How can Switzerland amplify its positive impact on global peace and security throughout its tenure at the UN Security Council in 2023-24?
- Die Deutsche Version ist hier einsehbar - La version française est disponible ici -
Recent developments in international politics highlighted how crucial it is to tackle global challenges together and align on rules-based international cooperation mechanisms. To this end, the United Nations (UN) system plays a crucial role with the UN Security Council (UNSC) as the key organ ensuring global peace and security. In June 2022, the UN General Assembly will hold its elections for 5 non-permanent seats on the UNSC for the period 2023-24. Switzerland is one of the candidates. 20 years after the decision by the Swiss people to join the United Nations, our country will most likely set another milestone within its track-record of engagement towards multilateralism and peaceful relations on the global stage.
But what does it concretely mean to be a non-permanent member of the UNSC? How can Switzerland amplify its positive impact on global peace and security throughout its tenure at the UN Security Council in 2023-24?
These are the questions we explored with interested thinkers and experts from the field to better understand the role of the UNSC and reflect upon this opportunity Switzerland will have in 2023-24 to be a “Plus for Peace” as the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) set it in its candidacy campaign launched last October.
Check out the ideas from others on Policy Kitchen and join the discussion!
Workshops
The workshops were conducted in German, French and English. Participants may contribute and share their ideas on the platform in their language of choice.
How does it work?
Using the collaborative online platform Policy Kitchen, as well as a series of 4 online workshops, foraus invites the public in Switzerland to learn more about the UNSC’s role and share their views on how Switzerland could have a positive impact at the UNSC as a non-permanent member if it is elected for 2023-24. During each workshop, participants will be clustered into four focus areas. They will be enabled to develop their ideas and share them on the Policy Kitchen platform for further exchange and discussion. The four areas are:
- Armed conflicts & human rights violations
- Emerging global security risks (e.g. climate change, global public health threats, digital transformation & cybersecurity)
- Multilateralism and bridge-building beyond the UNSC
- Innovative working procedures towards peace and security
From Porrentruy to Geneva via Neuchâtel, from Bern to Lugano via Grindelwald, or from Zurich to Lausanne via Lucerne and Montreux, foreign policy concerns us all! Join us to exchange with experts, connect with others all around Switzerland and share your thoughts. At the end of the process, participants’ ideas will be grouped into thematic clusters and shared as a 2-pager with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Curious to take a deep dive into the UNSC’s activities and Switzerland's campaign on the non-permanent seat? Take a look at Switzerland’s “A Plus For Peace” campaign, read our background reader and get inspired for our challenge!
Challenge organizer
The independent think tank foraus publishes scientifically sound recommendations for action in the form of discussion papers, brief analyses and blog posts, and organizes high-profile debates with the aim of creating innovative solutions for tomorrow's foreign policy. foraus was founded in 2009 and, as a non-profit grassroots organization, has a comprehensive, nationwide and international network of volunteers.
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