The Sustainable Development Promotion Program supports innovative projects from municipalities, cantons, and private institutions across Switzerland. These projects contribute to achieving the goals prioritized in the Federal Council's Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 (SNE 2030). The program serves as a concrete instrument of ARE for implementing the 2030 Agenda in Switzerland.
The consumption of natural resources is determined by production and consumption patterns as well as infrastructures. Two-thirds of Switzerland's total environmental impact occurs abroad. Globally, at least four out of nine planetary boundaries have been exceeded: climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and excess phosphorus and nitrogen levels. Switzerland, with its high per capita resource consumption, also contributes to this situation. As an innovative and prosperous country, Switzerland has the opportunity to drive the necessary transition toward sustainable resource management.
EnergieSchweiz is the federal government's central platform for energy efficiency and renewable energies. The program's activities include awareness-raising, information, consultation, education and training, and quality assurance. Through voluntary measures, the program enhances the impact of legal measures and other support instruments. EnergieSchweiz works closely with cantons, cities, municipalities, and partners from the business sector, environmental and consumer organizations, as well as private agencies.
At the annual High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) of the United Nations, UN member states present a country report on the status of implementation in their respective countries. Switzerland submits such a report every four years. For Switzerland's 2022 country report, a comprehensive, digitized assessment of key progress, challenges, and measures was conducted. The "SDGital2030" website provides a complete interim review of Switzerland's implementation of the 2030 Agenda and will be continuously updated and expanded until 2030.
For the information platform on business and human rights, as well as the national action plan, see the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) – State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Switzerland contributes to sustainable development both domestically and internationally through its foreign economic policy. It promotes sustainable trade, global standards for environmental protection, human rights, and labor rights. It also advocates for responsible corporate governance.
Agriculture is a crucial part of the Swiss economy and society, with significant impacts on climate, biodiversity, food security, regional development, and the local economy. Therefore, transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices is a key priority. The Federal Office for Agriculture supports various projects related to these topics.
The Federal Office for Gender Equality promotes gender equality in all areas of life and works to eliminate all forms of direct or indirect discrimination.
The Sustainable Public Procurement (WöB) knowledge platform provides information and tools made available and used by procurement offices and professionals at all federal levels. This information can also be useful and helpful for companies.
Sustainability in the financial sector is gaining importance both nationally and internationally. This presents a great opportunity for the Swiss financial center. The state acts as a facilitator, engaging in an intensive dialogue with the industry and stakeholders while advocating for an optimal regulatory framework. This is one of the most important aspects of sustainability for businesses.
Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. It promotes science-based innovation in the interest of the economy and society. The combination of knowledge, research, and development is the key to economic success. Through innovation projects, networking, training, and coaching, Innosuisse specifically supports collaboration between science and industry.
