The guest: a Switzerland active for Peace

In a world increasingly affected by multiple crises, destabilized by too many conflicts and governance with hesitant developments between multilateralism and isolationism, Switzerland assumes its function as a neutral state in the service of peace. It does this thanks in particular to its good offices and the organization of essential meetings to move forward step by step in favor of the cessation of conflicts.

In 2024, Switzerland is committed to peace in Ukraine with the Bürgenstock Conference. Despite all the criticism (especially Swiss-Swiss!), this meeting was a success. A milestone success because the achievement of such peace will still take time given the tensions and mutual reproaches. In this context, it was regrettable that Russia, the belligerent state which started this war, did not want to participate. But it’s not Switzerland’s fault! Moreover, even now that the second conference of this type should be organized by India, Russia announces that it will not participate.

Also in 2024, Switzerland is organizing a global conference on mine clearance in Ukraine on October 16 and 17 in Lausanne. Like the organization of the first Conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine which was held in 2023 in Lugano, Switzerland is therefore acting in a pragmatic and concrete manner for the good of the affected populations, so that they can continue to act for their future. Mines are a scourge, they prevent the maintenance and development of all activities, whether going to school safely or planting the next crops without risk of death.

Finally, the UN Assembly has just entrusted Switzerland with soon organizing a Summit on the conflict in the Middle East. For the record, our country is the depositary of the Geneva Humanitarian Conventions and therefore plays a mediating role in international humanitarian law. This meeting will take place in Geneva and complements other concrete actions carried out by Switzerland, with other countries.

Need to persevere

Whether by its economy if oriented internationally or at the discretion of the 10^e of its population living abroad, Switzerland, perhaps even more than other countries, knows how the progress of the world has a positive or negative influence on life within its borders! Drawing on our history and humanitarian tradition, we know how much peace in the world is essential to life and development. Through the decisions of the Federal Council, in particular Ignazio Cassis and Viola Amherd, and the parliament, Switzerland is therefore clearly continuing its commitment to peace and improving the state of the world. So yes, everything is not perfect and, currently, the rare progress is unfortunately quickly called into question. But this should not make us give up on persevering. Quite the contrary! This is the mission and interest of our country!

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