UN
The United Nations (UN), with its 193 member states, addresses issues of global importance. As the only organisation allowing all interested countries and actors to join worldwide discussions, it demonstrates universality in its topics, members and decision-making processes. Despite the need for reform, it retains a unique global legitimacy.
The range of challenges facing the world, notably security, peace, combating poverty, promoting human rights as well as safeguarding natural resources, make Switzerland’s involvement in the United Nations indispensable.
Since joining the UN in September 2002, Switzerland has been an active and innovative member. Membership offers Switzerland the opportunity to participate in the search for solutions to global problems and to accept its share of responsibility for exerting a positive influence on world affairs. However, the UN also offers Switzerland the ideal forum within which to represent its own national interests.
The focus of Switzerland's activities at the UN is in three areas:
- Launching and supporting its own initiatives
- Strengthening the presence of Swiss nationals at all levels of the organization
- The day-to-day activities of Switzerland’s permanent missions to the UN (Geneva, New York, Vienna) and of Swiss delegates with the United Nations' special organizations and programmes (Rome, Paris, Nairobi)
Geneva is the main seat of the United Nations in Europe and, with New York, is one of the two major centres of multilateral cooperation. Despite Switzerland’s relatively small size, thanks to “International Geneva” the Confederation is able to “box above its weight” in the international arena, making it that much easier to achieve foreign policy objectives.
Links
Participation and positions of Switzerland
Switzerland's positions and voting behaviour in the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC, Security Council and Human Rights Council for constructive, pragmatic solutions.
Switzerland’s UN Missions
Switzerland’s four permanent missions to the United Nations observe developments at the UN offices in Geneva, New York, Rome and Vienna.
The UN and international law
Switzerland participates within the UN in the development and codification of international law has earned Switzerland considerable respect.
The UN and human rights
Switzerland plays an active role within the UN for the promotion, protection and implementation of human rights.
UN – Promotion of peace and security
Maintaining world peace and international security is the primary goal of the United Nations. Switzerland is committed to promoting peace within the UN.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid from the UN
Challenges like poverty and environmental degradation cannot be tackled by individual countries alone. Switzerland participates in the international community's efforts.
UNESCO
Switzerland has been promoting peace and sustainability as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) since 1949.
United Nations funding
The United Nations (UN) is funded by its member states through assessed and voluntary contributions.
Speeches and statements made by Switzerland to the UN
As member of the UN, Switzerland takes an active part in important debates.
Contact
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Bundesgasse 28
3003 Bern
Phone: +41 58 462 30 50