International organizations

In 2023 and 2024, Switzerland has a seat on the UN Security Council, where it is contributing its expertise in global peace and security to discussions and debates. In May 2023, Switzerland will hold the council presidency. Scroll the newsticker for background information about Switzerland's Security Council activities and statements.

This was Switzerland's maxim as it embarked on a year of exchanges with the 95 states and organisations of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network alongside co-chair South Africa. The network strengthens the role of women in peace processes, and the exchange with its 95 members, including states and organisations, is at the centre of its work. As the year draws to a close, we hear from participants and take a look at some highlights.

Switzerland's seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2023/24 is a recurring topic in the public debate. The FDFA provides answers to the central questions.

International Human Rights Day has taken place every year on 10 December since its inception in 1950. Because supporting human rights is one of Switzerland's key commitments, it is vital it does so effectively across all fields – including in the world of sports. On the occasion of the controversial 2022 Football World Cup, Switzerland drew attention to the issue of human rights in sport in Doha through an innovative approach that is bearing fruit.

Millions of people are affected by the consequences of the drought in East Africa. Parched soils and dying livestock are destroying livelihoods and leading to a food crisis on a vast scale – the situation is dire. The SDC is also active in the region, supporting development projects and humanitarian relief efforts to mitigate the crisis.

Russia's attack on Ukraine has put the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) under pressure. According to Raphael Nägeli, Switzerland's Permanent Representative to the OSCE in Vienna, the primary objective of the ministerial meeting in early December is to ensure that the OSCE retains its ability to act. The Ministerial Council will insist on Russia upholding the principles agreed by participating states. But Nägeli also believes that in the medium to long term, European security can only be achieved with Russia's cooperation.