Since its foundation in 2009, foraus – Swiss Forum on Foreign Policy – has established itself as a pioneering think tank that brings innovative ideas to Swiss foreign policy and actively involves young people in political decision-making processes. Over the past 15 years, foraus has successfully placed new topics on the political agenda and reached a broad public. Our commitment to evidence-based research has helped to enrich current political discourses and develop solutions to global challenges.
This year, we are celebrating a significant milestone – 15 years of foraus! To celebrate this anniversary in style, we invite you to travel with us through time and space.
We have achieved a great deal over the past 15 years: numerous innovative publications have been written, exciting events organized, and successful collaborations launched.
- foraus went public with its first events and newly created website.
- Launch of the first discussion paper, “The climate after Copenhagen”.
- foraus put down its first roots at RIGIstrasse 52 in Zurich.
- Launch of the newsletter Espresso Diplomatique.
- foraus first started (and continues) to bel responsible for the FDFA’s internal series “Foreign Policy Think Tank Conferences” .
- An absolute record: around 140 events were organised.
- The Think Tank Hub Geneva was founded on the initiative of the FDFA in cooperation with foraus.
- Opening of the second office in Geneva.
- As part of “Hiking Diplomacy”, foraus ventured on a political ridge walk on the topic of migration with several embassies.
- “Völkerrecht kompakt”: the complex topic was explained understandably on 175 pages.
- The launch of PoliTisch takes the Swiss-wide dialog on migration to a new level.
- foraus model goes global: foraus supported the founding and further development of sister organisations abroad.
- Launch of the book “Neuland – Migrationspolitik im 21. Jahrhundert”, which questions the traditional view of migration.
- First training for tomorrow’s think tank leaders with WiSCH / Geneva Winter School for Think Tankers.
- Launch of Policy Kitchen – a digital platform where people can work together across borders on foreign policy challenges.
- Launch of the global campaign “Towards an Inclusive Future in AI” together with Swissnex Network and AI Commons thanks to foraus’ Policy Kitchen methodology.
- New logo and branding for the 10th anniversary of foraus.
- foraus took part in the “Europa Forum” in Lucerne for the first time.
- Initiation of “Foreign Policy Day” as an annual meeting place for the foreign policy scene together with the Swiss Foreign Policy Association (SGA-ASPE).
- Innovative event formats in times of Covid, e.g., #VersusVirus hackathon.
- Launch of the first joint publication of the Open Think Tank Network “Introducing the Purple Age: Crowdsourced Recommendation for a Feminist Foreign Policy”.
- As part of the Hirschmann Foundation’s scholarship program, foraus conducts ideation processes with around 25 university students twice a year.
- Important milestone in the development of the Open Think Tank Network (OpenTTN): the network is legally constituted and based in Geneva. The network currently consists of Polis180 in Germany, Agora in the UK, Ponto in Austria, and foraus in Switzerland.
- Launch of an important political debate with the publication “Foundation of a Swiss Green Investment Bank (SGIB)”. Five parties submitted a motion in the Federal Parliament.
- Launch of the new “OpenTTN Hangout” format for exchange between members of the Community.
- Foresight became a key component of Policy Kitchen: the digital tool – the prototype of the Futures App – uses AI-generated narratives and gamification.
- Special year – election year 2023: with the motto: “Foreign policy is our cup of tea”, 14 foreign policy briefings on 14 topics were launched with foraus expertise.
- Global developments and their significance for Switzerland were analysed in the 26 chapters of the book “Hinausschauen”.
- foraus turns 15! Take part in the anniversary celebration on October 18 and 19 in Bern.
Highlights of the event
Think you know foraus?
Celebrate our 15th anniversary with a quick quiz on foraus’ history and achievements. Test your knowledge and have fun!
Take the quiz here!
15 years of foraus – the faces and stories of our community
#facesfromforaus
Who makes foraus what it is? Here, we offer exciting insights into the history of foraus, talk about the challenges and successes of the last 15 years and focus on the people behind our mission. From dedicated Volunteers, Policy fellows, and Board members to the Office – personal stories, experiences, and motivations of those who make foraus what it is today.
facesfromforaus_Emilia Pasquier
The impact of our Think Tank
#forausImpact
Why foraus? Since 2009, foraus has made politics tangible and brought about sustainablechange. In this section, we show how our innovative ideas and projects have helped shape the political landscape in recent years – with real impact on decisions and discussions.
Will foraus still be important in the future?
#15YearsForward
foraus is actively shaping the future with innovative approaches and participatory formats. As part of our campaign, we interviewed young people and captured their views on the challenges of the future. Together, we are tackling the problems of tomorrow and creating positive change for the world after tomorrow.
15yearsforward_How do you imagine the future?
15YearsForward_What will be future challenges?
Postcard from the future
To mark our 15th anniversary, we launched the “Postcard from the Future” competition to collect creative visions of an ideal future. We received numerous inspiring designs for foreign policy, global challenges, and social change. We are now delighted to present the winning postcard, which will be printed and exhibited at our anniversary celebrations. Stay tuned for the creative vision that brings the future within reach!