On 1 January, Switzerland became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the years 2023 and 2024. Its 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.
On 3 January 2023, Switzerland took up its work on the UN Security Council with the other newly elected non-permanent members at a brief ceremony. It intends to engage actively on all conflicts and issues on the Council's agenda, bringing its credible foreign policy profile to the table along with its commitment to peace and security in the world as enshrined in the Swiss Federal Constitution. Key in this regard will be its tradition as an independent state, its commitment to the rule of law and its respect for international law, especially international humanitarian law and human rights.
On 31 August 2022, the Federal Council set out four thematic priorities for Switzerland's term on the Security Council: to build sustainable peace, protect civilians, enhance the Security Council's effectiveness and address climate security. In May 2023 and presumably in October 2024, Switzerland will hold the presidency of the Security Council on a rotational basis for a period of one month, chairing the Council's meetings.
