The Think Tank foraus advocates a constructive foreign policy and an informative dialogue: independent, scientific, relevant. Through our platform, we offer young talents voluntary access to the discourse, where they can contribute with their ideas to foreign policy – outside the traditional framework of political parties. foraus publishes scientific-based policy recommendations in the form of discussion papers, policy briefs and blog posts, as well as organizes high-level debates with the aim of creating innovative solutions for foreign policy.
The success of the think tank is based on a unique grassroots model with over 120 volunteers who are committed to foraus and share a common goal: to contribute actively to Swiss foreign policy.
The Think Tank foraus distinguishes itself with its participatory model to which collective intelligence is central. The involvement and participation in foraus is open to everyone, with an emphasis on having a diverse network. With the Policy Kitchen innovation platform, foreign policy is also now digitally accessible to all, regardless of their location. The platform is intended to encourage interested individuals in developing concrete proposals for solutions to foreign policy challenges and thus be engaged in society.
foraus is part of the Open Think Tank Network (OpenTTN). The OpenTTN promotes the foundation and development of grassroots think tanks around the world, as well as the cooperation of the network in terms of content. The OpenTTN was created in 2016 out of the “foraus global” initiative, which was founded by foraus.
foraus was found in 2009. It is a tax-free organization and is based on a membership system consisting of several hundred members. Within the last 10 years, foraus has evolved into the Swiss foreign policy think tank, with over a dozen employees.
As an independent think tank and non-profit association, foraus is supported by its members and other private individuals, from charitable foundations to the public and private sector. Additionally, foraus carries out mandates and maintains a carefully built network of partnerships.
Independence: As a non-profit association with a wide range of financial support, foraus autonomously and independently decides and maintains full control over its activities at all times, regardless of the source of funding. The independence and objectivity of its research, publications, and events are always guaranteed.
Transparency: foraus provides open information regarding its financials. The sources of funding are governed by a Code of Conduct and the financial status of the association are presented at the annual general assembly and in the yearly report. The financial statements are audited by an independent auditor.
Throughout the years, foraus has been able to build up a supportive network of foundations, private individuals, companies and public institutions. These contributions guarantee high-quality and politically relevant research and allow foraus to further developments in terms of content, methodology, and geography.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all benefactors and partners for their generous donations and support.
Foundations 2018/2019: Avina Stiftung, Benevolentia, Engagement Migros, Hirschmann-Stiftung, LARIX Foundation, MAVA Stiftung, Mercator Stiftung, Müller–Möhl Foundation, Oak Foundation, Paul Schiller Stiftung, Schweizerische Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft (SGG), Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Aussenpolitik (SGA), Sophie und Karl Binding Stiftung, U.W. Linsi Stiftung, Veronika und Hugo Bohny Stiftung
Public Institutions 2018/2019: Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen (BSV), Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA)
Partners 2018/2019: Asia Society Switzerland, Bahama Yellow, Club Suisse de la Presse (CSP), Bosch Alumni Network, Cercle de la Grande Société de Berne, Diplo Foundation, economiesuisse, Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA), Embassy of the United States of America to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, European Think Tanks Group, Fondation Jean Monnet pour l’Europe (Centre de recherches européennes), Fondation suisse d’études, furrerhugi. & Partner, Geneva Hub for Democracy, Geneva Internet Platform, Global Compact, Global Studies Institute (GSI), Impact Hub Bern, Impact Hub Geneva, Impact Hub Zurich, Karl der Grosse, Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID), Les Voisins, Le Temps, reatch, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Berne, On Think Tanks, PolitForum Käfigturm, Polito – Fachverein Politikwissenschaft, Public Eye, reatch, stark+vernetzt, Swissnex San Francisco, unternehmen mitte, UN Women, Universität Bern, Universität St. Gallen, Universität Zürich, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), ZHAW School of Management and Law, Wenger & Vieli AG