The oldest UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), which is responsible for maintaining the ceasefire in the Middle East, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. In 2021, Major General Patrick Gauchat was appointed head of UNTSO, the first time a Swiss officer had taken command of a UN peacekeeping mission. Federal Councillor Amherd's working visit will focus on Switzerland's role in peacebuilding and the important work of the 100,000 UN peacekeepers who are deployed around the world under difficult conditions to pre-vent conflicts, protect the civilian population and facilitate political solutions.

Against this background, the head of the DDPS will chair a session of the UN Security Council that will address the funding of peace missions in Africa.

Bilateral talks on military peacebuilding operations

Ms Amherd will hold bilateral talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss current and planned military peacebuilding operations.

She will join the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix in opening the ‘Inside Out’ photo exhibition that marks the 75th anniversary of peacebuilding, and take part in a panel on the future of UN peace misssions.

Role of women in conflict prevention

Finally, the head of the DDPS will meet with UN Under-Secretary-General Sima Bahous of UN Women to exchange views on the role of women in conflict prevention and peace processes. Switzerland advocates an active role for women, particularly in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 ‘Women Peace and Security’. Switzerland is currently implementing its fourth National Action Plan of the same name.

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