). All stakeholders, in particular the Confederation, cantons, communes and the business sector, are invited to strengthen their commitment to creating an enabling environment for civil society involvement. 46 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 5.2 Contribution of the economy An efficient and dynamic economy that operates in accordance with the principles of sustainability contributes to prosperity and is an important lever for sustainable develop- ment. It is essential to the creation of decent and secure jobs, good income opportun­ ities and to innovations that offer solutions to the major challenges of the 2030 Agenda. By virtue of their considerable economic, ecological and social impacts, businesses can contribute substantially to implementing the 2030 Agenda and thereby secure market opportunities in a future-fit environment. Businesses are important as employers and taxpayers and as drivers of innovation and technological advancement. Through their activities, they are also able to work towards fairness, good working conditions, corruption prevention, the responsible use of resources, reduced environmental degradation and the observance of human rights and environmental standards at home and abroad.100 By practising corporate social responsibility (CSR), businesses have an opportunity to secure a strategic advantage for themselves, boost their productivity and minimise reputational risks. This calls for favourable regula- tory conditions, legal certainty and appropriate incentives in Switzerland and abroad. Also needed is a long-term, sustainable growth policy that makes efficient use of the factors of production and is geared towards social and environmental needs.101 Accordingly, the Confederation works to ensure that clear guidelines are created and the requisite groundwork laid so as to drive forward the transformation towards a sustainable economy. In addition, the private sector is called on to set ambitious targets for its own contribution to sustainable development, to create appropriate business models and to report on its progress. Making up the bulk of businesses in Switzerland, SMEs are especially challenged in this regard. Businesses are better able to harness their innovative potential when the proper incen- tives and other framework conditions are present, in particular for resource conservation and the sustainable design of production chains, business models as well as products and services. These include competitively organised markets and international openness, guidance on the internalisation of external costs, well-trained professionals, intellectual property protection and a minimal administrative burden. In the international economic arena, Switzerland’s actions are geared towards promot- ing reliable and sustainable economic policy environments. The aim is to ensure that businesses, products and services that are currently uncompetitive owing to the failure to internalise external costs can gain access to markets and opportunities and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and prosperity over the long term. The Confederation expects businesses domiciled or operating in Switzerland to discharge their responsibility in complying with the internationally recognised CSR standards and guidelines in all their activities in Switzerland and abroad. Besides, international trade can help fuel sustainable development. Trade agreements that are in line with the conventions of the International Labour Organisation and with international environmental agreements can be instrumental in reducing inequalities, creating decent employment, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources and in generating prosperity.102 5 Drivers of sustainable development 47 5.3 Sustainability in the financial market The financial market can offer considerable leverage for sustainable development and for shaping a future-fit economy. Sustainability issues are exerting an ever greater impact on the financial market by opening up new opportunities while also harbouring potential risks.103 At the same time, today’s forms of investment and funding are also impacting the economy and the natural environment considerably. Owing to its world-leading financial industry, Switzerland is predestined to play a pioneering role in the realm of sustainability and hence in helping to realise the 2030 Agenda. Ever more investors are demanding assets and financial products that demonstrably fulfil sustainability criteria. This is unlocking new and expanding business lines for financial institutions. Businesses in search of capital have an incentive to be much more mindful of environmental and social considerations as well as good corporate governance (the “ESG criteria”) and to make this clear, for example in their sustainability reporting. The aim is to make Switzerland a leading location for sustainable financial services. The Confederation will create a regulatory environment that enhances the competitive- ness of the Swiss financial centre, at the same time enabling the financial industry to make an effective and verifiably positive contribution, especially in the areas of climate and biodiversity. These two requirements do not conflict with each other but are mutually supportive. Already in 2016, the Federal Council laid the groundwork for its policy of sustainability in the financial industry, which specifically included subsidiarity in government action and the primacy of market-based solutions. In 2020, it further fleshed out aims, principles and measures in the field of sustainable finance.104 Sustain­ ability is therefore a key component of financial market policy. The Confederation keeps financial market regulations under constant review from the standpoint of sustainability and monitors where there may be potential for improvement. In doing so, it is mindful of international developments, especially those occurring in the EU. Switzerland is an advocate of internationally uniform, comparable, expedient and suitable systems and tools for systematically rating the sustainability of businesses and for gauging and reporting on sustainability-related financial risks and impacts. Furthermore, the Confederation promotes the implementation of international stand- ards for corporate social responsibility such as those emitted by the OECD for the finance industry.105 To that end, the Confederation regularly gauges progress by means of voluntary climate alignment testing of the financial portfolios of Swiss pension funds, insurance companies, banks and asset managers. These tests show that Switzerland’s financial industry is not yet aligned with international climate goals. The Confederation supports further research, for example, so that it will be possible in the future to analyse investments for their impacts on biodiversity. Switzerland takes an active part in the work of international finance bodies on the topic of sustainability (e.g. the Financial Stability Board, the International Platform on Sustainable Finance, and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action) and supports the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.106 The Swiss National Bank and the Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) are members 48 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy of the Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System. This body studies the extent to which climate and other environment-related risks endanger the resilience of the financial system, as well as their impact on the macro-economy. It also looks at the potential role of central banks and supervisory authorities in the transition to a sustainable economy. In the summer of 2021, FINMA is expected to adopt the fleshed-out disclosure requirements regarding climate- related financial risks to be met by the largest banks and insurers. In addition, Switzerland is committed to preventing and containing illicit financial flows. These financial flows are a global and complex phenomenon affecting many countries. In essence, they involve cross-border capital movements bound up with illegal activities such as money laundering, corruption or tax evasion and avoid- ance. It is difficult to estimate the worldwide volume of illicit financial flows. At international and national levels, Switzerland is also striving to develop and imple- ment effective standards to enhance transparency and avoid and combat the illegal activities underlying these financial flows. 5.4 Education, research and innovation Federal funding policy in the fields of education, research and innovation is guided by the principles of sustainable development and helps to undergird Switzerland’s position as a centre for education, science, research and innovation. It boosts Switzerland’s capacity to live up to its responsibility for the future and to deliver solutions for achieving the SDGs. Switzerland’s education system, whose further development is geared towards high quality and permeability, helps people to think for themselves and act independently, to participate in society, pursue their personal development, acquire the skills needed to be employable and to strengthen their own resilience as well as that of society as a whole. It enables them to grasp the importance of sustainable devel- opment and to participate actively and consciously in shaping it. In further improving the education system, the Confederation and cantons ensure equal recog­nition in society for general and vocational courses of study as well as their inter­national compatibility. Education is especially crucial to thinking responsibly about the future. It is therefore important for sustainable development to be addressed across all educational levels and in all courses, and efforts should continue for them to be incorporated in curricula. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) fosters the crucial skills required and can thus be conducive to sustainable development. ESD is also promoted at the federal level through various specific laws even outside the area of Education, Research and Innovation (ERI). Switzerland’s tertiary institutions are making a substantial contribution to the 2030 Agenda, in particular by training future scientists and decision-makers and by laying the scientific groundwork for sustainability innovations. 5 Drivers of sustainable development 49 Science and research are critical to understanding not just the current state and evolution of natural resources and our environment in general, but also to comprehend- ing the new risks and benefits arising from technological, societal and economic developments. They furnish data and analyses on which society and decision-makers can rely. Moreover, the higher education institutions and academies of arts and sciences maintain dialogue with society, making scientific findings accessible to the general public in an understandable manner. International cooperation is para- mount for education, research and innovation, as many of the issues that are addressed in the framework of sustainable development have an international connection. Scientific research can also be instrumental in pinpointing the causes of poverty and inequality, devising solutions and thereby mitigating the global risks to economy, environment and society. Cooperation with developing and transition countries can also play a role in this connection. By generating and transferring knowledge to society, Switzerland’s universities and research entities are making a sterling contribution to resolving major societal challenges such as demographic change, inclusion for all segments of society, the sustainable economy, energy, and climate change. An innovation is a new development that is successfully applied in the economy or society. For products, designs or services to be considered innovations, they must in fact embody novel features. Educational institutions and research players are helping to create and expand the “knowledge” resource and to make it usable for applications – educational institutions by turning out qualified human capital, research players through their research activities.107 Innovation can therefore act as a driver of the process of transformation towards sustainable development. Innovations can only deploy their full potential when they can be successfully brought to market. This calls for regulatory environments conducive to enhancing innovative capacity as well as absorption capacity. Digitisation can facilitate sustainable change, through resource optimisation, accessibility, the development of new types of cooperation and value creation. 50 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 6 The Confederation as a model The Confederation consistently applies the principles of sustainable development in its own activities. It holds key levers in many areas with which to help realise the goals of the 2030 SDS. This chapter describes how the Confederation acts to this end as a purchaser, an owner of autonomous entities, an investor, employer and a consumer of natural resources.108 6.1 The Confederation as a purchaser The Confederation provides substantial resources for the procurement of goods and services, or for the award of public construction contracts. In 2019, the central Federal Administration alone procured construction work, goods and services worth 6.1 billion francs.109 This substantial procurement volume gives the government the wherewithal to contribute significantly to fostering sustainable consumption and sustainable production and innovations. In this regard, the Federal Act on Public Procurement110 resets the parameters of public procurement, thus paving the way for more sustainability and quality-driven competition. The Confederation procures products, services and construction works that meet stringent economic, environmental and social specifications throughout their service life. It establishes a strategic framework that sets the level of ambition for sustainability criteria and provides for appropriate controlling and monitoring. It harmonises the application of public procurement law with the cantons and communes. 6.2 The Confederation as the owner of autonomous entities The Confederation currently owns 20 autonomous entities, including companies that provide their services on the market (e.g. Swisscom, Swiss Post, SBB or RUAG), monopolistic institutions (such as ETH Domain, Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV), as well as entities tasked with economic and safety inspection (e.g. FINMA or the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI). The Confederation sets strategic goals for these autonomous entities.111 They serve not only as a way of steering these entities, but also as a frame of reference for the Federal Council’s reporting to the Federal Assembly on the attainment of these goals. The demands of sustainability are taken into account in the formulation of the strategic goals. The Confederation expects that, from a social, economic and environmental standpoint, government-associated enterprises will display responsible behaviour within the meaning of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 6 The Confederation as a model 51 6.3 The Confederation as an investor In ratifying the Paris Climate Agreement, the Confederation committed to aligning financial flows with the net zero target for greenhouse gas emissions. As far as possible, the Confederation brings its influence to bear within the managing bodies of institutional investors (e.g. Swiss Federal Social Security Funds AHV/AVS, IV/AI, EO/APG, SUVA and PUBLICA pension fund) in order to encourage them to follow responsible investment policies. This also means incorporating environmental and social dimensions as well as good corporate governance (the “ESG criteria”) and regular climate alignment testing of their portfolios. 6.4 The Confederation as an employer The Federal Administration comprises some 70 administrative units with roughly 38,000 employees. The Confederation abides by high ethical standards and is extremely ambitious in matters of worker development, diversity, equal opportunities and health and environmental protection. The Confederation promotes equal opportunities with respect to gender, multilingualism, integration of persons with disabilities or a migration background, as well as the generations, and this especially against the backdrop of labour market changes – for example the digital transformation. It ensures compliance with legal stipulations on non-discrimination in all areas of activity and in all work processes. The Federal Adminis- tration favours balanced gender representation, especially in leadership positions, as well as working conditions that facilitate the work-life balance. It guarantees equal pay for women and men and does not tolerate sexual harassment. 6.5 The Confederation as a consumer of natural resources The Confederation runs the Resource and Environmental Management of the Federal Administration (RUMBA) programme, and, under the VBS-DDPS, a Spatial Planning and Environmental Management System (RUMS VBS), with a view to systematically minimising environmental impacts arising from operations and products of the Federal Administration and the Armed Forces. Through RUMBA it acts to reduce resource usage and environmental damage in the building sector (electricity, heating and refuse), in paper consumption, mobility and catering. The RUMS VBS measures are focused mainly on the army, i.e. on their activities and infrastructure, on the natural spaces and resources used for military purposes. They are meant as far as possible to minimise environmental pollution and continuously improve the environmental stewardship of the DDPS. Under the initiative entitled “Confederation: exemplary in energy”, the Confederation and its autonomous entities commit to innovative and exemplary energy management. The Confederation’s sustainable property management is exemplary. It communicates its solutions and approaches internally and externally. 52 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy The Federal Council has approved a package of measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions across the Federal Administration and the Armed Forces.112 By 2030, the Federal Administration aims to have lowered its domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent compared to the base year, 2006; the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (VBS) is expected to reduce its emissions by at least 40 per cent compared to 2001.113 The Federal Administration is committed to taking action to mitigate the environmental impacts of official travel and vehicle procurement. The “Air Travel Action Plan” is targeting a 30 per cent cut in CO2 emissions from official air travel by federal employees by 2030. In organising its conferences and events, the Confederation adheres to strict environ- mental and social standards, in particular in relation to choice of location, catering and travel options. 6 The Confederation as a model 53 7 Cooperation and partnerships to implement the strategy 7.1 Organisation within the Federal Administration 2030 Agenda Steering Committee The Federal Council has appointed the 2030 Agenda Steering Committee and tasked it with strategically coordinating and steering implementation of the 2020 SDS and reporting to the United Nations. In so doing, it has buttressed the institutional framework for sustainable development at federal level. This strategic steering and coordination body comprises top-level representatives of the leading federal agencies responsible for implementing the 2030 Agenda and of the Federal Chancellery. The 2030 Agenda Steering Committee agrees on key strategic issues as well as the domestic and foreign policy components of the 2030 Agenda. It undertakes cross-sectoral tasks relating to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 SDS and is responsible for reporting. Through these activities, it anchors the SDGs more firmly in sectoral policies. In this way, it helps to enhance policy coherence for sustain­able development and, in the event of conflicting goals, is able to make suggestions to the Federal Council in the spirit of sustainable development. Federal Council Delegates for the 2030 Agenda The operational leadership of implementation is the responsibility of the two Delegates for the 2030 Agenda appointed by the Federal Council – one each from the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) and from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). They take turns in chairing the 2030 Agenda Steering Committee and ensure the greatest degree of coherence between domestic and foreign policy concerns. They coordinate all the federal agencies involved in implementing the 2030 Agenda, they carry out representational duties, and also consult the cantons, communes and interest groups from civil society, business and academia. Lastly, they report annually to the Federal Council on the status of implementation and any decisions are requested through their respective Department. The effectiveness and efficiency of the organisational structure and the respective responsibilities and tasks will be kept under review until the end of 2022. The Federal Council will effect any adjustments that may be needed. 54 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Funding the implementation of the strategy The Federal Council is keen to provide the funding needed to implement the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 SDS. No new funding vehicle will be created through the 2030 SDS, however. Concrete implementation of the 2030 SDS is done principally by the federal agencies responsible for the various policy areas. They incorporate the requirements of the 2030 SDS into their regular budget and policy management processes and guarantee the financial and human resources required to implement the 2030 Agenda from their approved budgets. Should additional funding be needed for certain policy areas, federal agencies may request it as part of the ordinary budget process. 7.2 Cooperation with cantons and communes One key concern of the Federal Council is taking account of the principles of sustain­ able development at all levels of government. All measures are implemented within the framework of the existing distribution of state responsibilities. The cantons and communes are primarily responsible for many policy areas of relevance to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and make an important contribution. Future dialogue and structured tripartite cooperation between the different levels of state in implementing the 2030 Agenda will be buttressed at a political level (Conference of Cantonal Governments [KdK-CCG] and Conferences of Cantonal Directors) and at a technical level (Cantonal Sustainable Development Network [CSDN] and thematic bodies). Towns and communes in particular play an important part in the effective implementation of sustainable development locally. They are also involved at an inter­ national level. Institutional cooperation and coordination between the Confederation, cantons and communes is being further strengthened and open dialogue and inclusion encour- aged. The Federal Council is urging the cantons and communes to incorporate sustainable development into their regular planning and management processes, and has invited them specifically to take account of the aims and strategic directions of the 2030 SDS priority topics in so doing. As a tried and tested platform for dialogue and networking between the three levels of the state, the Sustainable Development Forum will be maintained and strengthened through cooperation based on partnership. The Confederation promotes regional and local sustainability processes and projects by providing targeted logistical, technical and financial support and by means of activities to network the players involved. 7.3 Cooperation with civil society, business and academia Sustainable development is a task incumbent on the whole of society, with civil society, business and academia playing a vital role alongside the three levels of state. They make a major contribution to attaining the SDGs by means of pioneering ideas and concrete activities. Effective teamwork between public, private and civil society partners can create synergies for sustainable development and minimise adverse consequences. 7 Cooperation and partnerships to implement the strategy 55 The Federal Council takes on board all relevant interest groups in a participatory and partnership-based manner in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 SDS by intensifying and institutionalising the dialogue with them and, in par­ ticular, consulting them on future revisions of the 2030 SDS and the associated action plans as well as the various reports. It is keen to foster open dialogue between all partners and further reinforce multifaceted cooperation on sustainability policy both domestically and internationally. This paves the way for a range of perspectives to be taken into account and makes for a better understanding of the cross- connections between individual SDGs and of the 2030 Agenda in its entirety. For this purpose, the Federal Council uses existing vehicles and creates space for mobilising new players and ideas. The 2030 Agenda Advisory Group appointed by the 2030 Agenda Steering Committee – comprising director-level representatives of civil society, business, academia and other interested parties – plays a pivotal role here. 7.4 Communications The successful implementation of sustainable development at all state levels and in society calls for an active information policy. Within the scope of their sectoral powers, all federal agencies pursue the relevant communications activities with regard to the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 SDS. At an international level, the overarching commu- nication regarding the 2030 Agenda is the responsibility of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and at a national level, the Federal Office for Spatial Develop- ment (ARE). The cantons, communes, and business, civil society and academia are closely involved in the process. On the one hand, the Federal Council pursues the overall aim of making the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs better known by means of good communication that is coordinated among the departments. On the other hand, the Council’s intention is that the various target groups will perceive the 2030 Agenda as an opportunity, within the scope of their own powers and activities, to create a concrete connec- tion with the 2030 Agenda and accordingly communicate their engagement and their specific contributions. 56 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 8 Policy cycle, monitoring and reporting The 2030 SDS is implemented and further improved based on a four-year policy cycle. The monitoring, baseline assessment and reporting for the purposes of the country report, the interim evaluation of the 2030 SDS, the further development of the 2030 SDS and the approval of future action plans are all interrelated and interdependent. At an international level, Switzerland participates in the monitoring and in the UN review mechanism. 8.1 Policy cycle for implementing the 2030 Agenda and further developing the 2030 SDS At federal level, implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the further development of the 2030 SDS each take place on a four-yearly basis, coinciding with a legislature period. Every two years, and on an alternating basis, a progress report on the imple- mentation of the 2030 Agenda is tabled and a new 2030 SDS Action Plan is approved. Every four years the Federal Council presents a country report outlining Switzerland’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda. The next report is scheduled for 2022. The country report is intended for the Swiss public and is submitted to the UN under the Voluntary National Review mechanism. It highlights the areas of greatest need for action and the most significant progress made by Switzerland in implementing the 2030 Agenda and takes the priority topics of the 2030 SDS into consideration. The country report is based on a comprehensive, previously updated baseline assess- ment of all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, mandated by the Federal Council, and on a statistical situation analysis. This baseline assessment therefore serves as guidance in all policy areas that are of relevance to implementing the 2030 Agenda, and in further developing the 2030 SDS and its action plans. In early 2024 and in the framework of the dispatch on 2023–2027 legislature planning, the Federal Council is to approve a new action plan for the 2024–2027 period including additional federal policy measures. In terms of content, the 2030 SDS should in essence remain as consistent as possible throughout the implementation period up to 2030. Where necessary, the Federal Council will refine the strategy in a pragmatic manner, especially to take proper account of new challenges, political decisions, as well as international or domestic developments. Any necessary adjustments will flow from the findings of this baseline assessment as well as from an interim assessment of the 2030 SDS implementation conducted in each case towards the end of the legislative period. At the various stages of the review, the cantons and communes, as well as the business sector, civil society and academia are consulted and included in the process as appropriate. 8 Policy cycle, monitoring and reporting 57 8.2 Monitoring of sustainable development Knowledge of the status and evolution of the most important sustainable development parameters is crucial to the balancing of interests and to policy decision-making. This explains why sustainable development monitoring as an instrument of implemen­ tation has steadily gained in importance. The enhanced MONET 2030 indicator system for monitoring sustainable development ensures the measurability of the framework of the 2030 Agenda objectives adapted to Switzerland. The indicators take a holistic approach to monitoring the developments, taking into account the living conditions of the present generation and the fairness of distribution over space and time. The indicators are selected not on the basis of policy specifications but in accordance with a consistent methodological concept. The indicators fulfil the requirements of official statistics and this ensures independence, neutrality, transparency and representativeness. The appendix ( Appendix 3) contains the list of MONET 2030 indicators that allow for the specific measurement of trends with regard to the 2030 SDS goals under the three priority topics. These indicators are categorised in accordance with the subtopics. For each indicator, the source, the frequency of the survey and, where available, other information such as a breakdown by gender are given. For indicators that are still being developed or which cannot yet be produced, a provisional title as well as the publication timeline are given where possible. The indicators assigned to the goals of the 2030 SDS are also used for the regular reporting on the implementation of the 2030 SDS. Because the indicators mostly cover just one specific aspect of a goal, they are supplemented with additional items of statistical information (called ”clusters”). These clusters enhance the informative value of the indicators in that they facilitate more in-depth analysis of the goals of the 2030 SDS as well as the interlinkages among them. All MONET 2030 indicators can be viewed on the website www.statistics2030.ch, where a specific display of the 2030 SDS indicators is possible. Moreover, the Confederation makes targeted foreign policy contributions to improving the worldwide data situation and assists developing countries in building national capacities for sustainable development monitoring. It works towards ensuring that relevant international players such as UN programmes are able to make their contribution to data collection. Worldwide achievement of the goals of the 2030 Agenda is measured on the basis of a list of international indicators which are set by the United Nations Statistical Commission and are identical for all countries. They are published in an annual progress report by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. 58 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 8.3 Reporting and international review mechanism Switzerland is committed to an efficient review and reporting mechanism for the 2030 Agenda. At an international level, UN member states have agreed to give an account of their progress at regular intervals in the form of country reports. This reporting takes place within the framework of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which meets under the aegis of the UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and supports and monitors implementation of the 2030 Agenda, with the involvement of all stakeholders worldwide. Every four years the Federal Council prepares a country report outlining developments, progress and setbacks in implementing the 2030 Agenda. That report draws on a baseline assessment and a situation analysis based on MONET 2030 indicators. Dialogue is also sought with international peers. Furthermore, all federal agencies include the 2030 Agenda in their own periodic reports on items of business or areas covered by their sectoral policies. Finally, each year the Federal Council includes in its annual report to the Parliament a brief account of the status of implementation of the 2030 Agenda and specific activities from a domestic or foreign policy perspective. 8 Policy cycle, monitoring and reporting 59 Appendices

Appendix 1: The 17 global Sustainable Development Goals NO ZERO GOOD HEALTH QUALITY POVERTY HUNGER AND WELL-BEING EDUCATION End poverty in all its forms End hunger, achieve food Ensure healthy lives and Ensure inclusive and everywhere security and improved promote well-being for all equitable quality education nutrition and promote at all ages and promote lifelong sustainable agriculture learning opportunities for all GENDER CLEAN WATER AFFORDABLE AND DECENT WORK AND EQUALITY AND SANITATION CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMIC GROWTH Achieve gender equality Ensure availability and Ensure access to affordable, Promote sustained, inclusive and empower all women sustainable management of reliable, sustainable and sustainable economic and girls water and sanitation for all and modern energy for all growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all INDUSTRY, INNOVATION REDUCED SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESPONSIBLE AND INFRASTRUCTURE INEQUALITIES AND COMMUNITIES CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION Build resilient infrastructure, Reduce inequality within Make cities and human Ensure sustainable consump- promote inclusive and and among countries settlements inclusive, safe, tion and production patterns sustainable industrialisation resilient and sustainable and foster innovation 60 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy CLIMATE LIFE LIFE PEACE, JUSTICE ACTION BELOW WATER ON LAND AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS Take urgent action to Conserve and sustainably Protect, restore and promote Promote peaceful and combat climate change and use the oceans, seas sustainable use of terrestrial inclusive societies for its impacts and marine resources for ecosystems, sustainably sustainable development, sustainable development manage forests, combat provide access to justice desertification, and halt and for all and build effective, reverse land degradation accountable and inclusive and end biodiversity loss institutions at all levels PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development Appendices 61

Appendix 2: SDS 2030 overview structure Priority topic 4.1 Sustainable consumption and sustainable production Goals International (SDG directions: Subtopics targets) National strategic directions related SDGs 4.1.1 Promoting and 12.8 (a) Boosting the supply of sustainable goods 12 facilitating sustainable and services consumption patterns 12.8 (b) Improving consumer knowledge 12.c (c) Averting the negative impacts of subsidies or tax incentives for fossil fuels by reducing or restructuring them 4.1.2 Ensuring prosperi- 12.2 (a), (a) Promoting socially and environmentally sustainable 12, 8 ty and well-being while 8.4, 8.2 production patterns protecting natural resources 8.2 (b) Boosting competitiveness and innovative capacity as well as the productivity of the Swiss economy 8.4 (c) Promoting a circular economy 12.4 (d) Avoiding the adverse effects of chemical products on health and the environment 4.1.3 Furthering the 2.1 (a) Promoting healthy, balanced and sustainable 2, 3, 12 transformation to nutrition sustainable food systems in Switzerland 12.3 (b) Reducing food waste and abroad 12.2 (b) (c) Enhancing sustainability throughout the food value chain 2.4, 12.2 (b) (d) Enhancing the resilience of the food system 4.1.4 Strengthening 12.6 (a) Strengthening responsible corporate governance 12 corporate responsibility all along the value chain in Switzerland and internationally Priority topic 4.2 Climate, energy and biodiversity Goals International (SDG directions: Subtopics targets) National strategic directions related SDGs 4.2.1 Reducing green- 13.2 (a) Rapidly and substantially reducing all greenhouse 13, 11, 15, 7 house gas emissions gas emissions and managing climate-related impacts 13.1 (b) Coordinated and sustainable management of the effects of climate change 11.b (c) Designing sustainable and resilient settlement areas 13.3 (d) Enhancing awareness and sensitisation and promoting skills development 4.2.2 Lowering energy 7.3 (a) Reducing energy consumption 7 consumption, using energy more efficiently 7.1, 7.2 (b) Rapidly expanding renewable energies, scaling back and expanding renew­ non-renewable energies and ensuring the reliability able energy sources of supply 62 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Goals International (SDG directions: Subtopics targets) National strategic directions related SDGs 4.2.3 Preserving, 15.5, 15.8, (a) Preserving, sustainably using, promoting and 15 sustainably using, 15.a, 15.1, regenerating biodiversity and genetic diversity promoting and regen­ 15.3 erating biodiversity 15.a, 15.1, (b) Creating a functioning ecological infrastructure 6.6 15.3 (c) Using soil sustainably, avoiding soil degradation and loss, and preserving and restoring soil functions Priority topic 4.3 Equal opportunities and social cohesion Goals International (SDG directions: Subtopics targets) National strategic directions related SDGs 4.3.1 Promoting individ- 1.2 (a) Preventing and alleviating poverty as well as 1, 3, 4, 8 ual self-determination promoting social and professional integration 3.8 (b) Increasing the chances of a healthy life and facilitating low-threshold access to healthcare 11.1 (c) Promoting the supply of decent housing 4.3 (d) Guaranteeing equitable access to education 4.3.2 Ensuring social 10.3 (a) Eliminating all forms of discrimination 10, 11 cohesion 8.5 (a) (b) Guaranteeing inclusion for people with disabilities 10.7 (c) Facilitating the integration of migrants and ensuring protection for vulnerable persons 10.2 (d) Encouraging social, cultural, economic and political inclusion and participation 11.a (e) Reducing regional disparities 1.3 (f) Ensuring the long-term stability of retirement pension systems 4.3.3 Guaranteeing real 5.1, 5.4, (a) Guaranteeing economic independence, equal pay 5 equality between 8.5 (b) as well as a good work-life balance women and men 5.5 (b) Promoting appropriate representation in decision-making bodies 5.2 (c) Abolishing sexism and violence and combating gender stereotypes Appendices 63

Appendix 3: Overview of the MONET 2030 monitoring system indicators for the 39 targets of the 2030 SDS Priority topic 4.1 Sustainable consumption and sustainable production Data Goal Assigned indicators availability Source Comments Status 4.1.1 Promoting and facilitating sustainable consumption patterns 12.8 Environmental behaviour As of 2011, FSO in everyday life every 4 years 12.c Petroleum tax relief extended As of 2002, FCA The existing indicator Working title: Tax abatements annually to be extended by further for fossil fuels tax abatements. 4.1.2 Ensuring prosperity and well-being while protecting natural resources 12.2 (a) Material footprint per person As of 2000, FSO annually 8.4 Material footprint As of 2000, FSO annually 8.2 Labour productivity As of 1991, FSO annually 12.4 Working title: Listed chemical As of 2012, FOPH An indicator based on substances annually Switzerland’s regulatory risk reduction measures for chemical substances is being prepared. 4.1.3 Furthering the transformation to sustainable food systems in Switzerland and abroad 2.1 Fruit and vegetables consumption As of 2012, FSO Further breakdown every 5 years by gender available. 12.3 Working title: Avoidable food loss Currently no data available. in Switzerland (along the entire value chain) per person 12.2 (b) Greenhouse gas footprint As of 2000, FSO Further breakdown per annually person available. 2.4 Nitrogen balance from agriculture As of 1990, FSO annually Greenhouse gas emissions As of 1990, Agro- from agriculture annually scope Working title: Share of organic farming As of FSO Indicator being developed. 1996/1997, annually 4.1.4 Strengthening corporate responsibility in Switzerland and internationally 12.6 Gap Existing indicator Development of the indicator Development of the indicator planned by end 2022 planned for later 64 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Priority topic 4.2 Climate, energy and biodiversity Data Goal Assigned indicators availability Source Comments Status 4.2.1 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing climate-related impacts 13.2 Greenhouse gas emissions As of 1990, FOEN annually 13.1 Working title: Heat-related deaths Indicator being developed. 11.b Working title: Damage caused As of 1972, WSL The existing indicator will be by natural disasters in settlement areas annually adjusted so as to focus on settlement areas. 13.3 Assessment of dangers associated As of 2011, FSO Further breakdown with climate change every 4 years by gender available. 4.2.2 Lowering energy consumption, using energy more efficiently and expanding renewable energy sources 7.3 Final energy consumption per capita As of 1990, FSO, annually SFOE 7.1 Energy dependency As of 1980, SFOE annually Final energy consumption by energy As of 1980, SFOE source annually 7.2 Renewable energies As of 1990, SFOE annually Electricity production As of 2000, SFOE from renewable energies annually 4.2.3 Preserving, sustainably using, promoting and regenerating biodiversity 15.5 Biocoenosis diversity in meadows As of 2001/2005, FOEN and pastures annually Populations of breeding birds As of 1990, Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach annually 15.8 Invasive alien species As of 2006, Info irregularly Flora 15.a Biodiversity-related expenditure As of 2011, FOEN New indicator being (until further notice) annually developed. 15.1 Swiss protected areas As of 2000, FOEN annually 6.6 Structure of watercourses 1998/2006, FOEN irregularly 15.3 Soil sealing As of FSO 1979/1985, every 12 years (until 2004/2009) or every 6 years (as of 2013/2018) Appendices 65 Priority topic 4.3 Equal opportunities and social cohesion Data Goal Assigned indicators availability Source Comments Status 4.3.1 Promoting individual self-determination 1.2 Poverty rate As of 2007, FSO Further breakdown annually by gender available. 3.8 Foregoing necessary medical care As of 2007, FSO for financial reasons annually 11.1 Housing costs As of 1998, FSO every 3 years 4.3 Teaching staff at higher education As of 2013, FSO The share of women institutions annually is shown. 4.3.2 Ensuring social cohesion 10.3 Victims of discrimination As of 2016, FSO Breakdown by gender every 2 years available. Further breakdowns are being prepared. 8.5 (a) Participation of disabled persons As of 2007, FSO Adaptation of the current in the labour market annually indicator to highlight the category of people with disabilities severely limited. 10.7 Risk of poverty by migration status As of 2012, FSO Broken down by migration annually status, further breakdown by gender available. Working title: Unemployment rate As of 2012, FSO New indicator broken down by migration status annually by migration status First diploma rate at As of 2018, FSO Broken down by nationality upper secondary level annually and place of birth 10.2 Working title: Political FSO Indicator being developed and civic activities (from the FSO integration indicators). 11.a Working title: Regional disparities FSO Indicator being developed (regional disparities regarding population and labour market development and/or access to services). 1.3 Total social security expenditure As of 1990, FSO annually 66 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Data Goal Assigned indicators availability Source Comments Status 4.3.3 Guaranteeing real equality between women and men 5.1 Wage gap between women and men As of 1994, FSO every 2 years 5.4 Time spent on professional activity As of 1997, FSO Broken down by gender and on domestic work every 3 years 8.5 (b) Women’s employment rate As of 1996, FSO annually Wage gap between women and men As of 1994, FSO every 2 years 5.5 Women in National Council and As of 1971, FSO in cantonal parliaments every 4 years Professional position by sex As of 2011, FSO annually 5.2 Domestic violence As of 2009, FSO Further breakdown annually by gender available. Appendices 67 1 United Nations UN (2015). Transforming our World: 13 www.bfs.admin.ch > Look for statistics > Sustainable The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development development > More sustainable development indicators > Switzerland’s ecological footprint 2 Independent Group of Scientists appointed by the (viewed on 25.2.2020). Secretary-General (2019). Global Sustainable Development Report 2019: The Future is Now – 14 www.uvek.admin.ch Federal Council wants resource Science for Achieving Sustainable Development. conservation measures (Bundesrat will Massnahmen zur United Nations, New York. Ressourcenschonung) (viewed on 10.7.2020) 3 Wuelser G., Chesney M., Mayer H., Niggli U., Pohl C., 15 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2020). Sahakian M., Stauffacher M., Zinsstag J., Edwards P. Federal Government measures for a resource-conserving, (2020). Priority Themes for Swiss Sustainability Research. future-proof Switzerland (Green Economy) Swiss Academies Reports 15 (5). Bern. (Massnahmen des Bundes für eine ressourcenschonende, zukunftsfähige Schweiz) (Grüne Wirtschaft). Bern. 4 Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE, Swiss Agency Per capita materials consumption was 18 tonnes in 2016. for Development and Cooperation SDC (2018). This figure is appreciably above the average for EU Switzerland implements the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable countries (14 tonnes per capita). In the Environment Development. Baseline assessment of Switzerland Switzerland 2018 report, the Federal Council stated: serving as basis for the country report 2018. Bern. “An equitable global distribution provides a threshold value of 5.2 tonnes of raw materials consumed per 5 Swiss Federal Council. Switzerland implements capita and per year [...]; the varying significance of the the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – different raw materials for the environment, however, Switzerland’s Country Report 2018. Bern. must also be taken into account.” Like energy consump- tion, the consumption of materials is also among 6 The basis for this was the gathering of information the key factors impacting the environment and more on the status of implementation of the 169 targets, specifically, the climate: About half of all greenhouse effected as part of the 2018 baseline assessment. gas emissions stem from the extraction and processing www.are.admin.ch > Sustainable development of natural resources (International Resource Panel > International cooperation > 2030 Agenda (IRP 2019). > Informationssammlung zum Umsetzungsstand der 169 Targets (Information gathering on the status 16 State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of implementation the 169 targets) New growth policy 2016–2019 (Neue Wachstumspolitik 2016–2019) Bern. Federal Office for the Environment 7 The international strategic directions are taken primarily (FOEN) (2020). Federal Government measures for a from: Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–2023; resource-conserving, future-proof Switzerland Dispatch on Switzerland’s International Cooperation (Green Economy) (Massnahmen des Bundes für eine Strategy 2021–2024. ressourcenschonende, zukunftsfähige Schweiz) (Grüne Wirtschaft). Bern. 8 Between 1995 and 2018, the population increased by 21 % while consumer spending rose by 42 %. 17 Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE (2016). www.bfs.admin.ch > Look for statistics > National Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019. Bern. economy > National accounts > Investment, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) consumption expenditure > Consumption expenditure New growth policy 2016–2019 (Neue Wachstumspolitik of private households > Households final national 2016–2019). Bern. consumption expenditure (Table je-d-04.02.05.01, as of 27.8.2019), Neuchâtel. 18 Chemicals Ordinance (ChemO); Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem); Federal Office of Public Health 9 www.bafu.admin.ch > Topics > Topic waste FOPH, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, > In brief (viewed on 5.3.2020). Federal Office for the Environment FOEN, Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG, State Secretariat for Economic 10 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2018). Affairs SECO (2017). Strategy for Chemical Safety. Bern. Environment Switzerland 2018. Bern. Ordinance on Biocidal Products (OBP); Plant Protection Products Ordinance (PlantPPO); Waste Ordinance 11 Art. 10 and Art. 49 EPA; Federal Office for Spatial (ADWO), Ordinance on Movements of Waste (OMW); Development ARE (2016). Sustainable Development Major Accidents Ordinance (MAO) Strategy 2016–2019. Bern. 19 Art. 2 Environmental Protection Act of 7 October 1983; 12 For example, life-cycle inventories for some EPA. 4,000 products and processes that are of greatest importance to the Federal Administration and 20 Some 42 % of Switzerland’s adult population are regularly updated by the FOEN (www.lc-inventories.ch), overweight, 11 % of them being obese; the proportion ecoinvent Version IFS (under preparation), World is about 15 % for children and young people. Apparel Lifecycle Database (WALD) and World Food www.bag.admin.ch > Health promotion & prevention Lifecycle Database (WFLDB) > Körpergewicht (Body weight) > Übergewicht und Adipositas (Excess weight and obesity) (viewed on 21.9.2020). 68 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 21 Zimmermann A., Nemecek T., Waldvogel T. (2017). Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA (2020). Umwelt- und ressourcenschonende Ernährung: Business and Human Rights: Swiss National Action Plan Detaillierte Analyse für die Schweiz, Agroscope Science, 2020–2023. Bern. Federal Office for the Environment 55, 1–170 (FOEN) (2020). Federal Government measures for a resource-conserving, future-proof Switzerland 22 Federal Office for the Environment (2019). Food waste (Massnahmen des Bundes für eine ressourcenschonende, in Switzerland: Environmental impact and reduction zukunftsfähige Schweiz) (Green Economy). Bern. potential. Zurich 32 United Nations (2011). Guiding Principles on Business 23 Definition of the food system and sustainable food and Human Rights p. 4, New York and Geneva. systems: HLPE 2014 33 Both the OECD guidelines and papers on due diligence 24 Zimmermann A., Nemecek T., Waldvogel T. (2017). contain recommendations for all industries and Umwelt- und ressourcenschonende Ernährung: specifically for the raw materials, agricultural, textile and Detaillierte Analyse für die Schweiz, Agroscope Science, financial sectors (cf. http://mneguidelines.oecd.org/ 55, 1–170. duediligence). 25 Long-term goal: By 2050, the population’s diet will be 34 Swiss Federal Council (2018). Environment Switzerland. in line with the food pyramid. A linear development Report of the Federal Council. Bern. would see 33 % of the population consuming a diet in line with the recommendations of the food pyramid 35 IPCC (2018): Global warming of 1.5 °C. An IPCC Special by 2030. Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse 26 Postulate 18.3829, Isabelle Chevalley, 5.3.2018. gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening Action plan against food waste. the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty. 27 According to the sectoral strategy on climate, agriculture and nutrition (as of 18.6.2020). The great need for 36 www.meteoschweiz.admin.ch > Climate action in this area is made clear in both national studies > Swiss climate in detail > Pre-industrial reference period (e.g. Zimmermann et al. 2017) and international ones, (viewed on 10.3.2020) such as The Lancet (2019): Food in the Anthropocene or Akenji et al. (2019). The latter postulates that: 37 National Centre for Climate Services (2018): “the required footprint reductions in the case of de­ CH2018 climate scenarios for Switzerland. Zurich. veloped countries are at least 47 % in nutrition (…) by 2030.” The present intermediate target was set with 38 Federal Council decree of 28 August 2019. feasibility in mind. 39 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2012). 28 The implementation of the target and the measurement Adaptation to climate change in Switzerland. of its achievement are set out under Action area 3 of Goals, challenges and fields of action. First part of the Action Plan. the Federal Council’s strategy, 2.3.2012. 29 It also supports the implementation of the OECD/FAO 40 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2016). guidelines for responsible agricultural supply chains. Concept for climate training and communication OECD/FAO (2016). OECD/FAO guidelines for responsible programme. Report to the Federal Council, 4.8.2016. agricultural supply chains. Paris. Bern. 30 State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) CSR 41 Swiss Federal Council (2012). Swiss Biodiversity Strategy. Position Paper and Action Plan of the Federal Council Bern. (2015–2019 Action Plan and 2020–2023 Action Plan). On 29 November 2020, the popular initiative 42 Swiss Federal Council (2021). Switzerland’s Long-Term “For responsible businesses – protecting human rights Climate Strategy. Bern. and the environment” was rejected. This means that the indirect counterproposal already decided on by the 43 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2020). Parliament can take effect if no referendum is held. Landschaftskonzept Schweiz. Landschaft und Natur in The counterproposal envisages for the introduction of a den Politikbereichen des Bundes. (Swiss Landscape sustainability reporting and due diligence requirement Concept. Landscape and nature in federal policy areas). as well as transparency regarding conflict minerals and Bern. child labour. 44 The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction 31 State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Federal UNISDR (2015). Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Council Position Paper and Action Plan on Corporate Reduction 2015–2030. Geneva. Responsibility for Society and the Environment (2015– 2019 and 2020–2023) (Positionspapier und Aktionsplan 45 Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE (2016). des Bundesrates zur Verantwortung der Unternehmen für Transport Outlook 2040 – Development of passenger Gesellschaft und Umwelt [2015–2019 and 2020–2023]). and freight transport in Switzerland. Bern. Bern. State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Swiss Appendices 69 46 Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Schweizerische International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the Gesamtenergiestatistik 2018 (Swiss overall energy FAO and the International Convention for the Regulation statistics 2018). Bern. of Whaling (International Whaling Commission IWC). 47 Art. 3 EnG (Federal Energy Act). 63 The regional biodiversity-related environmental agreements include: Council of Europe’s Convention 48 Art. 1, para. 1 EnG; Art. 89 para. 1 Cst. on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), European Landscape 49 Figure according to revised Federal Energy Act (EnG). Still Convention of the Council of Europe. be adopted by the Federal Council before summer 2021. 64 IPBES (2019): Global assessment report on biodiversity 50 Art. 2 and Art. 5 para. 1 let. b EnG and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem 51 If necessary, this section will be aligned with the Services. outcomes of the biodiversity framework currently being developed. 65 Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing. 52 IPBES (2018): The regional assessment report on biodiver- 66 This strategy employs the terms “equal opportunity” sity and ecosystem services for Europe and Central Asia: as well as “equity of opportunity”. “Equal opportunity” summary for policymakers. Intergovernmental Science- in the sense of the aim to afford all persons the same Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. opportunities to participate in society, “equity of IPBES Secretariat, Bonn. opportunity” in the sense of the operational implemen­ tation principle, meaning the creation of conditions 53 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2017). which ensure that all persons are given the opportunities Biodiversity in Switzerland: Status and Trends. Results and possibilities to which they are entitled. of the biodiversity monitoring system in 2016. Bern. 67 www.bfs.admin.ch > Look for statistics > Economic and 54 Delarze R., Gonseth Y. et al. (2015). Lebensräume der social situation of the population > Social situation, Schweiz (Habitats Switzerland), (under revision). well-being and poverty > Poverty and material depriv­ ation > Poverty (viewed on: 5.4.2021). 55 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2012). Swiss Biodiversity Strategy. Bern. 68 Swiss Coordination Centre for Research in Education SCCRE (2018). Swiss Education Report 2018. Aarau. 56 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2016). Switzerland’s strategy on invasive alien species (Strategie 69 “Decent housing” requirements according to FSIO, FHO der Schweiz zu invasiven gebietsfremden Arten). Bern. (2015), Wohnversorgung in der Schweiz (Housing supply in Switzerland): Seclusion, structural stability and 57 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2012). accessibility, suitability for human use, dryness and Swiss Biodiversity Strategy. Bern. heating, adequate ventilation and lighting, room size (minimum spatial freedom of movement), sanitation 58 Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2012). (spatially separated toilet facilities and washing facilities Swiss Biodiversity Strategy. Bern. The absolute figure is with clean running water), essential basic equipment based on an internationally agreed coverage target. (assets such as furniture or household appliances exempt from seizure), location (avoiding exclusion owing to 59 Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (Waters residential location, access to basic services), privacy Protection Act, WPA) Waters Protection Ordinance of (minimum possibility to retire to a private space). 28 October 1998 (WPO). 70 Federal Social Insurance Office FSIO, Federal Housing 60 Swiss Federal Council (2020). Swiss National Soil Strategy Office FHO (2015). Wohnversorgung in der Schweiz. for sustainable soil management. Federal Council Bestandsaufnahme über Haushalte von Menschen Strategy. Bern. in Armut und prekären Lebenslagen. Forschungsbericht Nr. 15/15. (Housing supply in Switzerland. Status 61 Swiss Federal Council (2020). Swiss National Soil Strategy report on people living in impoverished households and for sustainable soil management. Federal Council precarious circumstances. Research Report 15/15). Bern. Strategy. Bern. 71 Swiss Federal Council (2017). Auswirkungen der Digitali­ 62 The global biodiversity-related environmental agreements sierung auf Beschäftigung und Arbeitsbedingungen – include: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Chancen und Risiken (Implications of digitisation for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species employment and working conditions – opportunities and of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Bonn Convention on risks), Report of the Federal Council in fulfilment of the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals postulates 15.3854, Reynard, 16.9.2015 and 17.3222, (CMS), International Treaty on Plant-Genetic Resources and Derder, 17.3.2017. Bern. for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Convention Concerning the Protection of 72 Swiss Federal Council (2020). Dispatch on Legislature the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (UNESCO WHC), Planning [Botschaft zur Legislaturplanung] 2019–2023. Bern. 70 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy 73 Swiss Federal Council (2020). Dispatch on Legislature 86 Art. 8, para. 4 Cst. Swiss Federal Council (2020). Dispatch Planning (Botschaft zur Legislaturplanung) 2019–2023. on Legislature Planning (Botschaft zur Legislaturplanung) Bern. Federal Office of Public Health FOPH (2019). 2019–2023. Bern. Swiss Federal Council (2016). Health2030. Federal Council’s health policy strategy Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019. Bern. 2020–2030. Bern. 87 Asylum Act (AsylA), Foreign Nationals Act (FNA), 74 Swiss Federal Council (2016). Sustainable Development Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP), Strategy 2016–2019. Bern. International Cooperation Strategy 2021–2024. 75 Art. 8, paras. 2 and 3 Cst. (Equality before the law), 88 Art. 1 Federal Act on Regional Policy, Spatial Strategy for Art. 61a Cst. (Swiss Education Area), Art. 63 Cst. Switzerland, Confederation’s 2016+ Agglomeration (Vocational and professional education and training), Policy, the Confederation’s policy on rural and mountain Art 63a Cst. (Higher education institutions), areas. Art 66 Cst. (Education grants). 89 Multiple discrimination describes a situation in which 76 In essence, Switzerland defines illicit financial flows there is discrimination on several grounds (e.g. sex, as cross-border capital movements bound up with illegal origin, social status). Intersectional discrimination refers activities such as money laundering, corruption or to situations in which several grounds for discrimination tax evasion and avoidance. are present and simultaneously interact such that they cannot be separated from one another (cf. European 77 The term “race” is used here within the meaning of the Commission [2007]. Tackling multiple discrimination. Constitution to describe a socially constructed char­ Practices, policies and laws. Luxembourg). acteristic that is used for categorisation and exclusion. 90 See Swiss guidelines on human rights defenders 78 This also encompasses discrimination based (viewed on 10.5.2021) on gender identity. 91 World Economic Forum (2019). Global Gender Gap 79 This specifically includes discrimination on grounds of Report 2018. Geneva. sexual orientation and discrimination based on the itinerant way of life. 92 In 2020, for example, 8,106 women fell victim to domestic violence, representing 70 % of all cases. 80 Art. 8, para. 2 Cst. www.bfs.admin.ch > Look for statistics > Crime and criminal justice > Police > Domestic violence 81 Swiss Federal Council (2016). Right of protection from (viewed on 14 April 2021). discrimination. Report of the Federal Council in fulfilment of the Naef postulate. Bern. 93 Art. 8, para. 3 Cst., Swiss Federal Council (2016). Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019. Bern. 82 Referendum of 9 February 2020: Prohibition of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). 83 The term “race” is used here within the meaning of 94 Swiss Federal Council (2020). Dispatch on Legislature the Constitution to describe a socially constructed Planning (Botschaft zur Legislaturplanung) 2019–2023. characteristic that is used for categorisation and exclu- Bern. sion. So far, no alternative terms or descriptions (e.g. ethnicity, origin) have gained currency and neatly 95 SDG target 8.5 is included twice so as to take account encapsulate all the characteristics covered by the term of the various aspects of the subtopics it covers. “race” while guaranteeing uniform protection from racial discrimination. Some European countries (Austria, 96 Art. 8.3 Cst., Swiss Federal Council (2020). Dispatch on Finland and Sweden) have eliminated the term “race” Legislature Planning (Botschaft zur Legislaturplanung) from their national law. Other countries, such as 2019–2023. Bern. France, have opted for a compromise. Hence, the French Criminal Code has replaced the term “race” with 97 Swiss Federal Council (2016). Sustainable Development “supposed race” (cf. Mahon P., Graf A.-L., Steffanini F. Strategy 2016–2019. Bern. (2019). Der Begriff «Rasse» im schweizerischen Recht. Juristische Studie. Fachstelle für Rassismusbekämpfung 98 National Action Plan to Fight Human Trafficking 2017– (Legal study commissioned by the Service for Combating 2020, Swiss Criminal Code (SR 311.0), Sustainable Racism). Bern. Can be accessed at: www.frb.admin.ch Development Strategy 2016–2019, Convention on the > Statutory rights and advice > Legal Framework. Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Istanbul Convention. 84 Arts. 8, paras.1 and 2 Cst. 99 In this connection, see the concept of “levers” in the 85 SDG target 8.5 is included twice so as to take account Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) (Inde- of the various aspects of the subtopics that it covers. pendent Group of Scientists appointed by the Secre- tary-General [2019]. Global Sustainable Development Report 2019: The Future is Now – Science for Achieving Sustainable Development. United Nations, New York). Appendices 71 100 State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). CSR 106 www.sif.admin.ch > Press release of 12.1.2021 Position Paper and Action Plan of the Federal Council (viewed on 10.5.2021). (Positionspapier und Aktionsplan des Bundesrates zur Verantwortung der Unternehmen für Gesellschaft 107 Swiss Federal Council (2018). Overview of Innovation und Umwelt) (2015–2019 and 2020–2023). Bern. Policy. Report of the Federal Council in fulfilment State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Swiss of postulate 13.3073, Derder, 13.3.2013. Bern. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA (2020). Business and Human Rights: Swiss National Action Plan 108 Urs Bolz, Pascal Lüthi et al. (2017). Corporate Social (2020–2023). Bern. Responsibility (CSR), Der Bund als Vorbild? Eine Auslegeordnung, im Auftrag des ARE (The Confeder­ 101 State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) (2013). ation as a model? An overview, commissioned White paper on the new growth policy – analysis of by the ARE); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the strategy hitherto and a look forward to the future Der Bund als Beschaffer (2018), (The Confederation strategy. Report of the EAER in fulfilment of postulate as a purchaser), commissioned by the ARE; as well 13.3907, Leutenegger Oberholzer. Bern. as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Der Bund als Vorbild? Auslegeordnung, Handlungsmöglichkeiten 102 Together with its commitment to achieving sustainable und Checkliste zum persönlichen Einstieg (2018) international trading arrangements at the WTO and (An overview, action options and checklist for becom- through free trade agreements, Switzerland is involved ing personally engaged), commissioned by the ARE in the negotiations on an Agreement on Climate and the FOEN. Bern. Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS). 109 Federal Procurement Conference FPC > Government 103 These “sustainability risks” consist of events or procurement > Procurement controlling Federal circumstances in the realms of the environment, social Administration (viewed on 18.9.2020). affairs or corporate governance, the occurrence of which could have real or potentially significant negative 110 Effective 1.1.2021. implications for the asset, financial and income situation and for the reputation of an enterprise; 111 Art. 8, para. 5 GAOA; see also www.efv.admin.ch this encompasses climate-related risks in the form of > Topics > Financial policy, foundations > Corporate physical risks and transition risks. Examples include Governance > Principles (viewed on 5.12.2019). financial risks arising from physical damage caused by climate change, the financial implications for agricul- 112 www.admin.ch > Documentation > Media releases ture deriving from biodiversity loss, claims for damages > Press releases by the Federal Council > Bundesrat owing to failure to meet product safety standards, beschliesst Paket zur Senkung des Treibhausgas- impacts on the reputation of enterprises, as well as Ausstosses in der Bundesverwaltung (Federal Council market price risks stemming from changing market decrees package to cut greenhouse gas emissions conditions such as the pricing in of expected regulatory in the Federal Administration) (viewed on 2.6.2020). measures. 113 Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Detailed concept 104 www.sif.admin.ch > Press release of 26.6.2020 RUMBA 2020+ (2020–2023). Bern. (viewed on 9.7.2020), as well as www.sif.admin.ch > Press release of 11.12.2020 (viewed on 10.5.2021). 105 mneguidelines.oecd.org > OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (viewed on 9.7.2020) 72 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy Published by Swiss Federal Council Project management Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE, Section sustainable development Daniel Dubas, Doris Angst, Tina Leiser, Maria Stoll www.are.admin.ch/sustainabledevelopment Graphic design Hahn + Zimmermann, Bern Production Rudolf Menzi, Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE Citation Swiss Federal Council, 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, Bern, 23 June 2021 Distribution Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics Distribution of Publications 3003 Bern www.bundespublikationen.admin.ch Art. No. 812.118.e Download of electronic version www.are.admin.ch/sds Also available in German, French and Italian. 500 copies 03/2022 www.are.admin.ch/sds