Mr Berset spoke about Switzerland’s long tradition of expertise in developing and upholding humanitarian norms and emphasized the ways in which Switzerland is acting to safeguard them today – for example via its current role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, or as the host country of many international and multilateral organisations headquartered in Geneva. He further highlighted that Switzerland is widely respected as a neutral party, allowing it to serve as a platform for dialogue, mediation and peace. Most importantly, Mr Berset argued that even though multilateral organisations such as the United Nations may not be perfect and certain reforms are necessary, there is at present no better alternative to ensure multilateral engagement on global challenges such as climate change, pandemics or the impacts of armed conflicts. An interview with the Swiss President conducted by Swissinfo during his visit to Oxford offers further insights into his views on Switzerland’s role in securing multilateralism.

After the speech and a round of questions from the audience, a meet-and-greet took place for Swiss students and Swiss faculty members of the University of Oxford, offering a great opportunity for exchange between the Swiss President and Swiss citizens abroad.