Thank you, Mr. President.
I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his introductory remarks, as well as Ms Comfort Ero and Prince Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, Chairmen and CEOs of the International Crisis Group and the International Peace Institute respectively, two renowned organizations with which Switzerland works closely, including on the future of peacekeeping.
I would also like to thank the Blue Helmets for their commitment. Every day, these courageous men and women do remarkable work in the service of peace, often in very difficult circumstances – we have heard it. In particular, we pay tribute to the 4,300 Blue Helmets who have given their lives since 1948 to protect the lives of others.
On the occasion of the day dedicated to peacekeepers last May, the Secretary-General stated that these men and women “represent multilateralism in action”, and that their actions give concrete expression to the New Agenda for Peace 's commitment to prevention. In view of the thousands of lives saved, we fully share this assessment.
On the same day, in 2023, as part of the commemoration of 75 years of UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs), our Minister of Defense had the honor of chairing a Council debate on the financing of African Union peace support operations. This marked the start of a process that culminated in the adoption of Resolution 2719 last December. This – we have heard it – represents a decisive milestone in cooperation between the United Nations and regional players, first and foremost the African Union.
Over the past 75 years, the PKOs have often successfully adapted to numerous challenges, and often in highly innovative ways. Think, for example, of the strengthening of civilian protection mandates or the inclusion of climate advisors. Today, however, peacekeeping is threatened in more fundamental ways, by existing tensions between states, declining consensus and reduced acceptance by host states. It is therefore important to continue to adapt this instrument in anticipation of these fundamental changes.
Mr. President,
Our support for peacekeeping must be forward-looking if we want to adapt successfully. I would like to offer the following three thoughts on the role of the Council in this respect:
Firstly, peacekeeping must be people-centred. PKOs never take place in a vacuum: they are part of an existing historical, cultural, social and economic context, and they support a political process. This process must involve all stakeholders, especially women, whose meaningful participation increases the chances of success and helps mitigate the risks of Missions. For this reason, PKOs must always be linked to a political and peace process. For the latter to be stable, it must be based on the rule of law, which PKOs can help to strengthen or rebuild if we give them the necessary mandates and resources. Similarly, the management of natural resources and the impact of climate change must be taken into account more systematically in this Council's conceptualization of mandates.
Secondly, when it comes to peacekeeping, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. It's all about developing mission models that can be adapted to suit specific situations. The Council must therefore have a range of mission formats at its disposal, which it can engage and sequence as required - and we have heard it, they have to be clear and realistic. Strengthening cooperation with regional organizations is a promising avenue that should be pursued more vigorously. Strict compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law must be an essential condition of UN support. Finally, the use of innovative solutions, based on new technologies for example, must be encouraged in this rapidly changing world.
Finally, peacekeeping is a collective effort – we have heard it. Partnership, trust and transparency between the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop- and police-contributing countries, host states and PKOs are crucial. The unity of the Council is important for the credibility of PKOs, their acceptance in the field and, ultimately, for the safety of peacekeepers.
Mr. President, dear colleagues,
PKOs are the ultimate expression of solidarity between nations, and they have proved their worth. Ongoing discussions, particularly in the context of the New Agenda for Peace and the Summit for the Future, must ensure that PKOs continue to protect lives and remain a key instrument of the United Nations. This Council must seize the opportunity, and we must have the courage to adapt, based on the experiences and lessons learned from recent developments. On the eve of our Presidency of the Council in October, and the African Union's visit to New York, we look forward to contributing to this debate, particularly with regard to the implementation of Resolution 2719. Switzerland will continue to actively support peace operations, in terms of personnel, financing and concepts.
Thank you.