Address - Overcoming the Crisis Together: New Year Address to the Diplomatic Corps

Nuncio
Madam President of the National Council
Mr President of the Council of States
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

I would like to start by thanking Irène Kälin and Thomas Hefti, the presidents of our parliamentary chambers, for their hospitality here in the Parliament Building. My thanks also go to the Nuncio, the doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, for his kind words and best wishes. But indeed, my thanks go to you all, Excellencies: for being here today, but above all for your work throughout the year. You help to sustain relations between our countries even in these challenging times.

COVID–19: having the patience to overcome the pandemic
Ladies and gentlemen – I wish you a good New Year with all my heart! Although this New Year does not seem that new at all: the pandemic is still shaping our everyday lives, much as we would like it to be otherwise. We all need more patience than we would wish for, and more than we are used to having in our fast–moving times.

Yet we should not forget the progress we have made in the past months: thanks to the vaccines, millions of people are already protected from serious illness, and more gain that protection every day. And history has shown us that every pandemic must come to an end at some point.

Geopolitics: somewhere between power politics and common values
What is certain is that COVID-19 hit the world at a time when it was already under intense geopolitical pressure. The revolution driven by the rapid development of new digital technologies is in full swing and no one knows where it will take us. A new era has been ushered in. An era that carries opportunities, but also risks. Pandemic or not, we are well advised to take a good look at the current state of international relations.

Excellencies, we all see it in our daily work: the political climate is becoming harsher. International relations are marked by growing rivalry between major and regional powers. We see a struggle for zones of influence, crises of confidence, an erosion of arms controls and, sadly, repeated disregard for international law and human rights. This is primarily a competition between different values. Despite close economic links between countries, the world seems to have lost its common guiding principle. The liberal international order, which brings us security and prosperity, is not in its best shape.

Switzerland as a bridge–builder: dialogue and science as an opportunity
Yet there is no reason to paint the world solely in these dismal colours. I am convinced that these global challenges also bring new opportunities for cooperation; that far more unites us than we sometimes believe. And that together we will find ways to use the potential of new technologies for the benefit of all. It is also encouraging that in recent months we have once again noted an increased willingness to engage in dialogue – as we saw, for example, at the summit between the USA and Russia in Geneva.

Encouraging dialogue is a priority of Swiss foreign policy. We want to help bring peace and security through our good offices. Time and again I experience how Switzerland's neutrality is gaining in importance internationally and how the credibility of our role as a bridge–builder is growing. As a host state, we can also support the global community in its search for solutions. To this end, we aim to continue strengthening the position of international Geneva, to make it a global centre of innovation and excellence in the quest for technological and scientific progress. Various projects have already been launched – for example, the GESDA-Foundation: the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Accelerator Foundation, with its seat in Geneva.

The UN: effective multilateralism for sustainable cooperation
The UN is and remains indispensable to our common future. It is the only global forum that can help us to tackle the challenges ahead together. Switzerland is therefore committed to an effective and efficient UN. We support reforms in conflict prevention, a stronger UN development system and modern management methods.

And under the motto 'A Plus for Peace', Switzerland is also making its mark as a candidate for the UN Security Council. Twenty years after joining the UN, Switzerland is ready to continue its long–standing commitment to peace and security in this important body. I would like to thank you most sincerely for the trust you have placed in Switzerland's candidacy.

Cooperation: common roads to a common home
Excellencies: "Where friendly roads converge, the whole world looks for an hour like home." I am more than happy to quote this sentence by the Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse, not least because he lived in my home village, Montagnola. But I see it as more than just a nice sentiment; I see it as a mission. A mission for us all. Let us work together, stick together and create our home together!

Finally, may I extend the best wishes of the Federal Council and of the Swiss people to you and the countries you represent. But I would also like to convey my own personal wishes to you for peace, security and prosperity. Thank you for your work. And thank you for your attention.