Switzerland’s second presidency of the UN Security Council

In October 2024, Switzerland will hold for the second time the presidency of the UN Security Council. As during its first presidency, it will place two of its priorities – "promoting lasting peace" and "protecting civilian populations" – at the heart of the Council's work. What does the presidency mean for Switzerland? We provide an overview of Switzerland's powers, practices and priorities during its month-long presidency of the Security Council.

01.10.2024

International organizations Foreign policy

A UN official placing a sign reading 'Switzerland' in the president's place at the horseshoe-shaped table of the UN Security Council.

This October, Switzerland assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. © Keystone

This October, Switzerland assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and numerous other contexts, the Swiss presidency is taking place during a tense geopolitical period. October is traditionally a very busy month due to scheduled meetings involving several regions of the world. Several important peace mandate renewals also take place during this period. Ensuring the smooth operation of the council's business, enabling it to make decisions and fulfil its mandate to maintain international peace and security, is the core mandate of the presidency. Swiss President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York for this purpose.

What powers does the Security Council president have?

In addition to conducting mandated meetings, the president convenes emergency meetings depending on current world events and at the request of other member states. During the meetings, the president gives the floor to other members. As a rule, the Security Council first receives briefings from rapporteurs from the UN secretariat, other UN programmes or civil society representatives from the field. These briefings provide the council with a first-hand account of the situation regarding a specific conflict, which the council then debates. In addition, the president makes statements to the media, for example after important decisions.

The members of the Security Council assume the presidency on a monthly rotational basis, according to the alphabetical order of the states' English names. The country holding the presidency chairs meetings and, when necessary, represents the Security Council externally and before other UN bodies such as the UN General Assembly, the UN secretary-general or the Economic and Social Council.

Priorities of the Swiss presidency

The country which holds the presidency plans the Security Council's programme of work for the respective month. The basis of the programme is to a large extent predetermined, namely by the necessary extension of mandates of UN peace missions or sanctions regimes established by the Security Council. The presidency may also organise its own meetings. Switzerland's month-long presidency offers an opportunity to spotlight its thematic priorities: building sustainable peace, protecting civilians, addressing climate security, and enhancing the Security Council's effectiveness, while also providing fresh impetus to the council.

Switzerland has planned two flagship events for its month-long presidency. On 21 October, the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will chair a Security Council meeting on the impact of current and future scientific and technological developments on peace and security. The meeting will explore the opportunities and risks of these developments, and examine what actions the Security Council deems necessary to fulfil its mandate, particularly in relation to the prevention of conflicts. On 24 October, the Security Council will address the topic of 'Women, Peace and Security' during its annual open debate, which will be chaired by Ms Amherd.The focus will be on the role of women in peace processes. While women remain significantly underrepresented in peace negotiations worldwide, research shows that their inclusion substantially increases the chances of sustainable implementation of the peace agreements.

In October, the UN Security Council, under Swiss presidency, will host a visit from the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. The two councils will discuss cooperation on peacekeeping operations in the context of climate security and the role of young people in peace work.

On 14 October, Switzerland will inaugurate an exhibition entitled 'Deepfake and You' at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The exhibition was jointly designed and curated by Switzerland, EPFL, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.The manipulation of images and disinformation can have serious political, social and humanitarian consequences.This exhibition aims to raise awareness of these risks and propose potential solutions.

International organizations Foreign policy

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