Switzerland was a member of the United Nations Security Council in 2023 and 2024

For the first time, Switzerland was an elected member of the UN Security Council in 2023-2024.

UN Security Council — © FDFA

Switzerland's UN Security Council membership in 2023 – 2024 was in continuity with its commitment to global peace and security. The Federal Constitution states that Switzerland shall promote the peaceful coexistence of peoples and help to build a just international order. This mirrors the objectives of the UN Security Council, whose main purpose is to maintain international peace and security. Further, international peace and stability are vitally important for a country like Switzerland, which is strongly integrated into the global economy and reliant on clear international rules. Finally, peace and stability are essential for global prosperity and development, two other pillars of Swiss foreign policy.

The Federal Council submitted Switzerland's candidature in 2011 following extensive consultations with Parliament. On 9 June 2022, the UN General Assembly elected Switzerland as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The Federal Council adopted four thematic priorities for Switzerland's term on the Security Council.

• Building sustainable peace
• Protecting civilians
• Addressing climate security
• Enhancing effectiveness

Switzerland was able to make a difference in the UN Security Council in all four of these priorities.

This was achieved in challenging times, in a world marked by war, crises and polarisation. Switzerland made a tangible contribution by consistently standing up for international law, international humanitarian law and human rights ('holding the line'); acting as a respectful bridge-builder between Security Council members and between the council and other stakeholders; relying on science and promoting innovation.

Switzerland capitalised on its combination of strengths, which include a large, well-connected network of representations around the world, a long-standing humanitarian and peacebuilding tradition, a number of renowned universities, good contacts with civil society organisations and the expertise of International Geneva.

Switzerland took numerous initiatives that are expected to have an impact well beyond 2024, notably in Geneva. In all negotiations, meetings and resolutions of the Security Council, for the entire duration of its term Switzerland set clear priorities in favour of peace.

Its term on the Security Council gave Switzerland historically unique access to timely, geopolitically relevant information and key players in global politics. It enabled Switzerland to cultivate a strong link between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, between policy work and international cooperation on the ground. Its seat on the Security Council gave Switzerland a deep insight into the internal political mechanics of all council members, especially the world powers. In short, Swiss foreign policy was brought close to the pulse of current events.

Learn more about Switzerland's achievements on the Security Council: https://www.aplusforpeace.ch/