Leaving no one behind is crucial to facilitating the creation of inclusive societies

Sustainable Development Goal 16 frames inclusion issues in terms of the strength of institutions and participatory processes, measuring progress above all in relation to access to information, inclusive decision-making processes and participation in global governance mechanisms. The 16+ approach also takes aspects of promoting social, economic and political inclusion in the wider sense into account. It focuses firmly on policies related to migration, poverty and urbanisation, promoting global citizenship and advancing women’s participation and leadership, as well as on global financial and economic institutions and an equitable trade system.

Through its efforts in countries and regions such as Egypt, the Great Lakes and Nepal, Switzerland works to promote inclusive societies by endeavouring to ensure the coherence of all the interventions and instruments used in a given context, consolidate the space for civil society and strengthen the latter’s participation in decision-making processes. Ultimately, every one of Switzerland’s actions helps to combat all forms of discrimination, and especially those related to inclusion and gender equality.

Fostering policy coherence and leaving no one behind

Switzerland contributes to discussions on political, social and economic inclusion. At the international level, this means committing to the ‘leave no one behind' approach in the fight against inequality. In its national interventions, it insists on the accountability of the institutions involved, participatory decision-making processes and participation for all in global governance. Switzerland also explores the mutual relationships and dependencies between different intervention sectors in order to support learning and facilitate synergies. In 2019, Switzerland adopted a guidance document on leaving no one behind, which calls for integrated and targeted approaches to reducing poverty and inequality as a means of mainstreaming this principle.

Consolidating the space for civil society and the latter’s participation in decision-making processes

Civil society is a key player in the promotion of peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Switzerland is involved in a number of efforts to foster inclusive participation by civil society in decision-making processes and, more generally, within the civic space in the partner countries. Switzerland recognises, supports and adds value to the contribution made by civil society organisations to implementing the commitments made under the OECD’s New Deal and the 2030 Agenda’s SDG 16. Their role in policy dialogue at both the national and international level should be given more support.

Given the mounting challenges to civic space, which is shrinking in a large number of countries, Switzerland strives to ensure its engagement is driven by an approach that promotes democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Together with its partner countries and organisations, Switzerland is keen to identify the most appropriate strategies for responding to attacks on the space for civil society, especially among the practices that are emerging in the international arena. Several networks have been set up to facilitate learning and exchange on this subject that can be used as input for further action.

Fighting discrimination and promoting gender equality

Switzerland adopts a context-specific rights-based approach, driven by human rights standards and the principle of non-discrimination, which also serves to empower women and girls. The different roles, needs and vulnerabilities of women and men mean that conflict and fragility both have a strong gender dimension. Women and girls are particularly affected by gender-based violence during conflict. At the same time, conflict situations also present opportunities to empower women as key players in national and local governance, conflict transformation and peacebuilding. That is why it is important to understand the impact conflict contexts can have on gender issues, the division of roles, access to resources, and women’s economic empowerment and political participation. Switzerland is likewise committed to defending sexual orientation and gender identity wherever pertinent. All of its cooperation efforts are assessed for gender relevance.

Moreover, Switzerland is at the forefront of international processes, playing an active role in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the work of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The latter published its 'General recommendation No. 30 on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations', in which the Committee addresses state responsibility for guaranteeing the rights of women in conflict-affected contexts. Lastly, Switzerland is actively committed to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 entitled 'Women, Peace and Security', to which end it has adopted a national action plan.