Panel discussion on role of non-permanent members of UNSC held

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan Bénédict de Cerjat hosted a high-level panel discussion entitled “Role and Influence of Non-Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council” here on Tuesday at the Swiss Residence.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.

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

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 peace building has become more important than ever.