Switzerland takes over presidency of UN Security Council for month of May

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) - In a first, Switzerland on Monday assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for month of May.

Switzerland will plan and chair the meetings of the UN Security Council and represent the Council externally, including vis-à-vis the UN General Assembly, the Swiss Foreign Ministry (FDFA) writes on its website.

Depending on the current situation, Switzerland can also convene meetings at the request of other members. At the same time, the presidency offers Switzerland the opportunity to "focus on its priorities" and give the Council "impetus for its action," the FDFA writes further.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Swiss priorities include promoting sustainable peace, protecting civilians, strengthening international humanitarian law and the impact of climate change on security and peace policy.

To give more weight to these priorities, the Bureau may also organize its own meetings. For this reason, Switzerland is planning two such "flagship events," the FDFA writes. The first one will already take place on Wednesday. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will then lead an open debate on "promoting sustainable peace."

At the end of May, Swiss President Alain Berset will travel to New York to lead an open debate on "protecting civilians." According to the FDFA, UN Secretary-General Anonio Guterres and International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric will also take part.

Also at the end of May, Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd will lead a Council meeting in New York to mark the 75th anniversary of UN peacekeeping missions.