In New York, Switzerland advocates dialogue in a fragmented world
Bern, 24.09.2026 — From 20 to 23 September 2026, during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, focused his discussions on three key issues: the Middle East, European security and the Sahel region. In his capacity as chairperson-in-office of the OSCE, he addressed, in particular, the war in Ukraine and the OSCE's role. In all these contexts, Switzerland advocates the same approach of maintaining dialogue and giving diplomacy a chance.
The Middle East and the Gulf region: preventing escalation and preserving dialogue
To a large extent, Mr Cassis's meetings were devoted to the Middle East and the Gulf region. He held talks in particular with representatives from Iran, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq and Yemen, as well as with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Discussions centred on regional tensions, the Red Sea, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Switzerland highlighted the importance of preventing further escalation, safeguarding freedom of navigation and keeping diplomatic channels open. Stability in the region also has an impact on Switzerland. “Our priority is to prevent further escalation, keep diplomatic channels open and work towards a negotiated solution. Switzerland is ready to offer its good offices wherever they may be of use,” said Cassis in New York.
European security and the Swiss OSCE chairpersonship
European security was a second key focus of the discussions, particularly in talks with Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and the United States. In the context of Switzerland’s OSCE chairpersonship, Mr Cassis emphasised that the organisation remains one of the few forums where all states in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions can still engage in dialogue. This is essential, particularly in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The Sahel region and the protection of humanitarian workers
Discussions with African partners, particularly those from the Sahel region, provided an opportunity to address the challenges of security, stability and development in fragile contexts. Meetings with Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Tunisia allowed for an exchange of views on the degree of latitude for Swiss foreign policy in the region. Meetings with India, Singapore and Colombia also demonstrated Switzerland’s commitment to diversifying its partnerships and strengthening its relations beyond its immediate European neighbourhood.
Alongside these discussions, Mr Cassis took part in the first meeting of the signatory states of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. He called for a shift from political commitments to more systematic implementation at the operational level. “The time has come to make protection an integral part of operations – in a systematic, concrete and collective manner. We must turn commitments into actual tools, and principles into practical implementation on the ground,” said Cassis. In particular, together with interested states and humanitarian organisations, Switzerland wishes to develop practical tools to identify gaps and translate obligations into concrete measures on the ground.
In the same vein, in New York the Swiss delegation advocated a more effective UN, institutions capable of taking action, and a strong and efficient International Geneva as an operational nexus of multilateralism.