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The Federal Department for Foreign Affairs (FDFA) formulates and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on the instructions of the Federal Council. A coherent foreign policy is a precondition for the effective protection of Swiss interests vis-à-vis foreign countries.

The activity of the FDFA is based on the five foreign-policy objectives defined in the Federal Constitution:

- peaceful coexistence among peoples
- respect for human rights and the promotion of democracy
- safeguarding the interests of the Swiss economy abroad
- relieving need and poverty in the world
- preserving the natural environment.

FDFA and Gender Mainstreaming

The FDFA seeks to ensure, by means of consultation and internal training, that gender aspects are deliberately and systematically integrated into its work. Integration is a factor in both multilateral (UN, OSCE, Council of Europe and others) and bilateral engagement.

Since 8 March 2007 Switzerland has had a national action plan for the implementation of the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Since its accession to the UN Switzerland has belonged to the informal network called the Group of Friends of Resolution 1325, which is committed to implementing the Resolution. The Human Security Network, of which Switzerland is an active member, is also committed to the gender and peace-building initiative.

FDFA and Reporting on Gender

The FDFA is funding a GRI project to improve the coverage of gender issues in sustainability reporting. GRI is collaborating with the IFC on this project which will build dialogue around the issue and identify ways to improve its coverage in the GRI sustainability reporting guidelines. The project will result in a Gender Resource Document, which will support future expert groups working on the refinement of GRI performance indicators for the next generation of Guidelines and development of Sector Supplements.