Bern/New York, 2 June 2022 (TDI): Switzerland awaits the United Nations General Assembly’s vote on its candidature for the United Nations Security Council that will take place on the 9th of June.
Nine days to go! On 9th June, the 🇺🇳 UN General Assembly will vote on🇨ðŸ‡Switzerland’s candidature to the UN Security Council #UNSC. Thanks for supporting #SwitzerlandUNSC #APlusForPeace pic.twitter.com/8ZMJ5U9vaK
— Ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat (@SwissAmbPak) May 31, 2022
Switzerland’s candidacy
The UN General Assembly with its 193 member states will hold elections in New York. That is, in June 2022 for the term from 1.1.2023 to 31.12.2024.
Switzerland’s candidacy shows the country’s ongoing commitment to peace and security inside the UN and across the world.
By seeking a two-year non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Switzerland is displaying that it wants to do more than making a hefty financial contribution.
At the same time, it is seeking its first non-permanent mandate on the UN Security Council for a two-year term, after twenty years of joining the UN.
Following prolonged consultations with Parliament, the Federal Council authorized the nomination and submitted it in 2011. Since that time, both the Federal Council and Parliament have regularly confirmed the decision.
Prior to Switzerland joining the UN, it held important roles in all of the organization’s major bodies excluding the Security Council.
In addition, the country shares the UN Security Council’s commitment to a ‘just and peaceful international order’.
As a result, its candidacy has been recognized by the Federal Council. Especially as a critical component of its peace and security thematic priority area in its foreign policy plan for 2020–23.
Significance of the seat on the Security Council
The Vice-President of GSUN (Switzerland-UN Society), Angela Müller highlighted that a seat on the Security Council qualifies the holder to take substantive positions and set priorities.
Additionally, Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance of Switzerland’s membership in the Security Council. Firstly, it is important in promoting the foreign policy interests and values of Switzerland.
Secondly, it enables it to utilize its long-standing knowledge and credibility to help the international community in resolving challenges amicably.
Thirdly, the membership raises Switzerland’s foreign policy impact. As well as the possibility to influence decision-making namely related to the UN office in Geneva. Also, Switzerland’s seat on the Security Council can guide the direction of the UN’s work and the efficient use of funds.
All in all, the vote in June this year is regarded as a formality.
A seat on the Security Council offers tangible benefits for Switzerland.
