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The Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York promotes Switzerland's interests at the UN Headquarters, in line with the country’s foreign policy goals. It participates in the work of the UN’s principal organs (General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council) as well as in the different United Nations Funds and Development Programmes

On thematic issues, Switzerland is active in all three pillars of the UN mandate: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. The main focus of its activities is:

  • The reform of the UN system with the goal of improving its efficiency, efficacy and transparency
  • The implementation of Agenda 2030 on sustainable development
  • The promotion and the respect of human rights, gender equality and the protection of civilians
  • The strengthening of International Geneva

2030 Agenda

Beginning in 2016, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets the globally applicable framework for national and international efforts to find shared solutions to the world's greatest challenges.

2030 Agenda

International Geneva

The city of Geneva has a long tradition of hosting international organisations. For that reason, reference is made to "International Geneva". This acknowledges not only its pivotal role in terms of cooperation but also its position at the forefront of multilateral diplomacy. Learn more

First-time member of the UN Security Council

For the first time, Switzerland is an elected member of the United Nations Security Council. The elections for the 2023–24 period were held in New York in June 2022. Switzerland officially submitted its candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2011.

Under the slogan ‘A Plus for Peace’, the Swiss candidacy was presented online to the representatives of all UN missions in New York in October 2020.

Learn more about Switzerland's candidature on the dedicated website: www.aplusforpeace.ch

Art for a better world

On September 18th, 2021, the artist Saype, in presence of the UN Secretary-General and the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated “World in Progress II”, a gigantic fresco painted on the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters in New York. The fresco was a gift from Switzerland to the UN and is the second chapter of a first artwork, painted at the Palais des Nations in Geneva in June 2020. Have a look at the pictures of the inauguration ceremony and the making off of the artwork on our website. 

An app for women's rights

Did you know that Switzerland has developed the Women’s Human Rights App? It can facilitate negotiations and make UN-processes more efficient! Digital technologies have the potential to signify cantly strengthen human rights. This is why the Swiss Government developed the #WsHRApp. 

Let’s realise gender equality together! 

Presentation of the app by Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Get to know the Women’s Human Rights App

Download the app on the Play Store or on the App Store!

UN DAY 2020 - 75 Years UN

UN Day 2020 - 75 Years UN: The impact of Switzerland at the UNSC in a disruptive world.

What opportunities and risks would a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council entail? How could Switzerland contribute its expertise and use its position to advance its own concerns? What influence would membership have on the perception of Switzerland? And would it have new opportunities, especially in this position, to contribute to reforms of this central body?