Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Bern, October 1, 2024 – Switzerland took over the presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time today. During its presidency in October, Switzerland will put its priorities – in particular “promoting sustainable peace” and “protecting civilians” – at the center of the Council’s work. Federal President Viola Amherd and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York for this purpose.
This October, Switzerland will take over the presidency for the second time during its membership of the UN Security Council 2023-2024. With the serious conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and numerous other regions, the Swiss Council Presidency comes at a very tense geopolitical time. October is traditionally a very time-intensive month due to mandated meetings from regions around the world. There are also several important mandate renewals. Switzerland attaches great importance to fulfilling the main purpose of the Council Presidency well. This is to ensure the smooth conduct of the Council’s business so that it can take decisions and carry out its mandate to maintain international peace and security.
Switzerland is planning two flagship events during its presidency month. On October 21, Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis will chair a council meeting on the impact of current and future scientific and technological developments on peace and security. The focus is on the opportunities and risks of these developments, as well as the question of what need for action the Security Council identifies in relation to the exercise of its mandate, in particular the prevention of conflicts. On October 24, the Security Council, chaired by Federal President Viola Amherd, will address the topic of “Women, Peace and Security” as part of its annual open debate. The focus is on the role of women in peace processes. While women remain clearly underrepresented in peace negotiations around the world, studies show that their inclusion significantly improves the longevity of peace agreements.
The Presidency Month also offers Switzerland the opportunity to highlight its thematic priorities – promoting sustainable peace, protecting the civilian population, addressing climate security and strengthening the Council’s efficiency – and to give the Council impetus.
In October, the UN Security Council will host the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, also under Swiss leadership. The two councils will discuss cooperation in peace operations, in the context of climate security and the role of youth in peace work.
On October 14th, Switzerland will open an exhibition entitled “Deepfake and You” at the United Nations headquarters in New York, jointly with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). was designed. Manipulation of images and disinformation can have serious political, social and humanitarian consequences. This exhibition is intended to raise awareness of the dangers and provide suggestions for solutions.
The members of the Security Council exercise the office of Council Presidency on a monthly basis in alphabetical order of the English state names. In this function, the presiding country chairs the meetings and, if necessary, represents the Council externally and to other UN bodies such as the UN General Assembly, the UN Secretary General or the Economic and Social Council.
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Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
