Security Policy

In 2023 and 2024, Switzerland held a seat on the UN Security Council. A two-year term of office marked by geopolitical tensions. In spite of these challenging conditions, Switzerland was able to make an impact and contribute to advancing its foreign policy goals. Scroll the newsticker for background information about Switzerland's Security Council activities and statements.

In December 2024, the UN General Assembly will decide whether to adopt the new convention against cybercrime. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) led the Swiss delegation in the negotiations on the convention. In this interview, Irene Grohsmann from the International Security Division at the FDFA, together with Andrea Candrian and Sara Pangrazzi, who both work at the Federal Office of Justice within the FDJP, give us their take on the negotiations and their outcome.

On 15 and 16 June 2024, Switzerland organised a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock. The aim of the summit was to develop a common understanding of a possible path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. All news on the summit can be found here in the ticker.

Switzerland is committed to worldwide nuclear disarmament under the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), in contrast, seeks a universal ban of nuclear weapons, a goal that Switzerland shares in principle. Nevertheless, the Federal Council currently sees no need for repositioning and takes the view that the TPNW has limited impact, both because it was negotiated without the participation of the nuclear-weapon states and because it still lacks the support it would need to be effective. Key stakeholders in the international community, including the majority of European states, do not consider this treaty fit for purpose. Facts, figures and answers to the most important questions.

The impact of climate change on food security and international security is at the center of an open debate at the UN Security Council today. The Federal Council has defined "addressing climate security" as one of four priorities for Switzerland's membership of the Council. Burkina Faso will be used as an example to show how climate change, access to food and security are linked. Switzerland is addressing this issue at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

Private military and security companies must train their personnel in international humanitarian law and human rights and subject them to a security check. These and other recommendations are set out in the Montreux Document, which has provided states with guidelines for their dealings with private military and security companies for 15 years. Drawn up on the initiative of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Montreux Document represents the consensus of the 59 participating states that international law also applies to private military and security companies.