Panel Discussion on the "Role and Influence of Non-Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council"

Local news, 06.07.2021

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, Mr. Bénédict de Cerjat, hosted a high-level panel discussion entitled "Role and Influence of Non-Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council" on July 6 at the Swiss Residence in Islamabad. The panel discussion not only highlighted the positive aspects associated with a non-permanent seat on the Council but also addressed the past, present and future challenges of such a membership.

©FDFA
From left to right (in the picture): Additional Secretary UN, Mr. Nabeel Munir, H.E. Mr. Adam Mulawarman Tugio, Ambassador of Indonesia, Ambassador (Retd) Riaz Mohammad Khan, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Andleeb Abbass, Ambassador (Retd) Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, H.E. Mr. Bénédict de Cerjat, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, Ambassador of UAE, Mr. Shehryar Fazli, Senior Political Analyst ©FDFA

While thanking the panelists, Ambassador de Cerjat stated, "For the very first time since joining the UN in 2002, Switzerland is presenting its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC in 2023-24. We are therefore eager to learn from the experiences of countries like Pakistan that have served on the Council on several occasions. Switzerland's candidature is a continuation of its engagement for peace and security within the UN and throughout the world."

The expert panel included Ambassador (retired) Riaz Mohammad Khan, Ambassador (retired) Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio of Indonesia, and Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi of the UAE. Mr. Shehryar Fazli, a senior political analyst, moderated the discussion. Government dignitaries, diplomats, think tank members and journalists also attended the event.

The discussion comprised questions pertaining to UNSC reforms, expansion of the Council, efficiency of its working methods, the importance of subsidiary organs, and the rotating Presidency. The panelists not only acknowledged Switzerland’s efforts in building bridges between competing actors but also welcomed its candidature for the UNSC.

With the slogan "A plus for peace", Switzerland will present its candidature at the June 2022 elections in New York. This slogan is visually represented by a Swiss cross (the "Plus") that turns into a dove of peace. In the present times, Switzerland’s expertise in mediation and peacebuilding has become more important than ever.