On 3 May, as President of the UN Security Council, Switzerland organised an open debate in which it highlighted its priority of "promoting sustainable peace". Mutual trust and strong focused multilateralism are central to finding solutions to global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, world economic crises and last but not least peace and security. "The multilateral system is under strain, but it has not failed. The time has come to optimise our instruments to restore trust and secure lasting peace," said Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, who chaired the Council debate.
The head of the FDFA highlighted the ways in which multilateralism can offer added value. First, a normative framework respected by all strengthens predictability, which, in contrast to arbitrariness, fosters mutual trust. Second, peacebuilding should take an inclusive approach. Third, trust must be underpinned by scientifically sound facts. "Science and new technologies offer us the opportunity to better anticipate and understand the risks of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. We must respond to the challenges of the 21st century with 21st century answers," said Ignazio Cassis in New York. It is also important to use this knowledge to prevent conflicts and secure peace. "Today's debate is an opportunity to gather ideas from UN member states and to use the synergies that unite us. Trust is won through deeds, not intentions," Federal Councillor Cassis underlined during the debate.
On 4 May 2023, Federal Councillor Cassis will chair the annual UN Security Council briefing on UN cooperation with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The activities of the UN and the OSCE complement each other. The briefing is an opportunity to discuss the work of the OSCE in its three dimensions (political-military; economic-environmental; human) and in the context of its field missions. Russia's military aggression against Ukraine represents the greatest challenge in the history of the OSCE. Against this background, Federal Councillor Cassis will underline that the OSCE remains central to promoting dialogue and the peaceful settlement of conflicts in Europe.
Further information:
Address by Ignazio Cassis, 03.05.2023
Address for enquiries:
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Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
