International organizations

Swiss President Alain Berset and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will attend the high-level opening week of the 78th UN General Assembly from 18 to 20 September. The gathering of numerous heads of state and government in New York makes it possible to hold many bilateral meetings in a short time. Events during the week provide a platform for addressing and promoting solutions and compromises for global challenges such as conflicts or environmental pollution. President Berset will deliver the opening speech to the international community on behalf of Switzerland. All news on the news platform.

Representatives of 193 states sitting in a vast hall debating. Does that sound boring? Perhaps, but the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the only place where all states gather on an equal footing to seek and find solutions to the world's most pressing problems. Thomas Gürber, deputy state secretary of the FDFA and head of the UN Division, shares his thoughts about Switzerland's role in the UN General Assembly.

Enhancing the effectiveness of the UN Security Council. This is one of the four priorities of Switzerlands 2023-2024 Council membership. It is the sixth time, the current and newly elected non-permanent members met. This year, the exchange took place in Switzerland. The focus was on knowledge transfer, networking and continuity in the Council's work. The aim is to promote the effectiveness, transparency and impact of the Security Council.

Lake Constance, Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne – Switzerland has many lakes. But as a landlocked nation, surrounded by five other countries in the centre of Europe, it has no direct access to the sea. On 2 June 2023, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland’s Maritime Strategy 2023–27. The sustainability of marine ecosystems, the maritime economy and Swiss-flagged shipping are all important issues for Switzerland. Here’s why.

“A plus for peace” – this was the slogan of Switzerland’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. The first ever Swiss presidency of the Council last May was a great opportunity to put this into practice. In a tense geopolitical context, Switzerland chaired over 25 formal meetings and made use of its bridge-building skills. And although the presidency is mostly an organisational role – similar to that of a master of ceremonies – its holders can add color to the Council’s agenda. Switzerland did so by dedicating the month of May to trust and the protection of civilians.

As every year, from 22 to 25 May, a week at the UN in New York will be devoted to the protection of civilians. This is also one of Switzerland's thematic priorities for its membership of the UN Security Council. Find out how Switzerland is working in this area at the multilateral level and directly on the ground in conflict areas.