UN Secretary-General addresses Switzerland Parliament today

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon will address the Federal Assembly of Switzerland in Bern 11 September as part of the 10^th anniversary of the accession of Switzerland to the UN. This was revealed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter during a public lecture jointly organized by the University of Geneva, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Foundation of Geneva and the Switzerland Confederation 10 September under the theme “The UN and Switzerland in a changing world”.

In his speech delivered at the University of Geneva, Didier Burkhalter stated that the presence of Switzerland at the UN “allows us to act more effectively and directly to good causes and we cherish above all in our efforts to contribute to peace and security and to exercise active solidarity” adding that “this presence has also increased our influence and ability to act. Therefore both our solidarity, our responsibility and sovereignty are strengthened.” 

A media release by the Swiss Parliament states that the National President Hansjörg Walter and Senate President Hans Altherr will speak. The release also indicates that before his speech to the councils, the UN Secretary-General meets the Federal Room of the Parliament building with a delegation of councilors adding that “the visit of the UN Secretary General in the Federal Assembly reflects the great esteem, which has for the World Organization of the national governments of Switzerland and its commitment to human rights and democracy.”

Switzerland joined the UN on 10 September 2002 and is the 190^th member state of the UN.

By Stephen Yeboah, Geneva, Switzerland