The Swiss flag was installed on Tuesday alongside those of Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique and Japan, who have also joined the Security Council as non-permanent members for two years.
In a tradition that Kazakhstan started in 2018, the five countries’ ambassadors installed their national flags alongside those of other ten members outside the council chambers.
“We need the support of young people and women to ensure lasting peace [in the world],” said Swiss Ambassador to the UN Pascale Baeriswyl at the official ceremony. “We will work in a spirit of shared responsibility, with deep humility.”
Switzerland will hold the Council’s rotating presidency in May 2023 and October 2024. It has said it intends to use its long and strong tradition of democracy and respect for the rights of peoples to build bridges between countries.
More
More
How Switzerland could help restore some UN credibility
This content was published on
Switzerland has taken up a seat on the UN Security Council since January 1. Can it help restore credibility to this body?
Beyond conflicts, Baeriswyl stressed that the “real enemies” that the UN must fight are notably hunger, ignorance, poverty and superstition.
The seat on the Security Council “is an opportunity for Switzerland to make its contribution to peace and security in the world, especially in the current tense global political context”, the foreign ministry said in a statementExternal link on Tuesday.
The first day of work was to be devoted to defining the members’ programme for the month.
The government has previously defined four areas of work for Switzerland: building sustainable peace, protecting civilians, enhancing the Security Council’s effectiveness, and addressing climate security. However, Switzerland said it intended to “engage actively” on all issues on the Council’s agenda.
China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States are permanent, veto-wielding members of the Council. Its ten other members are elected by the 193-nation UN General Assembly for staggered, two-year terms. They are allocated by global regions. The five latest members replace India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway. The other current two-year members are Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.
More
More
UN Security Council needs rebuilding, says former Swiss diplomat
This content was published on
Switzerland should initiate the abolition of the major powers’ right of veto during, suggests Michael Ambühl.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
The parents of the young jihadist who left for Syria to join the Islamic State have been given suspended sentences by the Federal Criminal Court.
This content was published on
Felix Lehner, Pamela Rosenkranz and Miroslav Sik have been awarded the Swiss Grand Award for Art/Prix Meret Oppenheim 2025.
Nearly 2% of new Swiss disability insurance claims involve Long Covid
This content was published on
Just under 2% of new claims submitted to the disability insurance between 2021 and 2023 concern people suffering from Long Covid.
This content was published on
The watch industry had to contend with a weakening of its exports last year, which reached a volume of CHF25.9 billion ($28.5 billion).
UN Security Council: how small states skilfully play their cards
This content was published on
Switzerland may soon be elected to the UN Security Council. What lessons can it learn from other small states which have held a seat?
Switzerland confirms UN Security Council priorities
This content was published on
Switzerland confirms United Nations Security Council targets: sustainable peace, protection of civilians, climate security and greater transparency at the UN body.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.